Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 102

Downstairs in the hospital’s café, Amelia sat gazing through the window at the steady flow of people and cars, letting out a soft, weary sigh. She couldn’t decide if it was fate’s cruelty or just sheer absurdity.

Silkwood was such a sprawling city, with so many hospitals—how had she managed to run into him twice? She’d dodged him once, but the second time, fate hadn’t let her escape.

They sat in silence for a long while before Charles cleared his throat. “Had some business in orthopedics today. Never thought I’d bump into you again.”

That word—again—made Amelia want to laugh, but there was only resignation.

“Daniel doesn’t know I’m pregnant,” she said, gripping her glass of juice. Even though she knew it was a long shot, she tried anyway. “Could you keep this to yourself?”

Charles didn’t look particularly surprised. He just asked, “Can I know why?”

Her hand tightened around the glass, knuckles whitening for a moment before she let go. “Because I’m divorcing him.”

Charles paused. He remembered Finley Walker had asked Daniel about this not long ago, and Daniel had flat-out denied it.

“Is Daniel willing to go through with it?”

“He will be.” The divorce papers were already in the works. Whether he wanted to or not, Daniel would have to accept it.

The silence hung heavy between them. Amelia finally looked up, words tumbling out in a rush. “Charles, I know you and Daniel are close, and I hate to put you in this position. But honestly, this child is growing inside me—I can’t bear to lose it. Daniel has Violet Scott now, and they’re going to start their own family soon. If they find out about this baby, I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep it safe. So please, will you help me?”

Amelia likely had no idea just how beautiful her eyes were: glistening, deep, pleading. With just a look, she could disarm anyone—stirring a fierce urge to shield her, no matter what.

No one could say no to those eyes.

Charles swallowed hard, Adam’s apple bobbing. Under her hopeful gaze, he finally nodded.

——

The past few days had been a mess for Daniel, dealing with the fallout from Samuel’s incident. He’d made the obligatory visit at the hospital, putting on a show of concern. Samuel, his legs and foot wrapped up like a mummy, had nearly hurled himself at Daniel in a fit of rage, only to be held back by Mr. Mason Wilson.

Ian Wilson was fuming as well. Samuel was his only son. If anyone else had been responsible, Ian would have made their life hell, but this time, the one who’d thrown the punch was Daniel.

In a town like Silkwood, where politics and business were woven together in a complicated web, it was no surprise the Campbell family had their own powerful backers. After much deliberation, Ian had no choice but to grit his teeth and swallow the loss.

Daniel knew perfectly well that Ian’s forbearance was only temporary—he’d earned himself a permanent spot on Ian’s blacklist. But Daniel wasn’t about to let Ian’s restraint go unrewarded. He promised a long-term partnership for Ian’s younger brother’s company, even agreeing to give up an extra five percent of the profits.

Of course, the real beneficiary behind that company was Ian himself. On paper, it was just business; in reality, it was a hefty annual gift straight into Ian’s pocket.

Money spoke volumes, and for now, the matter was settled.

By the time Daniel got back to the office, it was nearly quitting time. Charles had already been waiting for him for ages.

Only then did Daniel remember—they’d agreed to meet and discuss hospital investments.

“Busy days, huh?” Charles slid a folder across the desk. “Juggling work and your love life—must be exhausting.”

Daniel shot him an icy look. “Who’ve you been hanging around lately? You sound just like a tabloid columnist.”

Charles just shrugged, feigning innocence.

Charles sat across from him, feigning ignorance. “What’s going on? Weren’t you the one who said you’d never get divorced?”

Daniel leaned back, exhaustion etched deep in his face. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t want it.”

Charles was torn, both in loyalty and conscience.

On one hand, Daniel was his oldest friend; on the other, he’d promised Amelia he’d keep her secret.

He knew he should tell Daniel about Amelia’s pregnancy, but another, less noble part of him wished for the opposite.

Truth was, he hoped they’d go through with the divorce.

Amelia wasn’t happy—not now, at least.

“If you really don’t want a divorce, you need to draw the line with Violet. No woman would put up with this,” Charles said bluntly.

Daniel didn’t answer. He opened a drawer, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it.

He took a slow drag, smoke curling in the air. His voice was low and rough. “It’s not as simple as you think.”

Charles had known Daniel since they were kids. He could hear the frustration under those words, the weight of resignation. Emotions ran high, and Charles couldn’t help but raise his voice.

“What’s so hard about just being honest? It’s not just Amelia who doesn’t get it—I don’t either. Do you have any idea what it takes for a woman to be so disappointed that she’d—”