Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 123

“This is nothing yet,” Amelia said, “Don’t talk to him, or you’ll end up so mad you’ll need a trip to the ER.”

Daniel looked over with concern. “Take care of yourself, Amelia. No one wants to spend New Year’s in a hospital. My wife would be heartbroken.”

Sophia shot angry glances around the room, as if searching for something heavy to throw.

Amelia was genuinely worried Sophia might get so worked up she’d actually need medical attention, so she tried to keep her tone even as she spoke to Daniel. “Honestly, there’s nothing complicated between us. Can we not make it into a big drama? I just want a quiet holiday. Could you please not stir things up?”

Daniel gave a short, dismissive laugh. “You talk like the Campbell family’s New Year is always a disaster. Every year, you’re the one setting off fireworks and having the most fun. When have you ever looked unhappy?”

Even if she’d laughed in the past, it was always hollow. As soon as Violet came back, any happiness vanished.

Amelia shot back, “Seeing you ruins my mood. Is that clear enough?”

Daniel’s already faint smile faded completely. He looked away for a moment before turning back. “Fine. I won’t go home for New Year’s. You can go.”

Was that even realistic? The beloved grandson stays away, while the granddaughter-in-law goes home alone?

“I’m staying in Elm City,” Amelia replied flatly. “I’m not going back to Silkwood.”

Daniel had been running on fumes lately, juggling work crises and barely getting any rest. Now, with Amelia’s words pounding in his head, he tried to keep his voice gentle. “Go wherever you want, just as long as it’s not Elm City. I promise I won’t show up wherever you are. Is that good enough?”

Sophia was so furious she nearly leapt off the couch. “What’s so wrong with Elm City, huh? Is staying here gonna cost you a limb?”

Daniel answered without missing a beat. “Elm City is bad luck for me.”

Sophia snapped, “Too bad it hasn’t finished you off yet!”

Daniel brushed imaginary lint from his jeans. “I had someone check before I came—it’s unlucky for Amelia, too. They said staying in Elm City would ruin our finances.”

Sophia suddenly went quiet.

Talk about anything else, she’d argue all day, but when it came to money luck, better safe than sorry.

Daniel replied with a straight face, “Just diagnosed yesterday. It’s psychological. Full name: ‘Can’t-sleep-without-my-wife-in-my-arms syndrome.’”

Sophia spun toward the kitchen and shouted, “Mom! Where’s the carving knife?”

Before Sophia could actually brandish a knife, Daniel’s phone rang.

He picked up, listened for a moment, and his expression changed. Phone pressed to his ear, he was already making for the front hallway.

Amelia just rolled her eyes. No surprise—probably another Porcelain Doll meltdown needing Daniel’s comfort or attention. At least it saved them the trouble of kicking him out.

“Go answer your phone,” she said.

But things didn’t play out as Amelia expected. Daniel changed his shoes, handed the phone to her.

Amelia listened, her own face falling as she hurried to pull on her coat. She turned and hugged Sophia. “Apologize to your dad and the housekeeper for us, okay? Something urgent came up—we have to go. Can you bring my bag back to Silkwood for me?”