Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 160

Amelia’s head was yanked back by her hair, forcing her to meet Samuel’s wild, mocking eyes—and in that moment, she understood everything.

If Daniel showed up to save her tonight, Samuel would probably let her go with nothing more than a few harsh words and a bruised ego. But if Daniel didn’t come, if he abandoned her, then Samuel would have no reason to hold back. What did it matter what happened to a woman nobody cared about? Samuel, crippled as he was, didn’t need to do anything himself—he had plenty of lackeys and the family’s money could buy him out of whatever mess he made.

Her safety—or her ruin—was entirely in Daniel’s hands.

And unfortunately, she was the one being discarded.

Once again, she was the one left behind.

A single, silent tear slipped down her cheek. All the fight drained from her body. For a split second, she thought bitterly, Maybe it’s better if it just ends here. Maybe death wouldn’t be so bad.

Suddenly—a crash.

The yacht lurched violently. Samuel stumbled back, barely catching himself. Before he could regain his balance, frantic pounding exploded at the door.

“Trouble! Another boat just rammed us!”

Samuel froze, then let loose a string of curses. “What the hell is wrong with you? You think this is a damn car? We’re on the water—how many yachts—”

Another shuddering crash cut him off. Samuel’s back slammed into the sharp edge of a cabinet, and he grimaced in pain.

Outside, chaos erupted—hurried footsteps, shouts, the unmistakable sound of a fight breaking out.

Samuel’s face paled as he realized what was happening. He bellowed toward the door, “You idiots have a death wish? This is my private yacht! If anyone dares to storm in, beat them within an inch of their lives—I’ll take responsibility for whatever happens!”

Amelia gripped the arm of the sofa and pulled herself upright. Somewhere deep inside her numb heart, a flicker of hope sparked. She stared at the door, her eyes wide and empty. Was he really here?

The scuffle outside escalated. Someone kicked at the door—hard. The whole room shuddered with the force.

Another savage kick followed, the impact splitting the wood. On the third blow, the door crashed open.

For a heartbeat, hope surged inside Amelia. But as soon as she saw who entered, that hope drained away, vanishing into a vast, black sea of disappointment.

…

“Feeling any better?”

His voice was gentle, full of concern—but no amount of gentleness could erase the cruelty of what had happened.

“Are you hungry? There’s chicken soup simmering on the stove, ready whenever you want it.” He reached out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

Amelia stared at him for a moment, then pushed herself upright.

Daniel grabbed a pillow, trying to help her sit more comfortably, but she knocked his hand away—her movements slow and heavy, tinged with disgust and resentment, as if she’d only just now remembered how angry she was.

A sharp ache twisted in Daniel’s chest.

“Amelia, I know you blame me.” He let out a shaky breath. “But I didn’t have a choice.”

As if the words could excuse the truth: when it mattered most, Daniel had chosen his first love—and left Amelia behind.