Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 217

When Amelia got home, Ruby was already fast asleep.

Sophia was still poring over the secret to winning rock-paper-scissors—a clear sign she’d lost yet another round to little Ruby. Glancing up as Amelia came in, she asked casually, “So, all settled on the divorce?”

Her tone was so nonchalant, you’d think Amelia’s divorce was a foregone conclusion, no surprises left to be had.

Amelia paused, then headed to the kitchen and grabbed two beers and a soda from the fridge.

“Didn’t really get to drink at the lounge. Let’s have another round.”

Sophia tore open a couple of spicy snacks to go with the drinks and was halfway through her beer when Amelia asked, “Sophia, do you actually like Zachary?”

Sophia shot her a haughty sideways glance. “Doesn’t matter if I do—what matters is he’s definitely into me.”

“But you must like him, too,” Amelia said, tapping Sophia’s ring finger, where a diamond engagement ring sparkled. “You’re engaged.”

Sophia’s cheeks went pink, like a lovestruck teenager. “Alright, fine. I do like him.”

“Like him a lot?”

“I wouldn’t have agreed to get engaged if I didn’t. You know me—I’ve always sworn off marriage.” Sophia paused, then gave Amelia a suspicious look. “Why are you so nosy tonight?”

“It’s been ages since we had a real talk.” Amelia pressed on, “His family—are they good to you?”

Sophia’s face lit up with genuine happiness as she started talking about Zachary’s family.

Zachary grew up in a single-parent home. His mom’s health was never great, but she worked odd jobs to put him through school. He worked hard, too—made it from a small town to Silkwood to study law, then landed a spot at a law firm, starting as an intern and slowly working his way up.

When Sophia and Zachary first got together, Mrs. Tess Harper was worried Sophia wouldn’t be comfortable in their old home, so she bought a brand new mattress and bedding just for her. Tess still slept under the same cotton quilt she’d had for years, but didn’t hesitate to spend a small fortune on Sophia’s comfort.

Whenever Sophia visited the Harpers, Mrs. Harper never let her lift a finger around the house. Every morning, she’d ask what Sophia wanted for breakfast. Any clothes Sophia changed out of would be whisked away and washed immediately. Once, when Sophia had her period and stained her underwear, Tess quietly hand-washed them for her.

Sophia said, “She treats me like her own daughter. Honestly, I don’t think she’d do more if I really were.”

Amelia listened quietly, wordlessly finishing her drink.

—

“It’s me.” The woman’s voice on the line was clear and cool.

Daniel’s breath eased out. “I know.”

“Do you have time?”

Inside the conference room, dozens of people watched Daniel through the glass, eyes wide as he took the call. He replied, “I have time.”

“I’ll buy you lunch. I’ll text you the address.”

Daniel hadn’t expected this. He’d been trying to lay the bait, but the little rabbit jumped into the net all on her own. He felt a rush of delight.

Still, he forced himself to play it cool. “How about dinner instead?”

If they had lunch, she’d use work as an excuse to leave right after. But dinner—he’d have the whole evening.

“I can’t,” Amelia said. “I have to pick up Ruby in the afternoon. Lunch is the only time I’m free.”