Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 222

Amelia paused, finally realizing she wasn’t here to win an argument—she was here to talk about divorce.

Staying calm was her best bet.

In a heartbeat, she softened her expression. “Just joking to lighten the mood, don’t be so uptight.”

Daniel let out a dry huff. “You’re really not cut out for jokes. Don’t bother next time.”

“…”

Amelia bit back her irritation, making an effort to stay level. “It’s been three years, Daniel. There’s no reason to drag this out any longer. Let’s just be straightforward about it, for both our sakes.”

He shot her a frosty look, retorting, “And how exactly is this good for me? Is it good that my wife vanished for three years without a word? Or that the first thing you do when you come back is ask me for a divorce?”

She knew he was still bitter, so she tried to keep things civil. “What’s done is done. If my actions hurt you, I’m genuinely sorry. But right now, let’s just focus on the present. After the divorce, I won’t bother you again. You’ll be free to go live your happy life with your first love. Isn’t that what you want?”

Daniel’s dark eyes fixed on her, cold and unblinking. “Who else besides you am I supposed to be happy with? And what first love are you even talking about? She’s—”

Before he could finish, Amelia’s phone rang. The caller ID made her tense up. Oh no, was her kid in trouble again?

She took the call, and as soon as she hung up, she stood up, clearly anxious. Daniel caught her hand. “You’re leaving again?”

He really nailed the emphasis on “again.”

“I’ve said what I needed to say. Give me your answer soon.” Amelia pulled her hand free. “Something urgent came up. Enjoy your dinner.”

His expression darkened, thunder rolling behind his eyes. “Twice now. Are you addicted to bailing on me?”

“If anyone’s an expert at bailing, it’s you.”

Her voice was calm, but every word landed like a knife. “Daniel, you’ve got me beat by a mile.”

Daniel felt as if a rusty old blade had been driven into his chest, the metallic tang of old wounds spreading through him.

. . .

He tapped his fingers on the armrest, looking at Finley. “You’ve had enough girlfriends. Got any advice?”

Finley didn’t hesitate. “Persistence. Don’t take no for an answer.”

Daniel gave a bitter half-smile. “Persistence? I can’t even get her to finish a meal with me. The second her phone rings, she’s gone. I’d be lucky just to have one normal dinner with her.”

Finley scratched his head. “Can’t be that bad.”

Suddenly, something clicked in his mind. “What kind of calls are so urgent that she drops everything and runs? You don’t think she’s seeing someone else, do you?”

As soon as he said it, he realized he’d crossed a line and slapped a hand over his mouth. Idiot.

Daniel’s gaze went icy, his dark eyes flashing with a clear message: She’d better not be.

“Hey—Daniel! Where are you going?” Finley called as Daniel strode out, his broad shoulders radiating a cold determination. He looked every bit a man about to catch someone in the act.