Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 243

Daniel froze, his expression stiffening.

Amelia tried to pull her hand away, but he suddenly gripped it tighter. “It’s not what you think. I have my reasons.”

“Your reasons are just another excuse,” she shot back.

Without warning, Amelia kicked him hard in the shin. Daniel, caught off guard, yelped in pain and let go.

She grabbed her purse and the gift bag and strode away.

“Yeah, sure—always a reason,” she muttered under her breath.

She was sick and tired of him, always drifting so effortlessly between two relationships, acting like nothing mattered. In the end, he trampled all over her feelings, and when confronted, he tried to smooth things over with a simple, weightless “I have my reasons.” As if that could erase everything.

Maybe he did have his reasons. But the hurt he caused was real, and nothing could make her forget—or even let herself forget.

“If you follow me again, I’ll call the police.” Amelia was petite, able to weave through the parking garage a lot more nimbly than Daniel.

“This isn’t a good place to get a ride,” Daniel finally conceded, defeated. “Fine, I’ll move my car. Just don’t go.”

Amelia paused. Before she could react, Daniel snatched the gift bag right from her hand.

Shameless, he grabbed her car air freshener, too. Furious, she flipped him the finger behind his luxury SUV.

Left with no choice, she headed up to the third floor of the mall and bought another air freshener just like the one he took.

Back in his car, Daniel unwrapped the box and held it to his nose, breathing in the subtle, rich scent of sandalwood.

Nothing smelled better than a gift from his wife.

Pearl’s birthday party was set for Sunday at a hilltop mansion. Amelia dressed Ruby in a frilly princess dress, even curling her hair to match the look. By the end, Ruby looked like a porcelain doll, beautiful and bright-eyed.

Pearl’s mother greeted them at the door, and Amelia realized she looked familiar. It took her a moment before she placed her—she’d played a supporting role in some old costume drama.

“You recognize me, don’t you?” Pearl’s mom laughed. “Guess I’m not that forgotten yet. The kids are being looked after, so don’t worry. I’ve set up some snacks and drinks upstairs—let’s go.”

“In person, you look even better than on TV.” Amelia offered a polite compliment and followed her upstairs.

The second floor was buzzing with parents, plus a few actresses Amelia vaguely recognized from television—not that she could name any. Amelia wasn’t one to keep up with celebrity gossip.

After brief introductions, someone suggested a game of cards. They needed one more player and, after some back-and-forth, roped Amelia in—though she barely remembered the rules.

Her skill level depended entirely on luck: when luck was on her side, she could hold her own. But if not, she was hopelessly outmatched.