Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 255

“Don’t flatter yourself. The world doesn’t revolve around you, and just because I bought this place doesn’t mean I’ll actually live here.” Daniel’s tone was deceptively calm, but every word dripped with spite. “Ms. Turner, narcissism is an illness too. Maybe you should get that checked by a doctor when you have time—”

Before he could finish, Amelia floored the gas pedal, showering his car in exhaust.

Daniel’s face might as well have been smudged black by her fumes.

…

Although Daniel had bought a house at Elm Estates, he didn’t show up much. Once in a while, she’d catch him in the underground garage.

He was always cold and standoffish, barely glancing her way before looking elsewhere, making it clear he had no interest in conversation.

Amelia didn’t mind at all. Peace and quiet suited her just fine.

One evening after dinner, instead of heading back to her room, Amelia decided to spend some time with Ruby now that her work had finally let up. It’d been a while since she’d really played with her.

Just as she and Ruby were in the middle of a fishing game, the doorbell rang. Ashley answered, exchanged a few quiet words with someone at the door, then called out, “Amelia, someone’s here to see you.”

Amelia walked over and saw Robert standing there, holding two bags.

“These are fresh wild strawberries, picked this morning and flown in this afternoon—they’re still nice and sweet. And this is Ruby’s favorite chocolate; a friend brought it back from Easton.”

Even the half-sealed container couldn’t contain the strawberries’ fragrant sweetness. Amelia hesitated before taking them. “You really didn’t have to go through all this trouble, I—”

Maybe sensing her discomfort, Robert smiled gently. “Last time you gave me that car air freshener, so consider this a thank you. I loved it, by the way.”

She had given him the air freshener to thank him for attending the sports day with her. The way he put it now made her feel a little less awkward.

“In that case, I won’t stand on ceremony.”

Amelia felt a headache coming on. How did these two end up in the same place, anyway?

Worried that this pointless tension would escalate, she turned quickly to Robert. “Thanks for the gifts. Please thank your friend for me.”

Translation: Robert, you can go now. Daniel seemed to relax a little, finally satisfied that at least she knew who should stay and who should leave.

But then she turned to Daniel and said, “Grandma says she doesn’t want to see you. You should go.”

Daniel’s face darkened.

Just then, a head of silver hair peeked out from behind the doorframe, looking from one guest to the other.

“My, so many people tonight!” Grandma Edith beamed at Robert. “You must be Amelia’s friend! Come in, join us, the more the merrier!”