Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 269

Grandma Edith kept up a steady stream of chatter with Amelia, trying every trick to distract her, but Amelia wouldn’t take the bait.

“You said it yourself, Grandma—I can leave whenever I start to feel unwell.”

Edith gave an awkward laugh, glancing sidelong at Daniel, who was hunched over with pain and looking increasingly grim. “Is your stomach acting up again?”

Amelia didn’t bother answering. She turned to go.

Despite the pain, Daniel straightened up and reached for her arm. “You’re already here. At least stay for dinner.”

Grace quickly chimed in, “Yes, you’re here already—might as well eat.”

Edith nodded in earnest. “Exactly, you’re already here.”

Those four simple words had a strange power, and before Amelia could protest, Grace and Edith flanked her like determined sentries, gently steering her toward the dining table.

Amelia could only sigh in resignation.

The private hospital suite was more like a cozy cottage than a patient’s room, with two bedrooms, a living area, and a small kitchen. The family’s old chef had been brought in, and the table was set with a spread that looked and smelled fantastic. The aroma of freshly-cooked food lingered in the air, making her stomach rumble in spite of herself.

She noticed that several of the dishes were her favorites.

Daniel glanced at her but chose the seat directly across, giving her some space. That small gesture eased her resistance; staying for dinner didn’t seem so bad.

Daniel, however, could only manage a bowl of bland cream of rice—no toppings, no seasoning—served in a plain porcelain bowl, looking as bleak as his mood.

Amelia barely spared it a glance, saying nothing and asking nothing.

During the meal, Grace kept piling food onto Amelia’s plate. It dawned on Amelia that Grace’s sudden warmth wasn’t about Violet at all. In fact, Grace seemed almost eager to please her—maybe even a little desperate.

Amelia couldn’t figure it out, nor did she care to.

They were about to get divorced, after all. Who had the energy to analyze her soon-to-be ex’s family?

After dinner, Amelia had more than fulfilled her obligation. Edith wanted to stop her from leaving, but there was no longer a reasonable excuse.

Just then, Daniel doubled over, his face twisting in pain. The usually imposing man looked small and vulnerable, his back curling as another wave hit him.

Edith frantically pressed the nurse call button, her frustration spilling over. “You refused the injections! The doctors said the pills work too slowly and aren’t reliable—would you listen? No! Now you’re paying for it, aren’t you?”

After all their pleading and coaxing, it turned out that one sharp remark from Amelia did the trick.

With Daniel’s grudging consent, the doctor hurried off to prepare the IV.

Just as Amelia was about to leave, Daniel stopped her.

“Can you wait until they’re done with the IV before you go?” His voice was quiet, almost pleading.

Edith and Grace turned to Amelia in unison, their gazes hopeful. Amelia’s expression was set in stone. “No.”

Daniel gave a dry, bitter laugh. “If you just say ‘yes,’ I might even consider talking about us.”

Amelia said nothing.

Edith and Grace exchanged a knowing look and quietly slipped out, closing the door behind them.

Amelia glanced at the man’s ghostly pale face. “You’re so fond of making trouble—what, planning to pound on the coffin lid for attention after you die, too?”