Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 44

Amelia had just settled into bed when her phone rang, slicing through the quiet like a knife.

It was the head of security, his tone complicated. “Amelia, could you do something about your husband? He’s practically causing a scene at the gate.”

She figured Daniel must have seen the divorce papers by now, but his reaction still surprised her. Daniel had always been the picture of composure and grace, raised in a family where dignity was everything. It was hard to imagine him “causing a scene” anywhere, much less here.

“I’ll give him a call,” she said.

Daniel’s car was parked just outside the compound, the security guards watching him like he might try to storm the place. The head guard looked ready to defend the gate with a bayonet if he had to.

Daniel ignored their silent threats and leaned against his car door, his long fingers flicking a lighter. He lit a cigarette, letting his lashes cast shadows over the faint flush in his eyes.

Smoke curled around his sharp features just as his phone vibrated in his pocket.

Amelia’s cool voice came through the speaker. “Go home, Daniel. I’m going to sleep. Whatever you have to say can wait until morning.”

The wild, restless energy that had been surging through him all evening seemed to settle as soon as he heard her voice. He let out a short, sardonic laugh, unsure if he was mocking her or himself. “You can sleep at a time like this, Amelia? You really are something else.”

“What else would you have me do?” Amelia wasn’t just calm enough to sleep—she even poured herself a glass of water, sipping it slowly. “Getting divorced isn’t the end of the world. Life goes on.”

The word “divorce” made Daniel’s temple throb. “Did I ever say I wanted a divorce? I leave for Sunland for a while, and you make the biggest decision of my life without me. Even the Campbells have never seen someone as high-handed as you.”

Amelia didn’t see why he was getting so worked up. “Once we’re divorced, you can be with the woman you really want. Isn’t that what everyone wants?”

“Like hell it is!” Daniel almost never swore, but tonight was different. “Come out here, Amelia. We need to talk. Face to face.”

Talk? She almost laughed.

He had always come and gone as he pleased. There were so many nights she’d wanted to talk, only for him to disappear after taking a call. Why should she have to come out just because he said so?

“You don’t think I have the guts to come in there?”

“You might, but you won’t get far. The guards out front are carrying real firearms, you know.”

With that, Amelia hung up and switched her phone to silent, closing her eyes.

She slept soundly, while Daniel stood outside in the cold, one cigarette after another burning down between his fingers. The guards started to worry he might freeze to death on their watch.

One of them finally walked over, trying to console him. “Women are always like this when they’re upset. Give her some time. When she’s ready, just be gentle and keep your tone soft. A little patience goes a long way.”

Daniel stubbed out his cigarette, his face still as refined and handsome as ever, but he couldn’t hide the frustration weighing him down. “But what if she never wants to see me again?”

The guard shrugged. “You’ll think of something. Couples always find a way to talk it out, sooner or later.”