Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 78

When Amelia got Nora’s call, she was in the cafeteria having lunch. Hearing that Grandma Edith had caught a cold, she immediately set her fork down, concern etched on her face. “Did you call the doctor? How is she now?”

“It’s nothing serious,” Nora replied. “The doctor prescribed some medicine and even suggested that Grandma try a soak in the hot springs to get her circulation going. But she refused—said it’s boring to go by herself.”

“The doctor probably has a good reason for suggesting it. She shouldn’t just ignore his advice. Try to talk her into it.”

Nora sighed. “I tried, but you know how stubborn she can be. If she doesn’t want to do something, no one can change her mind.” After a pause, Nora brightened. “Amelia, do you have time? Maybe you could go with her. She’d definitely go if you were there!”

Amelia glanced down at her abdomen. “It’s that time of the month for me… not exactly convenient.”

She hesitated, still worried about Grandma Edith’s health. “But if she needs me, I can go along. I just won’t get in the water. I’ll keep her company and chat.”

That weekend, Amelia let herself sleep in, then grabbed a leisurely brunch in the cafeteria. She headed toward the front gate before the appointed time, but to her surprise, Grandma Edith was already waiting for her.

“Grandma, why didn’t you call me when you arrived?”

Grandma Edith was all smiles, her eyes twinkling with delight, even her hair seemed to radiate cheerfulness. “No need, dear. I haven’t been waiting long. Besides, if I called, you’d just rush and worry. Women ought to take their time getting ready—gotta look your best, never be in a hurry.”

Amelia wrapped her arms around her. “You’re the best, Grandma.”

The spa was a luxury retreat in the woods, owned by the Campbell Group. Everything was arranged in advance. Amelia helped Grandma Edith into her swimsuit, then led her toward their private hot spring.

Lush greenery surrounded the pool, sunlight filtered softly through the leaves, and the warm, steamy air carried a fresh, almost purifying scent. It felt like a breath of renewal just standing there.

Grandma Edith grinned. “Such a shame you can’t join me this time. The water feels wonderful.”

Amelia speared a piece of fruit and held it out to her. “The atmosphere here is so nice, I’m perfectly content just sitting with you.”

Since it’s not good for the elderly to soak too long, Amelia called her out after ten minutes and wrapped her in a towel.

They headed back inside to rest for a while.

In the lounge, Amelia spotted a pot of ginger tea on a side table. “Sit down, Grandma, I’ll get you some tea.”

She turned her back to pour a cup. Just as she filled it halfway, she heard a distinct click behind her, like a door being locked.

When she turned around, the lounge was empty. Grandma Edith was nowhere in sight.

Amelia, holding the cup of tea and feeling lost, stared at the space where her grandmother had been. Suddenly, the curtain behind a folding screen two meters away was yanked aside.

Daniel stood there, hair still damp, clearly fresh from the hot spring. Water droplets traced the defined lines of his torso, disappearing into the edge of his white towel.

Their eyes met—Amelia’s wide and startled, Daniel’s arching an eyebrow.

It dawned on Amelia what had happened. She rushed to the door, twisted the handle, and found it locked tight. She banged on the door.

“Grandma? Grandma, are you out there?”

Grandma Edith’s voice, mischievous as a child, called from the other side. “I’m off for another swim! You two have fun in there. I’ll come fetch you later!”

Amelia was momentarily lost for words.

Daniel crossed his arms over his chest, his muscles flexing, lips quirking into a teasing smile. “Or perhaps—”

He let the words linger, voice low and taunting. “You’re flustered because you’re tempted, and now you’re lashing out.”

Amelia grabbed another towel from the cabinet and tossed it at his head. “Narcissist!”

Daniel just laughed, a low, satisfied rumble, and sat down beside her. “Why aren’t you in your swimsuit? Didn’t you join Grandma in the water?”

Amelia kept her face turned away, gritting her teeth. “It’s that time of the month.”

There was a brief silence.

Daniel finally said, “That can’t be right. Your cycle isn’t this week.”

Amelia’s heart skipped a beat.

Her periods were always regular—twenty-eight days, never off schedule.

And Daniel, strange as he was, remembered her cycle more reliably than he remembered company financials. That certainty in his voice sent a chill down her spine.

A fine sheen of sweat prickled her palms.