Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 80

It was an arresting scene—vivid, electric, impossible to look away.

The hotel manager stood frozen outside the door, room card still in hand, mind reeling as if struck by lightning.

Daniel’s lips curled into a mocking grin, his teeth showing in a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Worried my wife and I might get bored, so you came to spectate? Should I give you an Employee of the Year award for your dedication?”

The manager’s attempt at a smile was more pitiful than reassuring. “Mr. Campbell, it was—it was Mr. Johnson who said someone was locked inside…”

Daniel jerked his chin toward Charles. “Then let Mr. Johnson sign your paycheck this month.”

Amelia’s face burned crimson as she squirmed in Daniel’s arms. She didn’t have his shameless composure—she could never calmly discuss payroll in a situation like this. Shoving him away, she ducked her head and hurried straight toward the women’s changing room.

Grandma Edith was lounging on a deck chair, leisurely munching a bratwurst. When she saw Amelia approach, she switched expressions in a heartbeat, clapped her hands like a delighted child, and took another enthusiastic bite.

Amelia grabbed her things from the locker and crouched beside the old lady’s chair. “Grandma, I’ve got work at school. I need to head back.”

Grandma Edith paused mid-bite, then snatched Amelia’s hand. “No! I want you to stay and have fun with me. You haven’t spent time with me in ages!”

Amelia gently pried her hand free. “Alright, enough with the act.”

The old lady’s commitment to her performance was impressive; even after being called out, she didn’t flinch. “Come on, Amelia! It’s rare for us to have a day out—stay and play with me, please!”

“Your favorite grandson is here. Let him keep you company.”

Amelia walked off, not bothering to look back. No doubt her useless grandson had failed to entertain the guest of honor.

Grandma Edith bit into her bratwurst with a disgruntled crunch, then immediately called to interrogate him.

“I thought you were supposed to seduce her—do you even understand the word? I told you to turn on the charm, do everything you can to tempt her. Did you even try?”

Daniel was already dressed, lighting a cigarette. “I almost stripped down to nothing, but your granddaughter-in-law is more chaste than a nun. I swear, you could hand her a rosary and she’d be a saint before you blink.”

Whether his act earned him any pity was anyone’s guess—Amelia never replied.

Her phone buzzed. She glanced at the caller ID and, without a second thought, looked away.

It buzzed again. Assuming it was “Sticky Daniel” pestering her, she ignored it. Only later did she check and realize it was a message from Sophia, inviting her out for dinner.

She called back immediately. “Are you actually inviting me, or did someone bribe you into it?”

Sophia sounded genuinely confused. “Bribe? What are you talking about?”

As close as they were, Amelia knew Sophia’s reputation for loving a good deal, so she asked cautiously, “Daniel.”

Sophia took a beat, then snorted. “Let me guess—Scumbag Daniel using me to lure you out again?”

Before Amelia could answer, Sophia suddenly gasped as if struck by a thought. “You know, Daniel keeps dragging his feet about the divorce and now he’s showing up all clingy—maybe he actually likes you and doesn’t want to let go?”