Chapter 5 YOU COULD HAVE SAID NO

Rain came suddenly and poured heavily on the windshield and individuals returned from work. The cab Amelia ordered online hasn't arrived yet; she plans on visiting her friend Jersey, whom her son Liam is staying with downtown.

Shortly after, the cab arrived, and she hurriedly went inside; her knuckles were already turning white from cool and the strong grip of her umbrella to avoid it being carried away by the wind.

Within minutes, she arrived at her destination. She rang the doorbell, and her friend Jersey appeared, opening the door. She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "You've got some explanation to do, Amelia," she said, stepping aside to let her in.

Amelia sighed, shaking water off from her coat as she stepped inside. "I knew you'd say that."

Jersey closed the door and moved towards the living room. "Tea"s ready. Spill."

Taking a seat on one of Jersey's worn-out couches, Amelia tucked her knees to her chest, bracing herself. "I agreed to marry Damon Blackwood," she said; her voice wasn't audible, more like a whisper.

Jersey immediately froze at what she had just heard from her friend, shooting her surprised gaze. "What!"

"It's not what you think," Amelia rushed to explain. "It's a fake marriage --- just for six months."

This news from Amelia shook every being in Jersey, she almost dropped the steaming mug of coffee on her lap but quickly got herself and dropped it on the coffee table with more force than necessary. "Amelia, are you serious about this? A fake marriage? To your boss? What were you thinking?"

Amelia exhaled, running a hand through her damp hair. "It's not like I had a choice, Jersey. You know mum has to undergo that kidney dialysis, and aside from that, her medicine is fu*kingly expensive, plus the pilling up and, of course, Liam's education. And Damon made it clear --- either I do this, or her care is at risk."

Jersey threw her hands up, frustration was written all over her face. "You could've said no! You're always sacrificing yourself, Amelia. First for Liam, then for your Mom, and now for some randy cold-hearted billionaire? When is it going to be about you?"

"Don't you think I want that?" Amelia snapped, her voice was a bit cracky now. "But this isn't just about me. It's about survival. Damon needs me to save his company's reputation and get the merger, and I need him to help my family. It's a business deal, nothing more."

Jersey folded her arms in disbelief and raised her voice. "Six months of playing house with Damon Blackwood doesn't sound like nothing. And what about Liam? Is he coming with you?"

Amelia stiffened. "No! He's staying here with you. I can't drag him into this mess, Jersey, though I have mentioned my son's name once to him. He wanted details, but I shoved it off. It's bad enough that I'm involved in this charade."

Jersey's jaw dropped. "You are leaving your son behind to pretend to be married to a man you barely know? Amelia, this is...."

"I'm doing this for him!" Amelia interrupted; tears were accumulating in her eyes. "This money will secure his future, pay off some bills, and maybe even help me open the cafe I've always dreamed of. I'm not abandoning Liam --- I'm protecting him. I will be coming from time to time to check up on him."

Jersey softened a bit but didn't back down. "And Damon? Can you even trust him?"

Amelia hesitated, guilt bubbling up. "I don't trust him completely, but I don't need to. This isn't about trust; it's about getting through the next six months."

Jersey shook her head, her face filled with concern. "Amelia, I don't know but this situation screams disaster. Damon Blackwood isn't all that of a gentleman who wouldn't ask of another thing. And besides, have you forgotten about Delvis... He's still in the picture, isn't he?"

"Delvis is irrelevant," Amelia said with a firm voice. "He only shows up when it suits him. Jersey don't you get the whole picture? This isn't about all of this thing you're mentioning --- my immediate family's survival depends on this act, and as such, I will try not to jeopardize it."

"But at what cost, Amelia?" Jersey leaned forward, her voice was calm, soft but insisting. "How long can you hide Liam from this situation? What if the world gets to know about your son, finally concluding your marriage has been lies all this while? How would you survive the shame that comes with it?"

"Jersey love... All these questions will be answered in due time." Amelia replied. "As for my son Liam, he doesn't belong in Damon's chaotic world, and I'll do whatever it takes to let him out of it."

Jersey sighed deeply, placing a hand on Amelia's knee. "You're strong, Amelia, but strength doesn't mean doing this alone. If it gets too hard, promise me you'll walk away."

"I promise," Amelia whispered

Jersey leaned back, observing her friend with admiration and worry. "Alright, Amelia. I trust you to know what's best, but just know I'm here for you --- and for Liam --- no matter what."

Amelia smiles with gratitude in her tired eyes. "Thanks, Jersey. That means a lot."

..... The sounds of tiny feet dragging on the floor drew their attention. Liam appeared from the hallway, holding tight to his favourite stuffed bear. His sleepy eyes brightened up the moment he saw his mother. "Mommy!" He exclaimed, running into her arms.

Amelia drew him closer and gave him a pressing kiss on his forehead. "Hey, sweetheart. Did you behave for Aunt Jersey?"

Liam nodded enthusiastically, his small hands gripping her tightly. "We baked cookies! I saved some for you."

Jersey smirked. "He insisted. Kid's got your stubborn streak."

Amelia chuckled, her heart filled with joy at the sight of her son's innocent joy. For a brief moment, she felt the weight of her decision lifted and replaced by the warmth of being with her child. "I'll take a cookie in a bit but first, I want to hear all about your day."

Liam, with happiness, launched into tales about how his adventures with Jersey had been; his words were going over each other in excitement. Amelia listened intently, her mind momentarily free from the burden inside of her.

When Liam finally ran off to fetch the cookies, Amelia leaned closer with a low voice and asked, "Jersey enough about me. What about you? It's been a while... What about your boyfriend? Jason?"

Jersey smiled. "Jason and I are doing just fine though he's not in the country at the moment." "His work doesn't allow him a breather."

"Oh please! At least he is trying to be available." Amelia teased her

Ring...Ring... Ring.... Amelia's phone rang.

"Hello...." Amelia asked the other end.

"You need to come to the house now!"