Chapter 5 The Rings

"Don't forget who you are. You are my fiancée; are you already looking to betray me?" Jaxton said.

"Isn't it funny you'd say that, Jaxton? You're the one who doesn't know how to stay loyal," Amelia retorted, her laugh edged with sarcasm.

Turning her gaze to Dayna's daring dress, she let her eyes linger on her chest with a clear sense of contempt. She said to Dayna, "You keep pushing up what you don't have, and still, there's almost nothing to show."

"You..." A deep flush crept over Dayna's face, anger and jealousy swirling in her eyes.

Though both she and Amelia stood tall and slim, only Amelia's figure held the curves she so desperately wished she had.

"The clock's ticking. That business banquet kicks off at seven-thirty. Are you sure you want to keep wasting time here arguing?" With that, Amelia shut her eyes, clearly wanting to end the conversation.

None of this really mattered. She planned to end her engagement to Jaxton soon. Then, she wouldn't have to see Jaxton's and Dayna's annoying faces again.

Still, for her grandmother to get the treatment she needed, Amelia knew she had to steer clear of pointless arguments.

Even though she preferred peace, some people just liked to stir up trouble for her.

Dayna spoke up as Amelia's indifference rattled her. "I swear, Amelia, I didn't steal your seat on purpose. Jaxton asked me to sit up front. He said it's more comfortable."

"It's no big deal. If Jaxton's fine with it, you're even welcome to take my position as his future wife," Amelia said.

"Don't think for a second my mother's approval keeps you safe from me calling off our engagement," Jaxton said angrily.

"Is that so? Then why not call it off right now?" Amelia snapped her eyes open and locked her gaze on him.

A spark of defiance danced in her eyes.

The fire in her eyes only made Jaxton's anger rise.

He believed that Amelia's boldness came from having his mother's support.

Yet, his mother's influence indeed left him powerless to act and call off the engagement.

"Don't forget that you still need Marc's help for your grandmother's treatment. Without me, Marc won't treat her," Jaxton said.

The weight of those words pressed down on Amelia, and she fell silent.

Satisfaction flickered in Jaxton's eyes when he saw that, a smirk settling across his face.

By this time, the car had arrived at the venue.

Once the doors swung open, Dayna was quick to fix her makeup. She then got out, holding Jaxton's arm.

Yet every curious gaze in the lobby aimed past her, landing on the spot where Amelia was.

Stunned whispers rippled through the lobby as Amelia swept inside with effortless poise.

The unexpected attention toward Amelia left Jaxton feeling slightly uncomfortable, though some part of him swelled with pride.

When Amelia veered off towards a quieter path, Jaxton reached out to grab her wrist, halting her. "Where do you think you're going?"

Dayna tightened her grip on Jaxton's arm as he held onto Amelia.

Amelia said in annoyance, "You only need to take care of Dayna. Leave me alone."

Without another word, she brushed his hand away and walked toward a quieter area.

An instinct to follow tugged at Jaxton, but Dayna's grip on him tightened. "Come on, Jaxton. We should join the people over there."

She gestured toward the circle of business leaders clustered nearby.

After another glance in Amelia's direction, Jaxton let himself be led away by Dayna.

Settling alone into a quiet corner, Amelia let herself breathe freely for the first time that evening.

"Good evening, Miss Flynn."

A young man approached just as Amelia reached for a drink, catching her off guard.

She looked at him, puzzled. She didn't know who he was.

Returning her gaze with professional courtesy, Davin Kirk introduced himself, saying, "I'm Mr. Stewart's assistant. Mr. Stewart wants to see you."

Wyatt's boldness surprised Amelia, but after a brief pause, she agreed and rose to follow Davin out.

Stopping at the lounge entrance, Davin pulled the door open for Amelia and then left.

Lifting her gown slightly, Amelia entered the room.

A tall figure by the window turned around to face her.

Wyatt's eyes lit with quiet amazement as Amelia stepped into the room. "You look stunning in that dress."

"Thank you for giving me this dress, Mr. Stewart," Amelia replied awkwardly after a long silence.

Raising an eyebrow, Wyatt walked over and stopped just in front of her. "You know, given our relationship, there's no need for you to thank me."

Amelia blinked in confusion.

Their relationship?

"We are about to get married, aren't we?" Wyatt said, sensing her confusion.

Part of Amelia wanted to remind him she was still, officially, engaged to Jaxton.

Yet, as she held his steady gaze, all she managed to say was, "Mr. Stewart, why did you ask me to come here?"

"Give me your hand."

"What?" Amelia was puzzled by Wyatt's request.

If she didn't know her hearing was fine, she might have thought she had misheard him.

Wyatt simply said, "Your hand, Amelia."

Amelia offered her left hand as requested.

As soon as she did, he held it.

Despite his cold expression, his touch radiated unexpected warmth.

Suddenly, something cold slipped onto her finger-a silver ring, delicate and elegant.

She stared at the ring-the same one he had shown her earlier that day.

Her gaze stayed fixed on the ring, and she was rooted to the spot. Without realizing it, she found herself looking over at Wyatt's left hand. His ring finger had no band.

Suddenly, another ring was handed to her, and Wyatt extended his hand. "Put this one on my finger for me."

"Isn't this a bit inappropriate, Mr. Stewart?" Amelia said.