Chapter 4 Amelia

Amelia sat at her desk in the gallery office, staring at the computer screen without seeing a single word. Her mind was a storm. She couldn't eat, couldn't think, couldn't breathe without feeling the weight of her secret pressing down on her chest.

Every morning, the sickness grew worse. Every day, her body changed little by little, and she knew she couldn't hide forever. She pulled her cardigan tighter around herself, as if layers of clothing could hide the truth inside her.

But nothing could hide it from him.

Adrian Knight.

Even the thought of his name made her heart stumble. He hadn't stopped watching her since that day in the gallery. Every glance, every word, every moment with him felt like he was peeling away her lies piece by piece.

And tonight, she had to see him again.

Serena had insisted on a dinner...just the three of them. "It'll be good for you to spend more time with Adrian, Amelia. You're going to be family after all," Serena had said with a laugh.

Family.

The word twisted like a knife.

By evening, Amelia found herself outside Adrian's penthouse apartment, following Serena up the marble steps. The city lights glittered through the tall glass windows as they entered, the air filled with the faint scent of expensive wine.

Adrian stood near the window, his tall frame silhouetted against the skyline. He turned as they walked in, his eyes sweeping over Serena briefly before landing on Amelia.

Her breath caught. His stare was sharp, searching, like he was already pulling the truth from her skin.

"Amelia," he said softly, almost like a greeting meant only for her.

She forced a smile. "Good evening."

Serena, oblivious as always, clung to his arm. "Adrian, darling, the view here is stunning. Amelia's never been in a place like this, have you, little sister?"

Amelia's lips curved in a small, polite smile. "No. It's beautiful."

Dinner was served at a long, elegant table. Crystal glasses gleamed, and candles shine brightly between them. Serena talked endlessly about wedding plans, her voice full of excitement and pride.

Amelia barely touched her food. Her stomach twisted with nausea, her throat tight. She tried to hide it, taking small sips of water, lowering her gaze whenever Adrian looked at her.

But he noticed. He always noticed.

Halfway through dinner, Serena excused herself to take a call. "Don't wait for me. It's just the planner again," she said, rolling her eyes as she left the table.

And suddenly, it was just Amelia and Adrian.

The silence between them was heavy, the only sound the faint ticking of a clock on the wall.

Adrian leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on her. "You're not eating."

Amelia's hand trembled on her fork. "I'm not hungry."

"You're lying." His voice was calm, too calm. "You've been pale for days. You disappear often. And every time I look at you, you can't meet my eyes."

Her chest tightened. "You're imagining things."

His jaw clenched. He leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "Don't insult me, Amelia. I know something is wrong. And I think I know what it is."

Her heart slammed against her ribs. Fear rushed through her veins. "You don't know anything."

For a long moment, they stared at each other. His hand tightened around the stem of his glass. Then his eyes dropped down....just for a second...toward her stomach.

Amelia froze.

She gripped the edge of the table, fighting back tears. She wanted to deny it, to scream at him to stop, but her voice was trapped.

Serena's footsteps broke the silence as she returned, still chatting on the phone. "Honestly, Amelia, you look sick. Are you catching something?"

Amelia forced a laugh, her voice breaking. "Maybe. I should go home early."

Serena waved her hand dismissively. "Fine. Just don't ruin the rehearsal dinner tomorrow. It's important."

Adrian said nothing. He just watched her, his gaze burning into her as she gathered her things with trembling hands.

****

Back in her apartment, Amelia sank onto the floor, sobs shaking her body. She pressed her palms to her face, whispering broken words into the empty room.

"I can't do this. I can't keep lying."

Her hand moved to her stomach again, the small curve barely noticeable but real to her. "What will happen to us?" she whispered, tears falling freely.

She thought of Serena's laughter, of the way she flaunted Adrian like a trophy. She thought of Adrian's eyes, dark and unyielding, demanding the truth she couldn't give.

Her life was a fragile glass, and every moment it cracked more, ready to shatter.

The next day, Amelia tried to carry on as usual, but the universe seemed determined to betray her.

At the boutique, where Serena was trying on her wedding dress, Amelia felt the wave of nausea return. She excused herself quickly, rushing to the restroom, locking the door before collapsing against the sink.

Her stomach heaved, and tears burned her eyes. She turned on the water to mask the sound, her whole body trembling.

When she finally looked up, her reflection was pale, sweaty, broken. She whispered fiercely, "Hold it together. Just hold it together."

But when she opened the door, her breath caught.

Adrian was there.

Standing in the hallway, leaning against the wall as if he had been waiting. His eyes narrowed as they swept over her face, her trembling body.

"You're sick," he said quietly.

Amelia's voice cracked. "I'm fine."

"You're lying again." He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming, his voice low and sharp. "How long were you going to hide it from me? How long were you going to pretend?"

Her knees weakened. "Adrian, please... don't."

His jaw tightened. His hand lifted slightly, hovering near her stomach but not touching. His eyes burned into hers. "You're carrying my child, aren't you?"

The words struck like lightning.

Amelia's heart stopped. Her lips parted, but no sound came. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she shook her head weakly. "I... I can't..."

"Answer me," he demanded, his voice rough, his control breaking. "Tell me the truth, Amelia."

Before she could speak, Serena's voice echoed down the hall. "Amelia? Adrian? What are you two doing out here?"

Amelia jerked back, wiping her tears quickly, her chest heaving. Adrian straightened, his mask snapping back into place, his expression cold and unreadable.

"Nothing," he said smoothly, glancing at Serena. "Your sister wasn't feeling well."

Serena frowned, her gaze moving between them suspiciously. "She looks awful. Amelia, are you sure you can handle standing by my side tomorrow?"

Amelia forced a smile through her tears. "I'll be fine."

But as Serena returned to the fitting room, Adrian's eyes found hers again. Dark. Intense. Unforgiving.

And Amelia knew then..he would not stop until he had the truth.