Chapter 7 Breaking the Chains of Love

"Ethan, it's my fault. Last night, I was celebrating Amelia's birthday, got way too excited, and drank a lot. I didn't mean for this to happen..."

Sabrina thought those marks were something flirty, but she didn't expect this explanation. She couldn't help but wonder-could Amelia have done this to mess with her? But looking at how clueless Amelia seemed, it didn't look like she had the brainpower for that.

"It's fine, as long as everyone's okay." Ethan had been a bit anxious earlier when Sabrina mentioned Amelia's injury.

"Sis, didn't you say you wanted tiramisu? Ethan and I are going to a gala tonight, so I can pick it up for you on the way." The true purpose of Sabrina's words lay in the latter half of her sentence, and her eyes gleamed with a flicker of pride.

"A gala? Can I come with you?" Amelia looked at her hopefully, her eyes lighting up.

"But Ethan only has two invitations," Sabrina replied.

Amelia's face fell, a trace of disappointment creeping through her expression.

"Well, I'm his fiancée. It's only logical for me to go with him." Amelia said this deliberately, but, deep down, she had no interest in attending with Ethan.

Showing a rare hint of generosity, Sabrina said, "Ethan, why don't you let my sister go with you?"

"You're coming with me, Sabrina." Ethan wasted no time with his response. After what happened last time, there was no way he wanted Amelia tagging along.

"Sis, don't worry. I'll keep an eye on Ethan for you and make sure no sleazy girls get near him." Sabrina glanced at Amelia with disdain. Who did she think she was, wanting to go to an event like this? Clearly, last time's embarrassment wasn't enough for her.

Amelia's inner thoughts: You're literally the biggest "sleazy girl" here.

Ethan's refusal to take Amelia wasn't random. The last time they went to an event together, Amelia had embarrassed him in front of everyone. While he had planned to network and make important connections, she showed up wearing tacky counterfeit clothes. People whispered behind their backs until Ethan was forced to leave early out of humiliation.

Those fake clothes? They'd been a "gift" from Sabrina, who had assured Amelia they were designer pieces brought over by a friend from abroad. Sabrina later claimed her friend had scammed her, and Amelia even comforted her for days.

Standing awkwardly, Amelia fidgeted with her fingers, the gesture making her seem as fragile as a little bunny. She looked up at Ethan, her voice soft, "Ethan, you really won't take me?"

Ethan's expression didn't waver. "I need someone with the elegance of a proper lady to go with me. Do you fit the bill, Amelia?"

Just thinking about last time-the whispers, the judging eyes-made Ethan's temper boil. Tonight's gala was even more important, and there was no way he'd let Amelia ruin it.

Sabrina already knew exactly what Ethan was worried about. Flashing him a sweet smile, she said, "Ethan, don't hold it against my sister. She grew up in the countryside for years; habits like that aren't easy to break."

Suddenly, Amelia's demeanor sharpened. She raised her head and locked eyes with Ethan. "If you think I'm so beneath you, then let's just call off the engagement."

Ethan froze, taken aback. For reasons he couldn't quite explain, a spark of panic flickered in his chest. It had to be the shock, that's all. "If Grandpa hadn't insisted on this, do you think I'd have chosen you myself?"

"Well, it's clear we're incompatible. Maybe it's better this way." Amelia had expected Ethan to jump at the chance to agree, but to her surprise, he hesitated. What was holding him back?

Sabrina's face clouded with contrived sadness. "Sis, I get it. You're still upset about me going to the gala with Ethan. If that's the case, I'll stay behind-"

Ethan cut her off with a cold laugh, his gaze hardening as it fell on Amelia. "Amelia, stop playing games. What is this? Another attempt at reverse psychology?"