Chapter 8 No Longer Fooled by False Love

Amelia was beyond speechless. Seriously, does everything have to be some kind of mind game? I meant what I said.

Sabrina tugged on Ethan's sleeve, pouting. "Ethan, why don't you take my sister instead? I don't want her to be upset because of me..."

Ethan shot Amelia a cold glance. "Forget it. Let's go." With that, he walked off with Sabrina.

Amelia watched them leave, her gaze cooling slightly.

Not long after, Sabrina returned.

"Sis, I've got great news!" she said with a bright smile.

Amelia sighed softly. "The only good news right now would be going to that party with Ethan... but I know that's not happening."

"Who says it's not?" Sabrina handed her an envelope, grinning. "Here-I got you an invitation from a friend."

Amelia opened it and peeked inside, her face lighting up. "Sabrina, thank you! This really means a lot!"

"I didn't tell Ethan," Sabrina added quickly. "He might get upset, so keep this between us, okay? Don't let anyone know I gave it to you." Her eyes gleamed slyly. So easy to fool.

Just like last time-Amelia had taken the fake invitation straight to the venue, excited, only to be stopped at the door and thrown out by security. They nearly called the police.

When Richard found out, he'd been furious and slapped Amelia so hard her face stayed swollen for half a month.

And Sabrina? She played the innocent victim perfectly-claimed she'd been scammed by a ticket scalper and spent a fortune on a fake invite. Poor Amelia got caught in the crossfire. Richard didn't even scold Sabrina; he comforted her instead.

Amelia took Sabrina's hand gently. "You're really the best sister. Don't worry, I won't say a word."

Sabrina paused. Why did that sound a little... off? Almost like Amelia's tone was colder than usual? No, must be overthinking. Tonight's going to be a disaster for Amelia. Can't wait to watch the show.

*****

Later that afternoon, Amelia headed out.

She didn't have a car at the Johnson residence. She'd brought it up once before, but Grace told Richard, "Amelia grew up in the countryside. She's not familiar with the city-it's not safe for her to drive."

After that, Amelia never mentioned it again.

In truth, she did have a car-it was just parked at Rowan's place.

Rowan lived in one of the most upscale neighborhoods in the capital-Rosemont Heights.

The moment Amelia arrived, Rowan all but pounced on her. "You're finally here! I thought you were going full hermit on me."

Amelia gave him a flat look and pushed him away. "Let's not bring up my past foolishness, okay?"

"Fine, fine-whatever you say, as long as you've come back to your senses." Then Rowan noticed the bag Amelia was holding and raised his brows. "Wait, don't tell me someone like you actually fell for a knockoff?"

"Sabrina gave it to me," Amelia said, tossing the bag onto the table like it was nothing more than trash. "Wore it once and got mocked all day."

Rowan let out a low whistle. "Then why wear it in the first place?"

"I didn't know it was fake. She told me it was a limited edition straight from overseas." There was a bitter edge to Amelia's voice. Back then, she trusted Sabrina too much to doubt her. "It's barely worth using as a rag now."

"You think your sister knew it was fake?" Rowan asked.

Amelia let out a humorless laugh. "Of course she did. That was the whole point-she wanted me humiliated."

"So much for being 'super nice' to you," Rowan muttered. "I always thought she treated you pretty well."

Amelia sighed. "Rowan, you're literally the only person I can trust."

Rowan's expression shifted, the teasing gone. "What happened?"

Amelia met his gaze steadily. "It's been happening all along. I just didn't see it until now."

"If living at the Johnson house is hell, then move in here," Rowan said, surprisingly serious. "You know this place is yours whenever you want."

Amelia nodded. "Yeah."

But now wasn't the time. She hadn't done anything wrong. If someone had to leave, it should be that two-faced mother-daughter pair.

Amelia rubbed her stomach. "I'm starving. I'm going to grab something to eat."

The moment she stepped outside, Rowan opened the bag she had brought, spread the counterfeit items on the floor, and began taking a few photos.

*****

What Amelia didn't expect was to run right into him-right at the neighborhood entrance.