Chapter 1 Tattoo Inside the VIP ward of KretolCity Hospital.

Amelia Flynn reclined on the white sheets, her attention fixed on a video playing across her tablet, sarcasm evident in her eyes.

A raging fever had landed her in the hospital,but her fiancé, Jaxton Morrison, was busy spending time with someone else at a luxury hotel.

The video clip captured the grainy shadows of a hotel hallway, yet there was no mistaking the womannext to Jaxton-Amelia's half-sister, Dayna Flynn.

Amelia put away the tablet and turned to look at the person before her, her gaze cool. "What if I say no to getting a tattoo?"

Clayton Dobson, Jaxton's assistant, wasn't surprised by her reaction. If he were in her position, he would also find it hard to accept the situation.

What kind of man spent the night at a hotel with a woman and then asked his fiancée to cover for him?

The Morrison Group was at a critical juncture, andas the heir, Jaxton being caught in such a scandal had already affected the company's stock prices.

For the family's sake, a public statement from Amelia, Jaxton's fiancée, seemed the only way to patch the damage.

Though the video blurred Dayna's face, the tattoo on her waist, Jaxton's initials, stood out as plain as day.

Acting strictly on Jaxton's instructions, Clayton had come to persuade Amelia to get the same tattoo as Dayna's.

By doing this, they could spin the narrative online and bury the brewing scandal.

With a look that mingled sympathy and resignation, Clayton said softly, "Miss Flynn, this is what Mr. Morrison wants. If you don't cooperate, there might be issues with Mrs. Davis' treatment next week..."

He left his sentence dangling, but Amelia understood him perfectly. This was Jaxton's threat.

Jaxton was using her grandmother, Michelle Davis, as leverage to threaten her.

Michelle required special treatment every week, and in all of Kretol, only the renowned doctor, Marc Chapman, could provide it.

Amelia didn't know how Jaxton had convinced Marc to treat her grandmother, but with him using her grandmother to threaten her, she had no choice but to comply.

Several minutes slippedby before Amelia turned to lie on her stomach.

Nearby, the tattoo artist arranged his equipment with quiet efficiency.

Nothing about the anesthesia worked for Amelia due to her special condition.

By the time the tattoo artist finished his work, sweat clung to Amelia's skin, soaking the thin fabric of her hospital gown, while her face looked pale.

"I'm sorry you had to endure that, Miss Flynn."

Clayton's words came as he approached, snapping a quick photo of the fresh tattoo on her waist. Then, he sent the photo to Jaxton.

After receiving Jaxton's reply, Clayton finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He nodded to the tattoo artist, who quickly left the room without a sound.

"Try to get some rest, Miss Flynn. I will come pick you up in theevening," Clayton said to Amelia.

Not bothering to wait for a reply, he left the room.

Only then did Amelia allow herself to open her eyes.

A dull ache pulsed at her lower back as she struggled upright and made her way into the bathroom.

Catching sight of the new tattoo-an exact match to Dayna's-in the mirror, her eyes grew cold, and her chest felt heavy.

Hours slipped past, and by seven that evening, Amelia found herself escorted by Clayton to the Morrison Group's press conference.

When she arrived, she found that Jaxton was already there.

Spotlights caught Jaxton's striking features, his perfect posture, and the tailored suit he wore.

As Amelia's gaze fell onthe suit, a shadow of sadness crossed her eyes.

A month of effort had gone into creating that piece for him. Two years ago, she'd stitched and shaped everydetail of that suit by hand, pouring her heart into it.

She still remembered Jaxton's joy when he had received it.

Yet, in just two years, the suit remained the same, but Jaxton had changed completely.

"Miss Flynn, what's your response to the recent scandal as Mr. Morrison's fiancée? Do you have something to say about it? You-"

Shock silenced the reporter mid-question, his attention caught by the scene unfolding in front of him.

Without warning, Jaxton drew Amelia close and lifted her shirt just enough to reveal the new tattoo.

Cameras flashed as the tattoo-identical to the one from the scandalous video-came into full view.

Feeling the unwanted touch, Amelia wasrepulsed. As she looked up, she could even see the hickey on Jaxton's neck.

A shudder of disgust rolled throughher body, and she pressed her lips together to keep it from showing.

"Amelia, why don't you tell everyone whathappened last night?"

Jaxton sounded gentle, but his gaze was full of ridicule toward her.

Frustration simmered within Amelia, yet thoughts of her grandmother made her hold back.

She forced a polite smile and said, "It's all a big misunderstanding. The woman in the video with Mr. Morrison was me."

One of the reporters said, "Oh, so that's what happened! Looks like your relationship is quite stable. Should we be expecting a wedding soon?"

Hearing that, Jaxton pulled Amelia into an embrace, his eyes shining with fake tenderness for the cameras.

After a while, his phone rang, the name "Dayna" lighting up the screen. When hesaw it, he immediately let go of Amelia.

The reporters, fortunately, had already begun to disperse. Otherwise, this would have raised their suspicions.

Even from a distance, Amelia could hear Dayna's soft, aggrieved voice and Jaxton's soothing words.

Refusing Clayton's offer of a ride, Amelia left the event and made her way to her apartment by herself.

Night fell over thecity as she sat alone by the window.

After a while, she retrieved her phone and dialed a number.

Three rings echoed before the call connected, but there was only silence on the line afterward.

Had it not been for the faint sound of breathing, Amelia might have thought no one was on the other end of the line at all.

After a while, she drew a shaky breath and finally found her voice. "Does your promise to me still stand?"

Chapter 2 She Is Going To Get Married On the other end of the line was a man, dressed in black, carrying himself with an effortless elegance, his sharp features nothing short of captivating.

There was a flicker of surprisein his eyes now.

Silence dragged on until Amelia found herself unable to wait any longer. She said, "Sorry, I was being impulsive. Just ignore what I said-"

"Yes."

Her words were cut short by theman's low voice.

She was shocked by his response.

Truth be told, she had regretted her words almost immediately after saying them.

Letting go of her engagement to Jaxton wasone thing, but agreeing to marry Wyatt Stewart felt like playing a dangerous game.

In the darkness, Amelia's mind wanderedback to a year ago.

It was late at night, just like now, when she had leftthe hospital as usual, only to encounter the barely conscious Wyatt in an alley on the west side of Kretol.

At the time, Amelia didn't know his identity, so when he offered to repay her after she'd saved him, she jokingly asked if he meant he would do anything for her.

He answered with a nod, and shecouldn't help but tease that she might want him to marry her.

Her proposal had just been a joke,an impulsive bit of fun. Never once had she expected Wyatt to agree.

But she already had an engagement with Jaxton, arranged before her mother's death, soshe quickly explained she was only joking.

Knowing about her engagement, Wyatt made no argument. Instead, he quietly said that if she ever chose to end things with Jaxton, he would marry her. He promised to keep this offer valid for two years.

That offerhadn't expired yet.

How the call ended, Amelia couldn't recall.

All that remained clear was Wyatt's words on the phone, telling her to get ready for a wedding in thirty days.

She was really going to getmarried to someone, and that someone was not Jaxton.

Amelia lay in bed in the dark, feeling exhausted but unable to fall asleep.

Just as her thoughts began to fade, an onslaught of notifications rattled her phone.

Since her grandmother was in the hospital, she never turned off or silenced her phone.

She checked her phone and saw a photo of shredded pieces of clothing.

Recognition settled in after a moment-this was the pieces of the suit Jaxton had chosenthat day, the very one crafted by her hands.

Accompanying the photo was a message from Dayna. "Sorry, Amelia. I had no idea you made this suit for Jaxton. I honestly thought it was just a regular suit, so when I saw it was dirty, I cut it into pieces to get rid of it. Hope you're not mad at me."

There was a smugness to Dayna's words that was impossible to miss.

When Amelia didn't reply right away, another message from Dayna appeared. "Jaxton says it's no big deal. Just a piece of clothing, not worth much."

Amelia knew that ignoring Dayna wouldn'thelp her sleep. If she left things hanging, the messages would just keep coming.

With a few quick taps, Amelia replied, "Jaxton's right; it's onlya piece of clothing. I am not mad."

She then made sure to block Dayna's number beforesetting her phone aside.

No part of her reply was a lie-she truly felt no anger.

After all, things like this had happened so often over the pasttwo years that she'd lost count.

If she let herself get upset each time, she would have lost her mind long ago.

Lying back down, Amelia found she couldn't fall asleep.

A thought crept in-would her mother feel regret seeing her daughter's life turn out this way?

Dayna, the illegitimate childof Amelia's father, was a few months younger than Amelia.

When Amelia's mother, KatrinaDavis, discovered Dayna's existence, she sent her abroad.

Yet, the endless burden of work soon caught up to Katrina, and her health began to fail.

That same year Katrina's health failed, Ricky Flynn-Amelia's father-brought both Janessa Patel and Dayna back to the country and into their home.

Nothing about this arrangement escaped Katrina's notice. She understood perfectly well that life with a stepmother would not be easy for Amelia, especially since Ricky had never been a man of kindness.

To protect her daughter,Katrina made plans forAmelia to marry Jaxton.

This decision came easily, since Katrina and Laura Morrison, Jaxton's mother, had been close friends for decades.

Amelia and Jaxton had grown up together, and withher and Laura's connection, Katrina believed Amelia would have a good life after marrying Jaxton.

However, Katrina had noway of knowing how much people could change.

Just before her death, Katrina called Jaxton over and pressedhim for a promise to take good care of Amelia. With both Katrina and Laura present, Jaxton's answer rang with conviction.

His assurance was so convincing that even Amelia believed him. But now...

At dawn, Ameliawas pulled awake by a force.

As she opened her eyes, she saw Jaxton's face, full of anger.

He was gripping her wrist tightly, the pain forcing her to pull away. "What's your problem? Why are you acting like this first thing in the morning?" she asked.

"You think you're clever, Amelia? Besides complaining to my mother,what else can you do?" Jaxton said.

That accusationmade Amelia furrow her brows.

The video had spread online, and there was nochance Laura missed it.

But as soon as Jaxton heard from his mother, he jumped to the conclusion that Amelia must have tattled.

Amelia didn't even havethe energy to waste explaining things to him.

The matter just strengthened her resolve to break off the engagement.

To Jaxton, Amelia's silence was an admission. He continued his harsh remarks throughout the journey to his family home.

Yet, as soon as they entered the Morrison family's residence, Jaxton changed his attitude completely.

Watching him change his demeanor so quickly, Amelia rolled her eyes. She had been so blind before, unable to realize that he was just a hypocrite.

Chapter 3 Do You Like Them "You've been through so much, Amelia. I'm truly sorry."

The moment Amelia entered the living room, Laura reached for her hand with gentle urgency and spoke up.

Not a single year seemed to touch Laura's appearance; though she was well into her fifties, she could easily pass for forty, thanks to her careful self-care.

Right now, her usually composed features overflowed with genuine concern.

For as long as Amelia could remember, Laura had always shown her kindness. Every time Jaxton stepped out of line, Laura was there to defend her and scold him.

Yet, Laura's idea of disciplinewas just some mild reprimand.It hardly made any difference.

Today was no different.

Laura fixed her son witha piercing look. "Apologize to Amelia right now."

Normally, Amelia would have brushed off the matter,saying it was no big deal.

But this time, she suddenly felt tired of it all. Before Jaxton could open his mouth, she said, "Laura, I've got a bit of a headache. I'm going to lie down upstairs."

One look at Amelia's pale cheeks was all Laura needed. "Of course, get some rest. I'll have someone inform you when dinner is ready."

With a slight nod, Amelia quietly went upstairs.

As soon as Amelia vanished from sight, Laura's patience snapped. She turned to Jaxton and said, "Have you lost your mind? Why are you involved with Ricky's illegitimate daughter?"

"Mom, illegitimate or not, she is Ricky's daughter. And besides, Janessa knew Ricky first. What they had was true love."

"You..."

Anger hit Laura so hard thatshe had to steady herself as dizziness washed over her.

Taking a deep breath, Laura forced herself to calm down.

Looking at her son with a composed expression, she said, "Whatever you dowith Dayna is your business. But remember this-Amelia is your fiancée. She's the only one who will ever be accepted into this family as your wife."

This wasn't the first time Laura had said this. Jaxton had heard these words countless times.

This time, though, he asked her, "Mom, do you want Amelia as a daughter-in-law because of Katrina, or is it because of the sixty percent of shares she owns?"

Profit always came first for businesspeople.

Laura was noexception to the rule.

Her agreement to this engagement was never just because of her friendship with Katrina; Amelia's shares in the company weighed heavily in the balance.

Katrina had built the Flynn Group herself. Even after her early death, she had left Amelia with sixty percent of the company's shares.

Laura said, "Since you know that Amelia holds sixty percent of the company shares, you should treat her right. Jaxton, I'm doing all this for your own good. A marriage with Amelia sets you up for success. Dayna can't match her looks or her capabilities. If you keep involving yourself with Dayna, it'll only end up hurting Amelia and making her feel disappointed in you. One day, you'll regret it. You-"

"Stop, Mom. That's enough. I never said I wouldn't go through with marrying Amelia." Clearly annoyed, Jaxton cut Laura off and stormed upstairs.

Inside her room on the second floor, Amelia sat on the sofa near the window, quietly observing the fountain's gentle spray in the garden below.

Just then, her phone suddenly buzzed with a message.

Her eyes grew wide asshe saw the photo she had just received.

In the photo were two silver wedding rings, elegant in their simplicity-exactly her taste.

"Do you like them?"

Wyatt's message appeared beneaththe photo, and Amelia wasted no time replying, "What are these?"

"Do you like them?" Wyatt just repeated the question.

She took a breath, hesitated, and finallyreplied, "Yes, I do."

Once the message was sent, nothing but silence followed from Wyatt's end.

Unknown to Amelia, when Wyatt saw her response, a subtle smile played on his face.

That unusual expression did not go unnoticed by the man beside Wyatt. "Are you actually smiling? Who are you, and what have you done to the real Wyatt?"

Wyatt's smile vanished instantly when he heard his friend's teasing words.

Wyatt's change of expression was so sudden that Marc almost thought he had just imagined his smile earlier.

"How's Mrs. Davis holding up?"

Wyatt was talking about Amelia's grandmother.

Marc's tone grew somber as he answered, "Nothing has improved. Her heart is getting weaker. Even if I try my bestto treat her, I'm afraid she doesn't have much time left."

"So you are not so skilled as adoctor after all."

Doctors hated to hear doubt cast on their expertise, and Marc was no exception, especially since he was an internationally renowned physician.

Marc bristled. "What's that supposed to mean? I'm a doctor, not a miracle worker. Speaking of Mrs. Davis, there's something I don't understand. You asked me to treat her, but why do it by having me agree to the Morrison family's offer?"

That arrangement made him appear as though hewas in it for the money.

Rather than explain himself, Wyatt turned his focus to a set of sketches scattered across the table.

Drawn on the page was the design for a set of wedding rings-the very ones he had just shown to Amelia.

Chapter 4 Meeting Him For The Second Time At the Morrison family's residence.

After lunch, Jaxton would usually rush to leave with Amelia.

But today was different-he stayed.

Just then, Laura said, "There's a business banquet tonight on the east side of Kretol. The Stewart family is behind it, and rumor has it Mr. Wyatt Stewart arranged everything himself. Jaxton, you should bring Amelia to attend. Our family's influence may not matchthe Stewarts', but it's a great opportunity for us. If Mr. Stewart shows up, it could be your chance to make a valuable connection."

Hearing about the banquet made Amelia hesitate, a protest rising in her chest. Yet, the mention of that manchanged everything, compelling her to nod in agreement.

After all, the person Laurahad just mentioned was the man she was about to marry.

Not long after, Jaxton and Amelia climbed into his car, ready to leave.

An unexpected ring cutthrough the quiet; Dayna was calling Jaxton.

Without shame, Jaxton answered the call, making no effort to hide it from Amelia.

Their flirty exchange filled the car, making Ameliafeel a pang of discomfort.

"Pullover. Now."

Amelia's sudden command startled the driver, who instinctively stomped the brakes.

Tires shrieked, and Jaxton, caught mid-conversation, accidentallylet his phone slip from his grasp.

Amelia wasted no time; as soon as the car stopped, she opened the door and stepped out.

Shock registered on Jaxton's face. He leaned out, irritation clear in his voice. "Amelia, what's wrong with you? You-"

Before he could finish speaking, Amelia headed straight for the nearest bus stop, never once looking back.

Jaxton could only watch her walk away, disbelief written across his features.

Even the driver blinkedin confusion. This had never happened before.

He glanced at Jaxton through therearview mirror and cautiouslyasked, "Mr. Morrison, should I-"

"Drive!" Jaxton interjected coldly.

With a quick nod, the driver put his foot to the pedal, not saying anything more.

Jaxton flashed Amelia a derisive smirk as his car swept past her.

If she insisted on taking public transport, he'd gladly let her have her way.

Ignoring Jaxton's petty exit, Amelia kepther gaze steady ahead.

She'd rather endure the cramped ride on a city bus than spend another suffocating minute with him.

Yet, Amelia had just waited a few minutes before a sleek, silver-gray luxury vehicle glided to a stop nearby.

When the tinted back window rolled down, Wyatt's striking features appeared.

His driver approached Amelia respectfully, saying, "Miss Flynn, Mr. Stewart wants you to join him in the car."

Sliding into the elegant interior, Amelia felt her heartbeat speed up.

This was her second meeting with Wyatt.

He wasn't just any man; he was the heir to one of Kretol's most powerful families and her soon-to-be husband.

No matter how she tried to make sense of it, everything about this situation felt unreal.

Aside from the driver's quiet question about her destination, silence filled the car.

When Amelia glanced at the man beside herfor the third time, Wyatt turned to herand asked, "Do you have something to say?"

So many questions tangled in her mind-whyhad he agreed to marry her when it had been little more than a joke on her part?

Had he truly agreed to it to repay her for saving him?

But he was rich and powerful, someone who had endless means to repay any favor. Why marriage, of all things?

Unable to suppress her curiosity any longer, Amelia softly asked, "Can you really convince Jaxton to break off the engagement and find the solution to cure my grandmother?"

"Yes," Wyatt responded coolly.

Although she wanted to press him for more details, his distant demeanor kept her silent.

As the car eased to a halt outside her apartment, Amelia quickly opened the door and stepped out, offering a polite nod. "I appreciate the ride, Mr. Stewart. Goodbye."

"Holdon."

Just as Amelia was about to enter the building, Wyatt's deep voice sounded from behind her.

Spinning around, she saw a beautifully wrapped box being extended toward her through the car's window.

Her eyes first landed on Wyatt's sculpted hand before even noticing the box.

He was blessed with good looks, and even his hands seemed perfect.

"This is for you."

Wyatt's voice drew Amelia outof her daze, and without thinking, she accepted the box.

Before she could askwhat was in the box, the car drove away.

Left standing in the silence for a moment, Amelia made her way back to her apartment, clutching the unexpected gift.

After she arrived home, curiosity got the better of her, and she opened the box.

A burst of vibrant red greeted her eyes.

Pulling out the red gown, Amelia felt pleased-she loved the color.

Bright colors had always called to her, but years of pleasing Jaxton's taste for understated style had dimmed her wardrobe.

Now, with the end of her engagement to Jaxton drawing near, she finallyfelt free to embrace her true taste.

By seven o'clock,Amelia left home in the red gown.

She then opened the passenger door of Jaxton's car.

Amelia hadn't anticipated Dayna'spresence, while Dayna was shocked by the outfit Amelia had chosen.

In Dayna's memory, Amelia always wore light colors.

Her good looks often seemed to dim because of her plain clothing. Tonight, however, she turned heads in the bold red gown, looking captivating.

From the driver's seat, Jaxton caught sight of Amelia's new look, andsurprise flickered across his face.

Before he could say a word, Amelia shut the car door and slipped into the back seat.

Jaxton hadn't intended to bring Dayna along but couldn't resist her tears and pleas.

At first, he'd felt uneasy about bringing Dayna, but seeing Amelia's bold look sparked anger inside him. "Amelia, do you really think that dress is appropriate for tonight? Are you going there to seduce someone?"

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'rethe 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?" Withthat, 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 likedto 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, asmirk 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, landingon 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, butDayna's grip on him tightened. "Come on, Jaxton. We should join the people over there."

She gestured toward thecircle 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 justas 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, Ameliaentered 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 inconfusion.

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 byWyatt's request.

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

Wyatt simply said, "Your hand, Amelia."

Amelia offeredher left hand as requested.

As soon asshe 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.

Chapter 6 Do You Really Think Jaxton Loves You Amelia couldn't even speak smoothly because of her shock.

Wyatt continued to hold out his hand, his voice steady as he responded, "What makes it inappropriate?"

Nothing about this felt quite appropriate, yet Amelia couldn't explain why.

She suddenly felt the room's temperature rise.

Her hand was just about to grasp the ring when a sharp knock echoed at the door.

From the hallway, Davin's voice called out, "Mr. Stewart, we need to go. The event is starting."

Relief swept through Amelia.

Letting her gaze linger on the ring, she said, "Maybe weshould wait until my engagement ends to do this, Mr. Stewart. You are clearly busy now. I will head down first."

Not giving him a chance to answer, she swept out of the lounge.

Anyone watching would think she was fleeing from a ghost.

Wyatt watched her retreat,the corners of his mouthlifting in quiet amusement.

At least she hadn't rejected him putting on the ring for her, right?

Instead of waiting for the elevator, Amelia darted toward the stairs, eager to put distance between herself and that room.

It was only when she reached the stairs that she felt shecould breathe normally again.

"Amelia, is that you?"

Just as Amelia was about to descend the stairs, Dayna appeared from around the corner.

Her earlier meeting with Wyatt drifted through Amelia's thoughts. She studied Dayna, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Weren't you supposed to be with Jaxton? Why are you here?"

"Seems to me I should be the one asking you that, Amelia."

"What areyou trying to say?"

Amelia could not be sure if Dayna had seen anything. Still, something wary flickered in her eyes when she heard those words, though her face showed no sign of change.

Dressed in a sleek black dress, Dayna walked over to her. "Amelia, Jaxton cares about only one woman, and it isn't you. Even with your engagement, you cannot force his feelings. Why are you still clinging to him?"

Amelia fell silent at Dayna's words.

Smugness danced in Dayna's gaze as she savored Amelia's quiet. "If you're smart, you'll let Jaxton go before you embarrass yourself further."

"Dayna, do you really think Jaxton loves you?" Amelia asked.

"Without a doubt."

The sight of Dayna's absolute confidence made Amelia let out a low laugh. "Funny, I once believed he loved me, too."

Memories of Jaxton's vow to Katrina, promising he'd cherishher, drifted through her mind.

Before Dayna could respond, Amelia continued with a smile, "If he really loves you, then why doesn't he break off his engagement with me? Why is he just keeping you as the other woman? Tell me, Dayna-does that sound like real love to you?"

Dayna was stunned by Amelia's words.

With nothing more to say, Amelia turned away, slipping past Dayna.

However, a sudden, piercing scream rang out before Amelia reached the bottom of the stairs.

Turning around, Amelia caught sight of Dayna tumbling down the staircase.

Shock rooted Amelia to thespot; she was unable to believe what she was seeing.

Dayna's scream drew everyone's attention, and the first person to rush over was Jaxton.

When he saw Dayna's dress stained with blood, he looked so worried.

"Jaxton, please don't blame my sister. She didn't push me. I slipped and fell by myself," Dayna said.

With all three of them showing up together, Amelia, the so-called fiancée, faced nothing but judgment from every corner of the hall.

Meeting Jaxton's stare without flinching, Amelia statedplainly, "I didn't push her."

Chapter 7 That Is How I Apologize "Amelia, what kind of person are you? If it wasn't you who pushed her, did Dayna fall down the stairs by herself? You've bullied her since you were kids, always taking her things, and now, you push her down the stairs just to secure a place in the Morrison family. You really will stoop to anything to get what you want," Jaxton said.

"My answer hasn't changed. I didn't do it," Amelia said.

If there weren't so many peoplepresent, Amelia wouldn't haveeven bothered to say anything.

But she didn't want her reputation to be ruined.

Letting the accusation linger would destroywhat was left of her reputation, which had taken blow after blow these last two years.

"Who else could it have been? Only you and Dayna werehere just now," Jaxton said.

"You heard what she just said; she admitted she slipped on her own," Amelia said.

"Jaxton, it's true. I lost my balance. This isn't Amelia's fault." Dayna jumpedin the second Amelia finished speaking.

Earlier, Dayna had already noticed there were no cameras around, making it all too easy for her to play the victim.

Dayna's words only made Jaxton's fury grow. His glare seared into Amelia. "So she just happened to fall on her own,and you're the only witness? You expect anyone to buy that?"

"I also saw that she fell on her own."

Before Amelia could reply, a calm voice sliced through the tension.

Wyatt's arrival drew every eye, and the crowd instinctively parted to let him pass.

Davin trailed just a step behind him.

Without raising his voice, Wyatt surveyed the scene, his attention finally landing on Jaxton. "I witnessed it myself. That woman slipped on her own."

The weight of that statement settled heavily as he glanced at Dayna.

The second their gazeslocked, fear flickered across Dayna's face.

Never in her wildest calculations had she imagined that someone would witness her fall.

If anyone else had spoken up, she would haveargued that they had seen it wrong, but Wyatt's authority left her no room to protest.

No one in Kretol matched Wyatt's influence.

Stunned into silence, Jaxton could only stare at Dayna, struggling to process Wyatt's words.

Without missing a beat, Dayna's eyes were filled with tears as she clung to his arm. "I told you I fell on my own, Jaxton. My head's spinning. Will you take me to the hospital now?"

On instinct, Jaxton gathered her in his arms and hurried out of sight.

As the pair disappeared, Amelia moved toward Wyatt, startingto thank him, then stopping herself. Instead, she said, "If you hadn't seen it, I would have been wrongly accused today."

She remembered him telling her not to thank him and changed her words.

Wyatt replied in a low voice, "I didn't see a thing."

For a second, confusion flashed across Amelia's face. "Then why did you speak up for me?"

"Because I believe you're telling the truth."

His trust shocked Amelia. Wyatt, barely more than astranger to her, had chosen her side, while her own fiancé had never shown any faith in her innocence.

Considering Jaxton's actions, Amelia felt that marrying Wyatt would only make her life better. Still, she needed to confirm one thing.

"Mr. Stewart, can you promise me that once I end things with Jaxton, Marc will keep treating my grandmother?" she said.

Even though Wyatt had promised this before, she wasn't willing to take chances where her grandmother's health was concerned.

"I promise."

"Then Ibelieve you."

Little did she know, Wyatt was the one who had arranged for Marc to accept the Morrisons' offer in the first place. Hearing his promise now, she felt a wave of relief.

"I'll also help you win back the Flynn Group's shares," Wyatt said.

Those words brought a flicker of surprise to Amelia's eyes. He seemedto know her heart better than most.

Those shares meant more than money to her; they were Katrina's legacy, rightfully hers.

Even without Wyatt's help,she was ready to fight for what was rightfully hers.

Wyatt's assurance gave her allthe courage she needed to end things with Jaxton for good.

She had barely walked into her apartment when Jaxton's call came through, asking her to go to the hospital.

Dealing with Jaxton and Dayna was the last thing she wanted to do.

But...

"Amelia, think about your grandmother before you makeany decisions," Jaxton said.

"I'll go," Amelia repliedwith a sigh.

Ending the call, shedrove straight to Kretol City Hospital.

Inside the hospital room, Dayna played the part of the victim, while Jaxton hovered with anxious devotion.

The instant Jaxton spotted Amelia, he said, "Say sorry to Dayna. Right now."

"You expect me toapologize to her?" Amelia asked.

Her stare brimmed with disbelief, as though she'd never heard anything so absurd before.

Seeing Amelia's expression, Jaxton frowned. "You pushed Dayna down the stairs. You should apologize to her."

With Jaxton focused on Amelia, Dayna's satisfaction glimmered in her eyes, just out of his view.

Without further argument, Amelia answered, "Alright. I'll apologize."

Her steps were unhurried as she movedcloser to the bed.

When she reached Dayna, she raised her hand and slapped her.

The sharp smack echoed throughout the room.

Dayna and Jaxton froze for amoment, stunned, until Dayna finally let out a scream.

In an instant, Jaxton grabbed Amelia's wrist. "Have you lost your mind?"

Amelia didn't hesitate. Herother hand landed a stinging backhand across his face.

"Amelia!"

Jaxton's temper erupted, eyes blazing, as he reached for her again, but Amelia kickedhim away before he could do anything to her.

"You wanted me to apologize. That is how I apologize. Areyou satisfied now?" she said.

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The needle bites into my skin like fire, but I don’t flinch. Sweat soaks through my hospital gown as the tattoo artist etches Jaxton’s initials onto my lower back—exactly where Dayna has hers. Humiliation burns hotter than the pain. This is what it means to be the good fiancée: silent, obedient, replaceable.

Clayton Dobson watches with detached pity. 'Miss Flynn, this is what Mr. Morrison wants. If you don’t cooperate, there might be issues with Mrs. Davis’ treatment next week…'

He doesn’t say it outright, but I hear the threat. My grandmother’s life dangles on a thread tied to this grotesque lie.

When it’s over, they snap a photo and send proof to Jaxton. Hours later, I’m dragged to a press conference. Spotlights blaze as Jaxton pulls me close, lifts my shirt, and reveals the fresh ink to the world. Cameras flash. Reporters cheer. He whispers, 'Tell them it was you in the video.'

I force a smile. 'It’s all a misunderstanding. The woman in the video with Mr. Morrison was me.'

Later, alone in my apartment, I stare at my phone. Three rings. Then breathing. No words. Just presence.

I whisper, 'Does your promise to me still stand?'