In a spacious and luxurious suite, Amelia woke up with a hangover, her head pounding like a relentless drum, and her body wrapped in unfamiliar sheets. She knitted her brows in confusion, her throat dried, her vision blurred, but the ache in her chest was what really brought her back to reality. Memories from last night flooded into her head like a storm, the betrayal, the bar, the drinks, and….him.

She quickly darted her eyes to the bed, to his muscular arm wrapped around her waist firmly, his back facing her and she couldn't see his face properly. Her memory of him from last night, very vague, she didn't want to face him either, knowing it was her reckless attitude that got them here. Pausing her lips into a deep thin line, she slowly moved his arms and wiggled her waist out of his hold.

She sat up slowly, every movement, sharp and painful, her mind replaying images from the previous night – his sweet and intoxicating scent, the warmth of his arms, his kiss, the kiss that melted her and made her forget, even though it was only for that moment. Amelia's cheeks burned with shame. What was she thinking? What had she done?

With one thought in mind – to leave. She scrambled to her feet, picking up her dress that was crumbled on a nearby chair. She slipped into it hastily, her hands trembling and her heart pounding hard against her chest. She didn't even care to glance at the mirror, slowly and quietly, she opened the door, peeking into the hallway of what appeared to be a hotel. No one was in sight, she closed the door behind her, tiptoeing and made her escape.

*****

Harper's family house was located in the outskirts of the city. It wasn't long before Amelia arrived. When she reached home, the atmosphere was almost suffocating, heavy and thick with tension. Her steps clicked against the marble floor, barely masking the chaos that greeted her.

Her step mother, Eileen, stood in the center of the living room, her arms crossed and a smug expression plastered on her face. Valencia sat on the couch, sipping tea, her lips curling up into a malicious smile as Amelia entered. And there, seated beside her was Liam.

The sight of him in their house, sent a wave of nausea and anger washing over her. She didn't have time for them nor whatever they were doing, she still needed to wash up and grab a glass of water.

But before she could walk past the living room, Valencia's taunting voice stopped her.

“Well, well,” she drawled, setting her cup down with deliberate sluggishness. “Look who decided to show up. Where were you all night, sister? Out with some man?”

Amelia furrowed her brows, narrowing her eyes at Valencia, but before she could speak, Eileen smirked, chiming in, “Your behavior is unacceptable, Amelia. You didn't come home last night, and now rumors will spread. Do you plan to ruin this family reputation? Have a look at your sister, had she ever stayed out all night and didn't come home?”

Amelia was used to this kind of behavior, the mother and daughter ganging up against her. She didn't say anything to Eileen and darted her eyes to her father, who sat silently in his chair, his face and demeanor stone like. He finally looked up, his expression cold and unyielding. “Is what they are saying true? Did you stay out all night, with a man?”

Amelia swallowed hard, totally at loss for words. When she opened her mouth to respond, Valencia cut her off, rising to her feet with a dramatic flair. “Oh dear Amelia, don't act so innocent. Are you really that desperate? running to another man after Liam and I-–”

“Enough Valencia!” Amelia's voice cracked, her body trembling with barely contained rage. You have no right to lecture me, You're the who–”

“Who loves Liam?” Valencia cut her off sharply, feigning innocence, as she wrapped her arms around his. “And he loves me, you left him last night. Last night was supposed to be your two years anniversary with him and his birthday, but no, you thought that running to another man would be better. I was there for him, while he waited for you all night long, but you were nowhere to be found, probably enjoying your moment with some random man. Amelia, how cruel?”

What a lie?

Amelia's breath hitched, not believing how easily Valencia had twisted the truth, making Liam and her the victim. Her gaze snapped to Liam, giving him one last chance to speak the truth, but he avoided her gaze, pretending to not notice her stare, making the smug satisfaction on Valencia’s face unbearable.

“Enough of this nonsense!” her father barked, slamming his fist on the armrest of the chair. “Amelia, have you not embarrassed this family enough? First, you lose your mother's company and this– How many more shame do you plan to bring upon us?”

Tears welled up in Amelia's eyes, as her heart twisted painfully, but she fought back her tears. “Lose my mother's company? No, you took it from me! You've been plotting against me, since she passed away and now you planned to give my shares to Valencia by using Liam to get me to sign the documents, what sort of father are you?!” She retorted, her tears boiling into rage and anger.

A shock expression was plastered on all their faces, Liam exchanged glances with Valencia and her mother. Her father's expression darkened, “You're mother would be ashamed of how you've turned out. Everything I'd done had been for the good and betterment of this family.”

“Good and betterment of this family?” Amelia scoffed, her voice trembling. “You mean for them.” She gestured towards Eileen and Valencia. “You've never cared about me, you cared for only what you can get from me.”

Valencia hissed, “Oh please Amelia, don't be so dramatic. Dad had been doing his best, working his ass off to make sure everyone is happy, don't be ungrateful. We tried to include you, but you've always been so…distant. Liam was also supposed to help you, but you ruined it by running off to another man.”

“Include me? Help me?” Amelia laughed bitterly, her tears finally streaming down her face. “By scheming to take what's mine? By having an affair with him?”

Eileen stepped forward, her face twisted with mockery. “Amelia can't you see the truth? You're not fit to carry on your mother's legacy, your emotions are over everywhere all the time. Only someone like Valencia could handle the company, just hand over the shares to her.”

Amelia tightened her jaw, her fists clenching, digging into her palms, “I'd rather have my shares given to the company’s rivals than to Valencia. Don't think for a second that I'll let you destroy me.”

With that, she turned on her heels and stormed upstairs, ignoring their taunts and accusations.

“Honey, c–can you hear her? I told you, she's cruel!” Eileen's voice echoed, as Amelia left.