LOGINSince Jasper brought it up first, it saved Amelia from having to stumble through the offer herself."I was going to ask you to stay here," she said, a little embarrassed, "but I didn't want you to feel awkward."Her voice softened. "Honestly, I'd feel better if you stayed. Home is more comfortable than a hotel, and it'll be easier to get to the hospital tomorrow."Jasper smiled. "Normally, I'd say it might not be proper. But it's us. We don't need to stand on ceremony."Amelia smiled back and got to her feet. "I'll make up the bed for you. There are fresh sheets and blankets in the guest room closet.""No, I've got it." Jasper caught her gently by the wrist and shook his head. "You're not feeling well. Go rest. I'll take care of the rest."His palm was warm and dry against her skin. Amelia froze for half a second, then quickly pulled her hand back and nodded."Then call me if you need anything."Jasper watched her disappear into the master bedroom before turning toward the gu
When the car pulled into Amelia’s apartment complex, Jasper parked first, then got out and walked around to the passenger side to open her door.The moment he touched her cool fingers, his worry deepened.She had said her stomach felt off back at the restaurant. On the drive home, she had leaned against the seat with her eyes closed the whole way. Her face looked even paler than when they had left."Still feeling sick?" Jasper held her arm, concern filling his voice. "Don’t tough it out if you feel bad. We can still go to the hospital."Amelia shook her head and leaned slightly against his arm, her steps unsteady. Her voice carried a tired edge."I’m fine. I’ve just been packing and handling the project handoff lately. I’m probably worn out. I’ll feel better after some rest."Jasper half supported her as they walked into the building. In the elevator, the light caught the pale color of her lips, and the unease in him refused to settle.He knew how much Amelia used to love that r
Samantha bit her lip and said softly, "Chris, forget it. Let's not argue with him. I'll manage."She knew Jasper's background, and she knew pushing back wouldn't end well for her. For now, she could only back down.Christopher looked at the server. "Leave the dish. Bring Ms. Bloom some lemon water."The server quickly nodded and stepped out.The private dining room fell quiet again, but the silence had turned awkward.Amelia picked up her fork, took a piece of rib, and tasted it. The familiar flavor spread over her tongue, but it no longer stirred much in her heart.After what had just happened, she understood even more clearly that whatever had existed between her and Christopher was truly over.Jasper watched her eat in silence, then picked up his own fork and placed another piece on her plate. "Take your time. No rush."The farewell dinner ended in silence and discomfort.When they left the restaurant, Jasper naturally took Amelia's hand. He gave Christopher and Samantha a
Christopher immediately set down his fork and reached over to rub Samantha's back. "What's wrong? Are you feeling sick?""The ribs smell way too strong. I think I'm going to be sick."Samantha's voice took on a wounded edge as she glanced around the table, her displeasure barely concealed. "Who ordered that? Doesn't everyone know I'm pregnant? I can't handle the smell of meat right now."She had grown up spoiled, used to everyone around her making adjustments for her comfort. Now, with Amelia and Jasper sitting right there, she didn't even bother hiding the entitled streak in her temper.Christopher frowned and looked up at the server. "Take that away.""Wait."Jasper spoke before anyone else could. His tone stayed calm, but there was a firmness in it no one could miss. "Amelia likes that dish. Ms. Bloom, if the smell bothers you, you're welcome to sit farther away. There's no need to make the whole table adjust to one person's preferences."The hurt look on Samantha's face
Amelia watched the city blur past the cab window, warmth spreading quietly through her chest.She knew Jasper was worried about her, and she knew Samantha's invitation probably wasn't as simple as it sounded. In the end, she nodded. "Alright. Thank you."After hanging up, Amelia sent Jasper the restaurant address. The uneasiness in her chest slowly faded.With Jasper beside her, she wouldn't have to face whatever Samantha had planned alone. She wouldn't have to deal with Christopher's complicated looks either.-At six sharp, Jasper appeared downstairs at Amelia's apartment building.He wore a dark suit and carried a coat over one arm. When he saw Amelia walk out, he immediately went to meet her. "It's windy tonight. Put this on so you don't get cold."Amelia took the coat and draped it around her shoulders, warmth settling over her. "Thank you, Jasper. You really didn't have to go through all this trouble.""It's no trouble."Jasper opened the car door and shielded the to
Amelia looked at Samantha. "I don't think that's necessary. If the two of you have dinner plans, you should go together.""Is this because of me?" Samantha asked. "Is that why you're leaving? Now you won't even have dinner with me?"She pressed her lips together. "You have such a bright future here. If you're leaving now, there has to be a reason. If I did anything at work that upset you, you should tell me. I really do hate losing you as a colleague. We've worked well together."Amelia listened, and a cold laugh rose quietly in her chest.She had heard plenty about Samantha's background. Her father was a senior figure in the aerospace sector, which meant Samantha's future at the Academy of Aerospace had always been secure.And yet Samantha kept acting guarded around her, always finding subtle ways to stake a claim on Christopher.That strange insecurity almost made Amelia want to laugh."Ms. Bloom, you really don't need to be so nervous."Amelia stopped walking. A faint smil
Amelia was not a hard-hearted person.She wasn't intending to have much contact with Christopher, but now that something like this had happened, it was only right for her to call and ask how he was out of concern.However, she eventually chose not to call.She wasn't being ungrateful. She simply
After Christopher left, Amelia left the corridor as well.Meanwhile, Jasper had made plans to discuss the partnership with Caleb.Jasper looked in the direction she came back in and asked, "Where did you go?""I went out for some fresh air.""Let's head over," Jasper urged. "Mr. Newton is very p
Christopher answered the call and said something. He stared at Amelia's back and said, "Okay, got it."After ending the call, he caught up with Amelia and lifted a hand to call for his driver, who was waiting outside.He turned to look at Amelia, the look on his face unchanging. "I'm sorry, I ha
Just then, Christopher walked out leisurely from his office.Nicole stood up. "Chris, let's have Mediterranean food for lunch."Christopher stuck his hands in his pockets, but his eyes warmed up at the sight of Nicole. "Sure."As Amelia and Jasper left, she overheard what Nicole said.Christophe







