“Ms. Edwards, you’re quite audacious,” Aaron frowned as he stared at the trembling Amelia on the bed, but his reprimand died on his lips when he noticed something unusual, Landon’s body, particularly his lower half, appeared to have stirred and had a tent in his pants.
Aaron’s eyes widened with surprise. Unable to continue his scolding nor mask his excitement, he immediately grabbed his phone and dialed, his voice filled with urgency. “Dr. Coleman, come here right away.”
Amelia leapt off the bed in a panic. Tm so sorry, I didn’t mean to offend. Thad no choice–Zachary is trying to drag me surgery, but I’m not even sick.”
into
Aaron shot her a skeptical glance. “You’re not sick?” The question escaped his lips as he puzzled over her claim. Why would someone force a healthy person into surgery?‘
“That’s right. I’m perfectly fine. Amelia’s eyes brimmed with tears as memories of her last life overwhelmed her. “Zachary never loved me. He’s been lying to me all along. Everything he’s done was just to take control of my shares.
The revelation sent a ripple of disbelief through Aaron’s otherwise stoic expression. Zachary was known across Norava as a man deeply devoted to Amelia. The idea that he would orchestrate such a scheme of a needless surgery was nothing short of shocking–a scandal straight out of a dramatic soap opera
Aaron furrowed his brow, feeling a flicker of sympathy–but that was all it was, just sympathy.
The Kingsley family was already neck–deep in turmoil. He had no idea when Landon would wake up, and Amelia certainly had no place here.
“Ms. Edwards, you need to leave,” Aaron said firmly.
“I can’t,” she protested, trembling with desperation. She didn’t dare leave.
She knew Zachary all too well. He must have the entire hospital surrounded by now. The moment she stepped out of Landon’s room, she’d be captured.
Clinging to a sliver of hope, she pleaded, “Mr. Hall, please, just let me stay a little longer. Or… could you call the police for
mei
Aaron’s face hardened. “I’m sorry, Ms. Edwards, but I work for the Kingsley family. My responsibility is to look after Mr. Kingsley, not to create trouble for him.”
She continued, “Mr. Hall, please-
“Ms. Edwards, leave,” he repeated, cutting her off.
Amelia bit her lip, her mind racing. She figured if she stalled long enough, the situation might shift in her favor.
Before she could muster another plea, footsteps approached. “What’s going on, Mr. Hall?” a woman’s voice asked nervously. Just then, Landon’s doctor Ryan Coleman arrived, accompanied by a regal woman in her late forties, whose air of authority and elegance was impossible to miss.
Aaron threw a glance at Amelia before ushering the newcomers aside for a hushed conversation. Recognizing her precarious position. Amelia wisely covered her ears to feign ignorance.
A few moments later, the woman approached with a warm, almost disarming smile, “You must be Ms, Edwards. I’m Gloria Kingsley, Landon’s mother.”
Amelia’s heart clenched at the unexpected introduction. “Mrs. Kingsley, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” she stammered, forcing
13:05 Sun, Dec 22 GG.
Chapter 3
a shaky smile.
Her thoughts churned. She seems kind… Could she be my chance? Could she save me?
Tve just talked to Aaron. I understand you’re in a bit of trouble, right? Gloria’s voice was gentle but probing.
The dam of Amelia’s emotions broke as she clutched at this lifeline. “Mrs. Kingsley, please, I’m begging you. Call the police
for me..
Gloria’s smile softened, but her words carried an unseling weigh. “Amelia, surgeries like these require immediate family consent. Your parents signed the paperwork, didn’t they? That means they won’t protect you. Even if you get the police involved and escape today, what about tomorrow!”
Each sentence felt like a dagger twisting in Amelia’s heart. She clutched her chest, feeling a wave of heartache that threatened to shatter her.
My stepmother and stepsister are cruel enough, but my father is my flesh and blood. How can he just stand by and watch me get schemed against? She then clenched the front of her dress as despair engulfed her.
Her thoughts kept spiraling. Even if I somehow escape the hospital today, what then? They will never let me go. And I’m alone, isolated, with no one to turn to. How long can I keep trying to fend for myself?
Ms. Edwards, Gloria said with a smile after a moment, her tone thoughtful, “I might have a solution, but it depends on whether you’re willing
Amelia’s head snapped up. “What is it?”
Marry my son and become a Kingsley.”
“What?”
Amelia was taken aback, her mind racing to process the unexpected offer.
Gloria’s poised expression didn’t waver as she explained, chuckling. “Even though my son is currently in a coma, there’s no telling when he might wake up.
“And even if he doesn’t, our family has enough wealth and power to ensure you’ll live comfortably. With our protection, do, you think Zachary would dare lay a finger on you?”
Amelia’s mind raced as she weighed her options. With no other path to safety, she finally nodded, her voice steady with determination. “Alright. I’ll do it.”
“I won’t allow it.” Landon’s deep, growling voice reverberated in her head, sharp and commanding.
Startled, Amelia shivered, her heart hammering. She turned quickly toward the bed with guilt in her eyes. ‘Is he awake?
Landon lay there, completely still, his face calm and untouched by the turmoil around him, seemingly lost in his dreams.
Her brow furrowed in confusion. ‘Why do I keep hearing his voice?”
“No, of course not, Gloria replied, shaking her head, her brows drawing together slightly in bewilderment.
“Ms. Edwards, comatose patients don’t talk. You’re likely imagining things,” Aaron said, his tone cautious, as if trying to reason with her. He figured Amelia must be in shock, confused by the situation
“Wait… now?” Amelia blinked in rapid confusion. How on earth can I marry someone who’s in a coma?”
“Don’t worry about the formalities, Gloria said breezily. “Aaron will handle the paperwork. In the meantime, you’ll come home with me. It’s time you got familiar with your new home?
“Oh… okay,” Amelia responded, still reeling as she trailed behind Gloria.
Noticing Amelia’s hospital gown. Gloria paused, took off her coat, and gently draped it over her shoulders.
“Mrs. Kingsley, thank you… The warmth and soft fragrance of the coat enveloped Amelia, and for a fleeting moment, her eyes stung with unshed tears. If only I had my own mother… She would have fought for me, protected me no matter what, just like Gloria is protecting Landon.”
Just as they reached the doorway, an unmistakable growl from landon echoed in Amelia’s head, “Amelia, stop right there!”
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