Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 283

Amelia’s lashes trembled. So, Daniel knew about what had happened? Yet, unlike Mogan, he didn’t come to blame her.

Daniel studied the delicate line of her cheek. “Next time you feel like fighting back, just go for it. Don’t let yourself get hurt. I’ll take care of everything.”

If he’d said that three years ago, Amelia might have been foolish enough to stick by him for a few more years. But now, his words just sounded like a cruel joke.

“Daniel, do you know why Violet and Mogan keep making things difficult for me?”

Her voice was calm, almost detached, as if she were talking about someone else’s life. “It’s because I’m Mrs. Campbell. That title hasn’t brought me anything good—instead, it’s brought nothing but endless trouble. If you still have any feelings left for what we once had, just do me a favor and agree to the divorce.”

“If we divorce, Violet and Mogan will stop coming after me. You think they’re the ones making my life miserable, but the truth is—” She spoke each word with deliberate clarity, “it’s you.”

The day was bright and sunlit, but Daniel felt cold to the bone, as if he’d turned to stone.

The carousel slowed to a stop. Robert stepped out with Ruby, who tilted her head up and beamed at Daniel. “Uncle Daniel, we meet again!”

Daniel lowered his eyes. Even the cartoon version of Amelia—Ruby in her mother’s likeness—was far sweeter. She wouldn’t say anything so cruel.

If words could wound, Amelia’s would have left Daniel’s heart riddled with holes.

Amelia took Ruby’s hand. “Let’s go. This uncle’s probably about to get called away for work. We shouldn’t take up any more of his time.”

Ruby walked in the middle, with Robert and Amelia on either side. From behind, the three of them looked just like a happy family.

A gentle spring breeze carried laughter and music through the air. Daniel stood apart, his solitary figure completely out of place amidst the joy around him.

As Amelia shut the door and started to walk around to the driver’s side, Robert tugged lightly at her sleeve and let out a quiet cough, just loud enough for her to hear—a signal only she would notice.

“Amelia.” Robert looked down at her, his voice soft. “I know I hurt you before. But can we try again?”

She froze for a moment, but quickly understood. She couldn’t see behind her, nor had she noticed anyone nearby, but she knew exactly who was watching.

“Robert, I…”

“I know what you’re going to say.” His gaze was gentle, almost too sincere to tell if it was real. “We’ve been on and off for years, and I know words don’t mean much anymore. I just want one more chance—to prove, with my actions, that I really do love you and Ruby.”

He took her hand, their fingers intertwining slowly. “Besides, we have Ruby between us, don’t we? She deserves a real family.”