Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 289

There was a deafening bang. Before Amelia could even react, a violent force slammed her forward, only for the seatbelt to jerk her back with bruising force.

Even so, her head hit the windshield. Everything went black for a second, and a shrill ringing filled her mind.

***

Hospital.

After a series of tests, the doctor recommended Amelia stay overnight for observation.

A mild concussion was nothing to take lightly. She called the principal to request a day off, and asked Ashley to bring her some fresh clothes and toiletries.

“Oh, Amelia! How on earth did you end up in a car accident? Was that person even qualified to drive?” Ashley fretted as she took in the sight—Amelia, normally so poised and beautiful, now sporting a nasty bruise swelling on her forehead. If it had been a little worse, it might have left a scar.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine,” Amelia reassured her. “And don’t tell Ruby, okay? I don’t want to scare her. Just say I’m on a work trip for the day.”

Ashley nodded, but before she could respond, hurried footsteps echoed outside. The door burst open, and a tall figure rushed in as if he’d teleported, crossing the room in half a heartbeat to reach the bedside.

Amelia barely had time to register what was happening before warm hands cupped her face.

Blinking in surprise, she found herself staring into Daniel’s eyes, red-rimmed and brimming with worry.

For nearly ten seconds, neither of them moved. Time seemed to freeze as they stared at each other in silence.

Amelia frowned first, breaking the spell. “Ashley, fetch me a broom.”

Ashley blinked, thrown off. “A broom? What for?”

“To sweep this man out of here,” Amelia replied flatly.

Daniel’s anxiety finally eased as he realized she was safe—arms, legs, voice, all intact. She was fine. Thank God she was fine.

“Fine.” She pointed at a corner of the room. “Bring me that broom, and I’ll sweep you out myself.”

Daniel smirked. “Wait until you’re better. I promise I won’t dodge.”

Amelia cut to the chase. “You see this—” she tapped the lump on her forehead, “—this is what happens when you refuse to divorce me. Daniel, I don’t know what reason you have for holding onto this marriage, but let me be clear: if you don’t let go, I might not survive the next time.”

Daniel’s jaw tightened, his profile tense.

Amelia spoke rationally, laying it out for him. “Last time, I was accused of pushing someone. Today it’s a car crash. What’s next? Kidnapping? Or will someone hire a hitman?”

Her eyes, luminous and soft in the hospital light, shimmered as if she might cry. Staring at him, her voice broke ever so slightly, pleading. “Daniel, I’m begging you now. Please, let me go.”

Daniel looked away, her words hitting him hard. His chest rose and fell as he struggled to steady himself. After a long pause, he finally said, “I’ll handle it. There won’t be a next time.”

Amelia’s strength seemed to drain away. “No one can control what other people do, Daniel. Maybe for you, it’s just a word, just a promise. But my life is hanging by a thread, and I never know when someone might cut it and send me tumbling into the abyss. You may be willing to take that gamble, but I’m not.”