Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 420

Eugene paused, considering his words before he spoke. “My father’s a doctor, though he specializes in liver diseases. Still, he might know someone who’s an expert on orthopedic cases. Let me ask around for you.”

Even though it was their first unofficial meeting, Violet had come prepared with a formal gift—a beautifully crafted porcelain tea set, wrapped with care.

Lennon was surprised by the thoughtfulness of her gesture, and even more taken aback by her appearance. There was something about her that reminded him of Amelia—the resemblance between them was undeniable.

When the conversation turned to Violet’s leg injury, she lowered her eyes, going silent for a moment. When she looked up again, her eyes had grown red. “I have a half-sister. We never got along, even as kids. One time, I accidentally ruined a craft project she made. She took it out on me, waited until I wasn’t paying attention, and pushed me down the stairs.”

Eugene’s face flushed with anger. “How could anyone do something like that? All over a craft project—to hurt her own sister so cruelly!”

Violet gave a bitter little smile. “It’s all in the past now. After our parents died, we haven’t seen each other in years. She’s always resented our family—tells everyone she’s an orphan, wants nothing to do with us. I don’t like to talk about it anymore.”

Lennon remained silent, brow furrowed. He didn’t speak until Violet was about to leave. “Your half-sister… does she still go by Scott?”

“No,” Violet said quietly. “She changed her name. She goes by Amelia now.”

After Violet left, Eugene was still visibly upset, unable to understand how anyone could harbor such malice.

Lennon sat brooding, deep in thought, saying nothing for a long while.

***

As time passed, Eugene and Violet grew closer, their friendship teetering on the edge of something more. They shared everything, and with each conversation, Violet’s misfortunes came up again and again. The more Eugene heard, the more he pitied Violet—and the more he grew to despise her half-sister.

Without realizing it, Eugene’s opinions seeped into his conversations with Lennon, coloring his father’s perception as well.

One weekend, Amelia took Ruby to the hospital for some pre-surgery tests.

“She’s always self-conscious about her leg. I keep telling her I don’t care, but she just can’t get past it herself.”

Talking about Violet’s injury made Eugene bristle with anger. “Her sister is truly awful. Karma will catch up with people like that.”

Lennon watched his son for a moment in silence.

Eugene had always been polite and gentle, never one to speak ill of others. His outrage now could only come from his feelings for Violet. The stronger his indignation, the deeper his affection.

Lennon finally said, “Eugene, do you really care about Violet?”

Eugene’s angry expression quickly gave way to embarrassment, and he ducked his head, suddenly shy.

Lennon sighed. “Invite her out again. I’d like to talk to her myself.”