Chapter 7

“Ethan, last night we were celebrating my sister’s birthday, and things got a little out of hand… I drank too much. It’s all my fault…” Sabrina Johnson, who had assumed the marks were from an intimate encounter, never expected this turn of events. She couldn’t help but wonder—was Amelia deliberately playing her? But judging by Amelia’s seemingly clueless demeanor, she didn’t appear clever enough for such scheming. “As long as she’s alright.” Ethan Collins admitted he had been a bit concerned when Sabrina told him Amelia was injured. “Didn’t you say you were craving tiramisu? Ethan and I are attending a dinner banquet tonight—I’ll bring some back for you,” Sabrina said casually, though her eyes hinted at something more. “A dinner banquet? Can I come too?” Amelia looked at her with hopeful eyes. “But Ethan only received two invitations.” Amelia’s expression fell slightly. “I’m his fiancée—it’s only right that I accompany him,” Amelia retorted pointedly, though she had no real interest in going with Ethan. Sabrina smiled magnanimously, “Then you two should go together.” “You’re coming with me, Sabrina,” Ethan stated flatly. After the last incident, he had no intention of bringing Amelia along. “Don’t worry, sis, I’ll keep a close eye on Ethan and make sure no other women get too close to him,” Sabrina added with exaggerated concern. Honestly, someone like Amelia showing up at such events? Hadn’t she embarrassed herself enough already? Amelia bit her tongue, thinking bitterly: You’re the one who’s closest to him. Ethan didn’t want a repeat of last time. He had intended to network, but Amelia showed up in an obvious knock-off outfit that made her the target of whispers. It was humiliating. He left early just to end the ordeal. That gaudy dress? A “gift” from Sabrina, who claimed it was an expensive import. Later, she pretended she’d been scammed, and Amelia spent days comforting her. Now Amelia stood there, fidgeting with her fingers, wide-eyed like a helpless rabbit. “Ethan, you’re really not taking me?” “I need someone presentable tonight. Can you manage that?” Ethan replied coldly. This dinner was far more important than the last. Bringing Amelia was out of the question. Sabrina chimed in, feigning understanding, “Don’t blame my sister, Ethan. She grew up in the countryside—you can’t expect her to adapt overnight.” Suddenly, Amelia looked Ethan straight in the eye. “Since I’m such an embarrassment to you, maybe we should just call off the engagement.” Ethan was caught off guard. A strange unease stirred in him. It must be his imagination. “It’s not like I ever wanted this engagement. My grandfather forced it.” “Then it seems we both feel the same. Maybe we should stop pretending,” Amelia said, expecting Ethan to agree immediately. But he hesitated. Why? Sabrina cut in, sounding wounded, “Sis, I knew you’d be upset about me going. Fine—I won’t go.” In that moment, Ethan seemed to grasp why Amelia had spoken up. He smirked coldly, “What is this, Amelia? Trying to play hard to get again?”