Chapter 11 No Need
Amelia's words infuriated Frederick.
"Then who do you find attractive? Daniel?" he shot back.
“Definitely not you,” Amelia retorted.
With that, she turned and left the master bedroom. “I’m going to sleep in the guest room.”
She had just stepped out of the main bedroom when Frederick caught her shoulder from behind.
His broad palm was warm. Amelia stopped in her tracks. Her heartbeat quickened. A prickly sensation of discomfort was filling her chest.
"You…"
His voice was deep, tinged with frustration, but before he could finish, his phone buzzed from the countertop.
Amelia turned to glance at him, but he had already retracted his hand and picked up the phone, stepping out onto the balcony.
Soon, his voice drifted in from outside.
"Alright, I'll be right over."
His tone was gentle, and Amelia knew he was probably talking to Amber.
She thought to herself, "Amber is having surgery tomorrow. How could she not need him by her side tonight?"
Amelia chuckled mockingly. When Frederick returned from the balcony, she asked, “Is Ms. Roberts asking you to be with her?”
Frederick pocketed his phone, gave her a blank look, and did not respond.
Amelia’s smile faded, and she softly added, “Ms. Roberts must be feeling emotional tonight. It’s important for you to comfort her. A patient’s emotions can greatly impact the outcome of their condition.”
As she finished speaking, Frederick's look turned even colder. “You’re quite magnanimous.”
Laughing dismissively, Amelia said, “Isn’t that what you men prefer? A wife who is generous to a fault?”
Frederick's face was set in a stern expression as he fought to keep his emotions in check and walked towards the walk-in closet.
Amelia pursed her lips and turned to go to the guest room.
Shortly after, her phone rang. It was Rachel. “The Davis family plot in the western suburbs was bought by Frederick at a high price. With his help, we pretty much sold off the previously losing investments.”
Amelia responded with a soft “Mhm.”
Frederick truly must adore Amber. To ensure nothing went wrong with the surgery, he had gone out of his way to assist the Davis Group.
The Davis Group's debt crisis was temporarily resolved. Rachel chatted with enthusiasm about the company's future plans to break away from property and shed its constraints. Amelia listened quietly.
It seemed that Rachel's lack of response quelled her interest. "Forget it, even if I talk, you wouldn't understand."
"Now that the Davis Group’s crisis is over, you should move forward with your divorce from Frederick. After all these years, even if you had a dog, it would have become attached to you. Don't put yourself through this."
Amelia did not respond.
Rachel didn't say more, ending the call.
Amelia took a deep breath. Hearing footsteps outside, she stepped out of the guest room to see Frederick's silhouette entering the elevator. As the elevator doors closed, she offered a faint smile and whispered, "Mr. Hastings, rest assured. We're still married. I’ll put my all into Ms. Roberts’s surgery tomorrow. I won't let you end up childless."
The elevator doors closed with Frederick's expression unchanged.
Shortly after, the sound of a car engine signaled his departure.
Amelia sighed slightly.
Frederick was unlikely to return tonight. Accustomed to sleeping in the master bedroom for a better rest, she went back there.
Maples Club was Sebastian Kingsley's recreational establishment and served as a stronghold for a group of childhood friends.
Sebastian had just returned to the country, organizing his first card game, which was conveniently short of a player. Frederick had no reason to decline the invitation.
Upon his entry, Sebastian leaned back in his seat and teased, "You were getting cozy with your wife at home? You took your sweet time."
Frederick raised an eyebrow but did not reply.
Overhearing Sebastian, Noah Watson chuckled, "He's about to get divorced. Getting cozy with his wife is hardly an option for him anymore."
Frederick sat down expressionlessly and began to shuffle through the deck of cards.
Yves Jensen glanced at Frederick and offhandedly mentioned, "I heard Rachel's been scouting for a lawyer specialized in tough divorce cases. Did you know?"
Frederick focused on his cards, nodded slightly. "I'm aware."
Seeming indifferent, Sebastian couldn't help but caution, "Amelia might seem delicate and adorable, but Rachel isn't someone to be taken lightly. You didn't sign a prenup when you married Amelia. Be careful they don't split your fortune."
Frederick thought to himself, "Amelia, delicate and adorable?
I wasn't aware that's how she was perceived."
Frederick laid down a card, glancing sideways at Sebastian, and answered nonchalantly, "Yeah, everyone saw Rachel carve up your assets."
Sebastian was somewhat speechless.
He thought, "Damn it! How can he bring up my heartache?"
In the dead of night, Amelia turned over and casually stretched her arm forward. A warm sensation came from her palm. She paused, uncertain, and fumbled around. Her hand was then grasped by a larger, firmer hand.
"Get some sleep!"
Frederick's voice was hoarse and deep. Amelia's eyes flew open. Frederick had returned at some unknown time and was now lying on the bed.
"How... When did you come back?"
Her aloofness and wariness displeased Frederick.
"What? I'm not allowed to come back?"
Amelia remained silent.
With a cold expression, Frederick suddenly pulled her into his embrace, staring intently at her with possessive desire.
"Now that Daniel's back, am I not even allowed to share a bed with you?"
Amelia still didn't say anything.
Seeing her lack of response, Frederick grew even more irritated.
After the card game ended, Sebastian kept Frederick company for drinks. Sebastian had been deeply hurt by Rachel. After a few drinks, the conversation turned to Rachel and Amelia.
Sebastian mentioned, "Daniel's back in the country. It's normal for you and Amelia to divorce." His words concerned Frederick.
He couldn't help but recall asking Amelia why she had married him in the early days of their marriage.
He thought, "What had Amelia answered back then?
She said it was because I looked like the type she was fond of.
Did she choose to marry me because I was a stand-in for Daniel?"
A rage flared up in Frederick.
The day Amelia and Daniel spoke at the hospital entrance, the surprise and brilliant smile in her eyes did indeed make her seem delicate and endearing.
With a stern face, Frederick leaned down and kissed Amelia's lips. His kiss was passionate and domineering.
Amelia detected a faint scent of alcohol. She immediately turned her head away, dodging his kiss. "Have you been drinking?"
Frederick frowned. Though displeased, he still replied, "Yeah, I had one."
Feeling disheartened, Amelia looked at him calmly and said, "Alcohol can excite the brain. Are you sure you don't want to cool off? After all, if Ms. Roberts finds out, she might be upset."
Frederick didn't answer.
Impatiently, he withdrew his hand, let go of her, and lost interest.
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