Do You Still Love Me When We Meet Again? (Aubrey and Damon) novel Chapter 198

Victoria rushed into the room just as Tracy finished explaining. She stood there, fists clenched, her hands shaking with pure rage. She had spent half her life putting up with her husband’s overbearing brother and sister–in–law. Now he expected her daughter–in–law to do the same?

This was too much.

Damon didn’t say a word. He just gripped Aubrey’s arm and pulled her right in front of his father.

Aubrey braced herself, her chest tight with resentment. She figured he was going to force her to apologize. She kept her mouth shut, her anger simmering just below the surface.

Damon’s voice was ice–cold as he addressed his father, his words sharp and deliberate. “Dad, if those relationships are so important to you, then you maintain them. If you think we’re the ones ruining your brotherly bond‘ and your precious ‘family unity,‘ then fine. Just act like I’m not your son anymore, and Aubrey isn’t your daughter–in–law.”

Aubrey stared at Damon, completely stunned.

*Slam! Chase shot up from his chair, hitting the table so hard the loud bang made both Tracy and Aubrey jump. “Are you telling me you’re cutting ties with your own father?” he roared.

Damon remained eerily calm. “You can’t change DNA, and you can’t change the law. I’m just asking you to stop with the emotional blackmail.”

Victoria’s anger finally boiled over. “Don’t you dare take your temper out on your son! You’re the one in the wrong here. All you care about is your brother, his wife, and that ‘big family‘ of yours. What about us? Is our home not a family to you? I’ve put up with them for half my life, Chase. I won’t let you force the younger generation to suffer through it too.”

The moment Victoria spoke, Chase’s aggressive aura instantly deflated. He looked at his wife, his tone softening. “Victoria, honey… we have to remember who helped us get here. When I was a kid, Mom passed away early and Dad was off at war. We were dirt poor. We didn’t even have bread on the table. It was my brother who…”

Victoria cut him off, her voice dripping with irritation. “Stop. Just stop. I’ve heard that story a million times; my ears are practically bleeding. I get it. You and your brother are trauma–bonded for life. Fine. You want to be his loyal servant? Go ahead. But don’t you dare force that guilt on the kids. They don’t owe him a damn thing. He wouldn’t even lift a finger to help Aubrey’s father with his case when he was sent to prison. He called it ‘integrity and being impartial.‘ Please. He’s not half as noble as he pretends to be.”

Chase looked completely defeated. “Why are we bringing up that case again?”

Victoria scoffed, her voice sharp and mocking. “Why shouldn’t I? If your brother had just signed those papers for a retrial, the police in Crestview City would have reopened the case. Zach wouldn’t have to spend his own private time investigating it. Zach is a busy man. It’s ten times harder for him to lig for evidence across state lines than it would be for the local cops. Even Zach is doing everything he can to help Aubrey and Damon. And your >rother? He’s just terrified Aubrey will break those shackles and marry Damon. He thinks she’ll ruin the ‘noble‘ Blackwood bloodline and your precious amily reputation.‘

Chase’s face turned a mottled shade of red and white. He had no comeback. Fuming, he clenched his fists and looked away, his chest heaving with silent

age.

Tension hung heavy in the dining room. It was suffocating.

Aubrey was deeply moved. She wasn’t even married yet, but her future mother–in–law and boyfriend were already standing up for her without

esitation. That alone told her this family was worth it.

As for Damon’s father, she knew he had his own reasons and burdens. His generation had been through so much hardship that they valued extended

amily ties above all else. He wasn’t necessarily a bad person; they just had completely different values.

Tracy was stuck in the middle. She couldn’t openly defy her father.

But she had already shown where her loyalties lay by secretly calling her brother and mother for backup.

Breakfast was ruined.

Damon spoke up, his voice cold and flat. “Bree doesn’t need anyone to look after her anymore. You two should move back to your place.”

Chase remained firm. I’m going to work. Pack your things. You’re moving back today. Without another word, he turned and walked away from the

able

Victoria sighed. “With your father acting like this, I’d feel bad staying here and bothering you guys. He’s old and stubborn. Aubrey, don’t take it to heart Hell come around once he thinks it through.”

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< Chapter 198

Aubrey nodded.

Victoria turned and headed back to her room.

“What about me, Damon?” Tracy asked, standing up. she tapped her chin and blinked her big, round eyes, clearly hoping she’d be the exception.

Damon didn’t budge. “Go back home with Mom and Dad,” he said flatly.

Tracy pouted, huffing as she shot him an annoyed look. Then, she turned to Aubrey, her expression instantly softening into a bright grin. I’ll come over to hang out all the time, Aubrey.”

Aubrey felt a wave of guilt. Damon was basically kicking his entire family out because of her. T’d like that,” she managed, feeling awkward.

As Tracy walked past her, she leaned in and whispered, “By the way, I really wanted you to stay in my room last night. But my brother threatened me. He literally blackmailed and guilt–tripped me into saying no.”

Damon’s face darkened instantly. He shot Tracy a lethal glare. “Why don’t you exaggerate a little more?”

Tracy just gave him a mischievous grin and bolted before her brother could actually get his hands on her.

Aubrey blinked, turning to Damon with a puzzled look. “Wait, did you…”

“Don’t listen to her. She’s talking nonsense,” Damon said, his gaze shifting away.

It finally clicked. Aubrey realized why he was being so insistent about his family moving out. It wasn’t just because of the clash with his father–he was clearing the way for her.

He had an ulterior motive.

“Is this place only yours?” Aubrey asked, confused.

Damon shook his head. “No. It’s our home. Yours and mine.”

Aubrey’s mouth fell open, but no words came out. Her gaze dropped to his large hand clamped around her arm. His grip was so tight it was actually starting to hurt. “Can

of me now?” you go

let

Damon looked down and took a steady breath, but he didn’t release her. When he looked up again, his deep eyes were filled with a sense of helplessness. His voice was soft, almost a whisper. “There are no house rules here. Anything you want, I’ll give it to you. All you have to do is ask. That includes marriage.”

I ask, and you just give it to me?”

Yes.‘

Even marriage?”

Yes.‘

What about your career?”

That’s not something you need to worry about.”

Aubrey felt a flicker of familiarity, like she’d heard this before. A wave of emotion hit her. “Have you said those exact words to me before?”

I have. More or less the same thing.”

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