Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 431

Daniel leaned forward and took the stack, his long fingers deftly separating the photos one by one.

The photographs were old, their colors faded, but the little girl’s face still shone with a light that seemed to brighten the entire world. She was the darling of the family, a cherished princess whose radiant smile outshone everything else.

Daniel lingered over one particular photo—a little girl soaring on a swing.

He remembered that swing. It had been custom-made for Rose, with ropes twined in everlasting silk flowers that would never wilt. Blooms clustered all around, and butterflies danced in the air, fluttering near the little girl as she laughed.

Ms. Scott—if not for the tragedy that struck her family, perhaps her life would have blossomed just as splendidly as this scene, vibrant and full of promise.

Daniel closed the photos and set them aside. “What are you trying to say?”

“I know it’s wrong,” Violet said quietly, her voice trembling. “But I can’t bear to watch Eunice lose her son.”

She looked up, eyes shining with unshed tears. “Daniel, I’ve never asked you for anything. But this time, I’m begging you—please, help Eunice.”

Daniel didn’t meet her gaze. His eyes were fixed on the photos.

In the topmost picture, the little girl was captured mid-flight, swinging high above the ground, her laughter open and bright.

He remembered how Mr. Scott would scoop her up onto his knee and, putting on a silly voice, ask, “So, Rosie, who do you love most in the whole world?”

She’d answer in that sweet, piping tone, “I love Mom the most. And then Eunice.”

Mr. Scott would feign heartbreak, his face falling in mock despair. “So Dad’s all the way down at number three?”

Mr. Scott was always busy, rarely home, and children always grew closest to whoever spent the most time with them. But even as a little girl, Rose knew how to make people smile—especially the men in her life.

“Daniel, I know I’ve caused you trouble for a long time.”

She inhaled shakily. “Help Eunice, and I’ll leave Silkwood after this is over. I won’t bother you anymore.”

Daniel finally looked up at her.

Violet clenched her hands so tightly her knuckles turned white. “I know you don’t love me. You love Amelia.”

The office was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.