**TITLE: My Heart Waited Too Long and Choosing Freedom 102**
**Chapter 102: The Message He Shouldn’t Have Sent**
Amelia was resolute in her decision to avoid any conflict this evening.
The atmosphere was electric, and the gala was in full swing.
In the midst of the chatter and laughter, she thought about how satisfying it might feel to expose Hannah’s deceit right there in front of Ethan and the entire gathering. Just the thought of it sent a thrill through her, but she quickly dismissed it. The fleeting pleasure of that moment would come at a steep price—she would be thrust into the eye of the storm, and the last thing she wanted was to be the center of unwanted attention.
With a deep breath, she approached Ethan, her heart racing slightly. Leaning in, she whispered just above the noise, “I’m going to the restroom.” With that, she slipped away, careful not to draw any eyes her way.
But instead of heading toward the restroom, she found herself wandering down the dimly lit hallway, finally pushing open the glass door that led to the open-air garden.
The cacophony of the gala faded into a distant hum behind her, replaced by the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of crickets.
Finding a pristine white bench, she settled down, allowing the cool night air to wash over her. It was a welcome reprieve from the glittering chaos inside. Moments later, her gaze fell upon Tim, who stood beneath a sprawling tree, engaged in conversation with a young woman draped in a stunning evening gown.
Tim appeared completely at ease, a stark contrast to the woman beside him. With each word he spoke, she seemed to shrink further into herself, her complexion paling as if he were siphoning the color from her cheeks. Finally, with a choked sob, she turned and dashed away, tears streaming down her face.
The scene felt painfully awkward, as though Amelia had stumbled into a moment that was never meant for her eyes. Just as she contemplated leaving, Tim’s voice broke through the silence.
“Don’t go. I saw you already,” he called out, his hands casually tucked into his pockets as he ambled toward her, exuding an air of nonchalance as if time were an endless resource.
Caught off guard, Amelia felt her heart flutter. She paused, a mix of curiosity and unease swirling within her. “Was that your girlfriend?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Strictly speaking? No,” Tim replied, settling next to her with a casual shrug, his demeanor surprisingly relaxed for someone who had just caused a woman so much distress. “We’ve met a few times, but she misinterpreted things. Since we ran into each other here, I thought it best to clear the air. No sense in dragging it out.”
Amelia couldn’t help but admire the ease with which he acknowledged his role as a heartbreaker. It was a refreshing honesty, yet it struck a chord of familiarity within her.
His method of severing ties reminded her of Lily, who had a knack for swiftly ending relationships while ensuring that none of her ex-boyfriends ever spoke ill of her.
Perhaps there was an alluring charm in their approach, a strange magnetism that drew people in, even as they pushed them away.
Not wanting to pry into Tim’s personal life any further, Amelia shifted the conversation. “So, are you here for the company as well?”
“You could say that,” he responded, nodding thoughtfully.
Feeling a pang of guilt, Amelia lowered her gaze, her thoughts swirling. “I work for the company too, but in a situation like this, I don’t think I’m of much help.”



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