**My Heart Waited Too Long and Choosing Freedom**
**Chapter 7: Uninvited Guests**
Amelia pivoted, her eyes locking with Ethan’s intense gaze, a gaze that seemed to pierce through the layers of her carefully constructed facade.
It was unexpected, to say the least, that he had actually managed to arrive.
In a world where Hannah and Isla had finally secured their moment, one would have assumed they would never let him slip away.
Before Amelia could even gather her thoughts to speak, Beatrice, ever the queen of sarcasm, was already donning a plastic smile. “Amelia just informed us that you had an emergency at work and couldn’t make it. What’s the matter? Did you two forget to coordinate your stories before showing up?”
Ethan stood momentarily frozen, his eyes scanning the room, taking in Amelia’s situation with a mix of concern and displeasure.
A frown creased his brow as he stepped forward, instinctively wrapping his arm around Amelia’s shoulders, pulling her slightly into his embrace as he directed a pointed look at Beatrice.
“There was indeed an emergency that I couldn’t escape from. But when I thought about how if I didn’t come today, Amelia would likely find herself being bossed around again, I realized that even the most pressing matters had to take a backseat.”
Beatrice’s expression soured instantly, her smile freezing as if it were a mask slipping off her face. “Ethan, what on earth does that mean? Amelia volunteered to assist with registration herself! How is it that she turns around and plays the victim, claiming we bullied her? What a dramatic act!”
As Beatrice exited, she cast a venomous glare at Amelia, the kind that felt like daggers.
Amelia gently extracted herself from Ethan’s embrace, deliberately avoiding his touch, as though it burned.
Looking up at him, her expression was distant, almost hollow. “Is everything taken care of?” she asked flatly, her voice devoid of warmth.
“I’m sorry,” Ethan replied softly, his tone laced with genuine concern. “Isla’s wound has been bandaged. I had someone take them both home.”
He hesitated, studying Amelia’s cool demeanor, and then inquired, “Kevin drove here but couldn’t find you. How did you manage to get here?”
Amelia lowered her gaze, her indifference palpable as she meticulously organized the registration book. “I’m here anyway. What’s the point of asking?”
A flicker of annoyance crossed Ethan’s face, his brow knitting together in frustration.
But as he recalled the events of the day, he recognized that he was indeed at fault. He took a deep breath and suppressed his anger.
The Harlows were nothing if not astute observers. The moment Ethan arrived, their attitudes shifted like a well-rehearsed play.
Clara, who had just been barking orders at Amelia, now approached with a radiant smile. “Ethan’s here! Quick, go sit at the main table. Honestly, Amelia, how could you allow Ethan to stand here like this?”
Amelia watched as Ethan was enveloped by the Harlows, expertly maneuvered toward the main table, where he exchanged pleasantries with David, Clara, and the others.
Memories flooded Amelia’s mind, each one a bittersweet reminder of the first two years of her marriage. The Harlows had always treated people according to their status, and whenever they made her life difficult, Ethan had always been there, stepping in like a knight in shining armor, quietly protecting her from their barbs.
He hadn’t been entirely cruel, she mused.
But that kindness stemmed from duty, from the obligations of the Rowes’ heir to maintain a facade with his wife. Love was a foreign concept in their relationship.
As the banquet commenced, Clara casually mentioned her nephew from her side of the family, a graduate of a prestigious university who had high standards yet struggled to find suitable employment.
Ethan picked up on her hint and seamlessly added, “After the celebration, have him send me his resume. If his major and credentials align, our company has some openings. I can arrange something.”
Clara’s face lit up with delight, her praises flowing as she lauded him for his thoughtfulness.
David, seated at the main table, observed the scene with a satisfied nod.
He was pleased to witness Ethan showing concern for the Harlows’ family matters. It solidified the marriage alliance between the Rowes and Harlows, ensuring mutual benefits.
Taking a sip of his tea, he turned his gaze to Amelia and Ethan, chuckling lightly as he remarked, “You two have been married for quite a few years now. Careers are important, but isn’t it about time you thought about having a child?”
Amelia’s grip on her fork tightened, her expression morphing into one of discomfort.
Ethan remained composed, serving her a portion of food with a thoughtful demeanor before looking up at David. “We don’t have those plans yet. Amelia’s been preparing to launch her own studio. I want her to concentrate on her career first.”
What a perfect excuse! What a considerate husband!
Amelia couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh in her mind.


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