Ran Away Pregnant Came Back Alpha Heiress (Amelia and Damien) novel Chapter 258

**Night Whispers Forgotten Names – Colin Shah 258**

**Chapter 258**

**Jake’s POV**

I never intended to stir up trouble for Amelia; my only aim was to prepare her for what lay ahead. Yet, I also couldn’t bring myself to tell her anything but the truth. The choices she had made in the past were, at best, questionable. The mere fact that she had fallen for Damien had set her on a path that led to her current predicament—a situation far more precarious than she could comprehend.

Her judgment, clouded by her feelings, was not something I could trust. While I would have loved to celebrate her ambition to become a Healer for children, my priority right now was for her to settle down with Ian and embrace the role of a wife.

Only then, once she was married to someone other than Damien, would she find genuine safety from the chaos he brought into her life. Especially now, with all the concessions he had made to Claire, the risks were heightened.

I was resolute; I would shield Amelia from that toxic situation at all costs.

I could sense her anger simmering beneath the surface. Her body language spoke volumes—her face was turned away from me, gazing out the window, and her shoulders were rigid with tension. It was as if she wished to shrink away and disappear into the upholstery of the car.

In a way, I understood her fury. I knew her heart still leaned toward Damien, even if she didn’t fully acknowledge it. Yet, I felt compelled to impose what I believed was best for her, unwilling to waver when it came to her safety.

I could endure her anger, even if it escalated to hatred. But the thought of something happening to her again—of her being hurt or, God forbid, killed—was unbearable.

As long as she was safe, I could find contentment, even if it meant keeping my distance.

The remainder of our journey was steeped in silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily in the air. Thankfully, the palace was not far from the hospital.

Upon our arrival, I spotted Ian standing at the edge of the courtyard, his posture suggesting he had been waiting for us.

Amelia seemed to sink deeper into her seat, as if trying to become one with the car itself.

She might never grasp the rationale behind my decisions to protect her, but I was determined to ensure her safety, no matter the personal cost.

“Go on, say hi to Ian, Annette,” I urged gently. “He’s been waiting for you.”

She turned her gaze toward me, and in that fleeting moment, I caught a glimpse of resentment that pierced through me like a dagger.

Yet, in the next breath, she opened the car door, stepped out, and approached Ian just as I had suggested.

My heart could ache all it wanted; as long as Amelia remained safe this time, that was all that truly mattered.

**Damien’s POV**

It wasn’t long after Stacy regained consciousness that her restlessness began to manifest in her hospital room. She fidgeted, a bundle of energy eager to stand and play, but between Martin, Lillian, and myself, we ensured she remained seated.

Amy, her sister, wore an expression that mirrored both worry and boredom. I could see the longing in her eyes; she, too, craved an escape from this sterile room.

After yet another gentle coaxing back into bed, Stacy turned her bright, doe-like eyes toward me and asked, “Can we still go to the party tonight, Daddy?”

Amy’s eyes lit up in unison, her excitement adding a second layer of cuteness to their combined plea. “Oh! Can we?”

“Absolutely not,” I replied firmly. “Stacy, you’ve only just woken up. You need to rest.”

“I rested enough,” she protested, her voice filled with determination. “I want to see the pretty dresses.”

“And wear ours!” Amy chimed in, her little face scrunching up in a way that made it hard to resist. “We bought those dresses, Daddy. We can’t let them go to waste.”

“You can wear them another time,” I insisted, trying to maintain my resolve.

Both girls pouted, their bottom lips jutting out in a synchronized display of disappointment.

I had to maintain my distance—not just for her sake, but for my own well-being.

**Amelia’s POV**

“Hello, Ian.”

“Annette. There you are. I’ve been wondering where you were.”

“I was helping Stacy at the hospital,” I replied, though I suspected he already knew. “I must have been a Healer in a past life or something; it felt so natural.”

“Yes, that’s commendable, but you should be returning to your room to prepare for the upcoming Ball,” he stated, offering me his arm. “May I escort you?”

A sense of deflation washed over me. First Sienna, then Jake, and now Ian. Would no one support the choice I wished to make for myself?

But perhaps I didn’t need their approval. If this was something I wanted for myself, why wasn’t that enough?

For the moment, I couldn’t find a compelling reason to decline, so I slid my arm through Ian’s and allowed him to guide me away from the car.

I heard Jake exiting behind us, but I didn’t turn around to look or even say goodbye. After his recent behavior, I was furious with him. Giving him the silent treatment felt like the least I could do.

With Ian’s arm securely around mine, we walked through the courtyard toward the main part of the palace, where the rooms awaited us.

As we strolled, I pondered Damien’s words from the car—his suggestion that I should be subservient to Ian’s wishes.

Maybe… if I simply asked him what he envisioned for the future, I would gain insight into what that kind of life would entail. Perhaps, if I were fortunate, Ian would desire a partnership akin to what I hoped for.

Gathering my courage, I ventured, “Ian, in the future, when you find a wife…” I cleared my throat, pushing through the discomfort, “What would you expect of her?”