Ran Away Pregnant Came Back Alpha Heiress (Amelia and Damien) novel Chapter 259

**TITLE: Night Whispers Forgotten Names – Colin Shah 259**

**Chapter 259**

**Amelia’s POV**

As we strolled down the path, Ian glanced at me, his lips curving into a slight smile. “It’s completely normal to feel a bit anxious,” he reassured, his voice softening the air around us. “But honestly, I’m relieved that you brought this up. The fact that you’ve been contemplating our relationship like this… it’s more comforting than you can imagine, Annette.”

When I had posed my question, I had intentionally kept it vague, hoping to steer clear of a conversation that might delve too deeply into personal territory. Yet, without hesitation, he leaped to the idea of marriage, interpreting my inquiry as nothing more than the playful musings of a girl who was already envisioning a future with him.

“I can promise you this,” he continued, his tone earnest. “With me, you will be treated like a Queen. I will ensure that every need and desire you have is met without question.”

I figured he was referring to material comforts, but I felt compelled to challenge him, yearning to uncover a more profound aspect of his character. “What if my dream was to work as a pediatrician at the hospital?” I ventured, hoping to gauge his true feelings on independence.

His laughter erupted, a hearty sound that echoed around us as if I had just shared the most amusing joke in the world. “No wife of mine will need to work,” he declared, waving off my ambition. “Come on, Annette, be serious.”

“I am serious,” I insisted, my voice firm as I met his gaze.

He shook his head, a fond smile lingering on his lips, as if I were merely indulging in a whimsical fantasy.

“My wife will stay at home,” he reiterated, his tone growing more resolute. “She will know she can rely on me for everything, and she won’t have to worry about a single thing in the world.”

“What if she wanted to worry?” I countered, a hint of defiance in my voice. “Staying home all day sounds rather dull.” I was all too aware of the monotony, having spent the last six years feeling like a prisoner within my own walls. Jake had always been reluctant to let me venture out or engage in any activities. It appeared that Ian was merely going to perpetuate that same restrictive mindset.

His smile faded gradually, replaced by a more serious expression. “You’ll see,” he said, his voice low and contemplative. “You’ll come to understand how wonderful it will be when I am your husband, and your only concern is taking care of yourself and raising our children.”

I couldn’t shake the feeling that ‘taking care of yourself’ meant maintaining my appearance to keep his interest. The notion was unsettling, and I nearly voiced my discomfort when, at that moment, we rounded a corner and I was confronted by the memorial the Alpha King had erected for Amelia. A sea of flowers surrounded a large portrait of her, vibrant and haunting.

I halted in my tracks, my breath catching in my throat as I stared at the image. I had never truly seen her before, but in that moment, it felt as though I were gazing into a mirror reflecting my own face.

“Ah,” Ian remarked dismissively, breaking the spell. “There’s Amelia’s memorial.”

His indifferent tone ignited a spark of irritation within me. “You sound like you disagree with it,” I replied, my voice cold and sharp.

“She only brought chaos to the pack,” Ian stated bluntly. “Even the Alpha King had to navigate through the mess she created. Why would anyone want to celebrate her?”

“She’s dead,” I reminded him, my voice laced with ice. “It’s disrespectful to speak ill of the deceased.”

“It’s not ill if it’s the truth. She was reckless and brought trouble upon herself,” Ian continued, seemingly oblivious or indifferent to my rising frustration. “If she had listened to Jake, she might still be alive.”

“Those are vile things to say about my sister,” I retorted, pulling my arm away from him in a gesture of defiance.

He looked at me, disbelief etched across his features. “You don’t even remember her,” he shot back, his words like a dagger piercing through my defenses. Ian scoffed, turning his gaze back to the portrait. “In time, you will see. You will come to understand things from my perspective.”

“I won’t,” I declared firmly, my resolve hardening. “Not if what you believe are negative things about my family. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll continue on my own from here.”

Damien had breathed life into my very being with his touch and his lips.

But he was a man I could never claim for myself.

I had to make the best of what remained. That meant finding a way to make things work with Ian, even if it filled me with dread.

Even if that future appeared bleak and solitary.

**Damien’s POV**

As the healer examined Stacy once more, contemplating whether to clear her for the upcoming ball, I stepped aside, my mind already racing to fulfill the promises I had made to Claire.

I pulled out my phone, fingers flying over the screen as I texted the enforcers stationed outside her house, instructing them to stand down while emphasizing that Claire was not to be left unattended.

A wave of confusion washed over me as a couple of them responded, seeking confirmation that it was indeed me sending the messages and that my phone hadn’t been compromised. We had protocols in place for situations like this, so I provided them with the secret passcode that verified my identity. Additionally, I sent them a selfie, ensuring they could see my face and confirm my authenticity.

I loathed myself for making this decision. I would have done anything within my power to prevent this from happening. Claire deserved to be exiled at best, dead at worst. Yet here I was, reinstating her into the pack as if nothing had transpired.

I’m so sorry, Amelia, I thought silently, wishing that her memory could somehow forgive me.

But what choice did I have? I had to protect my daughter.