Ran Away Pregnant Came Back Alpha Heiress (Amelia and Damien) novel Chapter 263

**Night Whispers Forgotten Names – Colin Shah 263**

**Chapter 263**

**Amelia’s POV**

As I scanned the bustling crowd, my gaze landed on Amy, who was boldly making her way towards me, her little legs moving with determination. I couldn’t help but feel a mix of surprise and admiration for her audacity. She was brimming with excitement, eager to pull me into a dance with her father, Damien. But a flutter of uncertainty twisted in my stomach; the way Ian’s brows were furrowed, his demeanor radiating annoyance, made me question if this was truly a good idea. Yet, despite my reservations, the thought of swaying in Damien’s arms ignited a warmth in my heart that I couldn’t ignore.

Just as I contemplated the situation, Damien came rushing after her, stopping a mere few feet away, his eyes locking onto mine. In that instant, time seemed to freeze around us. It was as if the world had faded into the background, leaving just the two of us suspended in a moment of silent connection. Then, with purposeful strides, Damien closed the gap, placing a reassuring hand on Amy’s shoulder.

“Honey, it’s rather inconsiderate to interrupt when people are dancing,” he said, his tone gentle but firm.

“They didn’t look like they were having fun,” Amy pointed out, her perceptiveness shining through. And she was right; there was no joy in Ian’s movements. Although he was undoubtedly a skilled dancer, his technique was mechanical, devoid of the passion that should accompany such an intimate act. Our own lack of conversation, each of us avoiding the other’s gaze, only added to the cold atmosphere as we moved in stiff synchrony.

Ian’s voice sliced through the air, icy and dismissive. “No one asked for your opinion or your interruption,” he spat, irritation lacing his words. My heart sank at his harshness directed towards a child. How could he speak to her like that? She was merely an innocent little girl, hopeful and excited.

Damien’s expression hardened, and I could see the tension building within him, ready to erupt. I felt a surge of protectiveness for Amy; I didn’t want a confrontation, especially not with her standing there, wide-eyed. But I also couldn’t let Ian’s disrespect go unchecked.

So, summoning my courage, I raised my voice, “I would be more than happy to dance with your dad.”

Ian’s attention snapped to me, disbelief etched across his features. “You would?” he questioned, his tone a mix of surprise and skepticism.

“Really?” Damien echoed, his expression softening slightly, a flicker of confusion mingling with intrigue.

“I trust you will honor the dance that Amy has so sweetly proposed in your place?” I said, looking directly at Damien, my heart racing as I awaited his response.

“I…” He hesitated, the weight of the moment pressing down on us as he scrutinized my face. I could almost see the battle raging in his mind—his attraction to me warring with the walls he had built to keep me at a distance.

That was the tipping point. My heart raced, fury igniting within me as I shot him a glare. “I belong to no one but myself. I have every right to dance with whoever I choose, and right now, that person is Damien.”

Ian recoiled as if I had struck him. Clearly, he hadn’t anticipated my resistance. In the past, I had played the role of the demure, compliant partner, molded by the expectations of my family and Ian’s desires. But those days were over.

I was done being pushed around. If Ian couldn’t see me for who I truly was and respect my autonomy, then it was time to put an end to that. I was tired of pretending to be a delicate flower, wilting under pressure. That was not who I was.

“If you will excuse me,” I declared, stepping closer to Damien, my hand slipping into his with a sense of purpose.

Ian watched us, his outrage palpable, but all he could manage were incoherent grunts and spluttering anger.

“Go back to your grandparents now, Amy,” Damien instructed, his voice calm yet firm. “Now that you’ve gotten your way.”

Amy’s face was a picture of uncontainable happiness, her smile so wide it seemed to stretch from ear to ear. “Yes, Daddy,” she replied cheerfully, before turning on her heel and darting back the way she had come, leaving behind the tension that had filled the air moments before.