When the Dead Still Call novel Chapter 2

Chapter 2: A Surprise Awaiting Amelia

The guests exchanged glances, their whispers growing louder and more animated by the second.

“So, Vincent actually has feelings for Gianna?” one murmured.

“Isn’t it obvious? Have you noticed how even the Nygards treat Gianna with more warmth?” another chimed in.

“Yeah, honestly, Gianna seems more like their true daughter than Amelia ever was.”

+8 Pearls

“Exactly! Amelia vanished for years. Who knows what she endured during that time? Compared to Gianna, she simply doesn’t stand a chance. Gianna outshines her in every possible way.”

Their eyes flicked toward Amelia, filled with a mix of mockery and pity, but she remained utterly unmoved, as if their words were nothing more than background noise.

She carried herself with a quiet detachment, ignoring the harsh judgments thrown her way.

Josie’s patience snapped, her anger barely contained. “Amelia…”

Her gaze softened with concern, worry etched deeply across her face. Hurtful remarks from strangers could be brushed aside, but wounds inflicted by family cut far deeper.

Amelia responded with a serene smile. “I’m okay.”

She had long since surrendered to the weight of it all; there was nothing left for her to fight for.

At that moment, her phone screen glowed softly. A message from Gianna appeared, just two simple words: “I won.”

Amelia read the text and let out a quiet, bitter laugh.

Her smile was cold, edged with contempt.

If Gianna wanted the scraps left behind, she was welcome to them.

This marriage was nothing more than a business arrangement between the Desters and the Nygards. Amelia was never the type to beg or settle for less.

Without hesitation, she slipped off her engagement ring and dropped it into a nearby champagne glass.

Clink!

The ring sank to the bottom, sending tiny ripples across the liquid.

Josie’s eyes widened in shock. “Amelia, you…”

“It’s over,” Amelia declared firmly.

Turning on her heel, she lifted the hem of her dress and strode out of the grand banquet hall without sparing anyone a backward glance.

The guests parted instinctively to let her pass, all stunned by the icy aura radiating from her.

—

At Centría Hospital, the VIP room carried a faint scent of disinfectant, sterile and cold.

Gianna sat wrapped in a hospital gown, white bandages encircling her head. Her eyes were red-rimmed and watery, lending her a fragile, pitiful appearance. “Vincent, I’m sorry. This is all my fault. You should go back. Today’s your engagement with Amelia. Don’t let me ruin it.”

Vincent frowned but spoke gently, his voice calm and reassuring. “This isn’t your fault. Just focus on getting better. Don’t say things like that.”

Gianna shook her head weakly. “But… I’m worried Amelia might misunderstand. I want to explain everything to her.”

“Gianna, don’t move! The doctor said you have a concussion and need rest!” Emery scolded, gripping Gianna’s hand tightly, her face etched with concern. “You’re hurt, yet you’re still thinking about others.”

—

Later, Emery turned to Vincent. “Vincent, Gianna has always been so considerate, unlike Amelia, who’s stubborn as ever. You shouldn’t keep spoiling her.”

She spoke as if Amelia wasn’t even her own daughter.

Out of sight, Gianna’s lips curled into a proud, sly smile.

She had orchestrated everything. At the very last moment of the engagement, she struck where it would hurt Amelia the most.

Everything that once belonged to Amelia, Gianna was determined to claim for herself.

She believed she deserved to be the sole heiress of the Nygard legacy.

And soon, another “surprise” awaited Amelia.

—

Outside, Amelia stepped away from the hotel, the cool night breeze brushing gently against her skin, helping to clear the storm of thoughts swirling in her mind.

Josie hurried after her. “Amelia, wait up!”

Just as Josie caught up, a black van screeched to a halt right in front of them, tires squealing sharply. The side door swung open abruptly, and two masked men lunged toward Amelia.

She knew full well that Gianna had orchestrated the kidnapping last night.

As if sensing Amelia’s thoughts, Gianna glanced over with a small smile, her eyes gleaming with defiance.

A surge of anger exploded within Amelia’s chest. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and slapped Gianna hard across the face.

Smack!

The sharp sound echoed through the room. Gianna’s head snapped to the side, leaving a bright red handprint on her pale cheek.

Everyone in the Nygard family froze, stunned.

Moments later, Emery screamed and rushed forward. “Amelia! Have you lost your mind? I didn’t even question where you were last night, and now you come back and hit your sister?”

Marcelo jumped up, his face dark with rage. “How dare you hit Gianna? Apologize right now!”

But Amelia was quicker. She slapped him across the face as well. “No way! Shut up. She deserved it.”

Miguel cursed loudly. “Are you insane?”

Smack!

Another slap, without hesitation. “Shut up!”

When Maxwell opened his mouth to intervene, Amelia didn’t pause and slapped him too.

Now it was even.

Unlike her family, who always took sides, she was fair—everyone received the same treatment.

By now, Amelia’s patience had completely worn thin.

They had all crossed her final line.

Raymond’s face flushed red, his anger barely contained as he prepared to speak, but Amelia cut him off sharply. “You better stay quiet, or you’ll get the same treatment.”

Gianna clutched her cheek, tears streaming down her face as her voice trembled. “Amelia, why did you hit me? I never wanted to fight with you…”

Amelia glared at her, her eyes sharp and icy. “Gianna, you know exactly why. Those two thugs already told me everything.”

At that, Raymond’s brows knitted together in confusion and anger. “What thugs?”