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Amelia’s POV

"Amelia, don’t think we don’t trust you, but Anna and Carver have been together for years. They love each other a lot," Aunt Elizabeth said gently.

"But Aunt," I protested, trying to stay calm, "she’s cheating on him. Why can’t anyone see that?"

She sighed and placed a soft kiss on my temple. "Darling, it’s his life. We have no right to interfere. Let him make his own choices."

"We’re going shopping now. If you want anything, let us know."

"I don’t need anything," I replied curtly, instantly regretting my tone. She was being kind, and I lashed out.

"Sorry, Aunt Elizabeth. I didn’t mean to snap. It’s just—my emotions are all over the place."

She smiled. "It’s alright, Melissa." She paused, then leaned in like she was about to share a scandalous secret. "I don’t like Anna either."

I blinked. "Wait, what?"

She chuckled. "I have a strong feeling this marriage won’t last long. Don’t stress yourself over it. Just take a break."

"But—"

"No buts. Get some sleep." She walked out, leaving me more confused than ever.

First, she says Carver and Anna are perfect for each other, and now she says the marriage won’t last? What is happening?

All I know is that I don’t want Carver to go through heartbreak like I did. It’s unbearable. But if no one wants to hear me out, then fine. I won’t interfere.

I’ve already made my decision—I’m not attending the wedding. I won’t stand by and watch him ruin his life. Instead, I booked a flight to Australia. I miss my friends, and Dad has some business there that I’ll handle for a while.

I packed my bags and steeled myself for what’s next.

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At the dining table…

"When are you leaving, Amelia?" Dad asked.

Everyone looked up, surprised. Only Dad and I knew about the trip.

"In an hour," I replied, avoiding their eyes.

"Where are you going?" they asked in unison.

"Actually," Dad cut in smoothly, "I left some important documents in our Australia office. I’m sending Amelia to retrieve them."

"What about the wedding?" Aunt Elizabeth asked.

"You won’t be here to help us? You’re supposed to be my maid of honor," Anna added with a smirk.

I glared at her. "I don’t have time for that."

Carver scowled. "If you don’t attend my wedding, don’t expect me at yours."

I laughed bitterly. "Dear CEO, I don’t see myself getting married now—or ever. Even if you wanted to attend, there wouldn’t be a wedding."

His eyes narrowed at me.

"If I’ve said too much, I apologize. But I’d rather spend time with people who are real, than be part of a fake celebration."

"ENOUGH!" Mom shouted.

"Amelia, if you don’t want to attend, don’t. There’s no need to argue. Just eat and then go."

Dinner ended in silence. Everyone said goodbye to me—except Carver.

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Later, in the guestroom…

I went to grab my phone from Aunt Elizabeth’s guestroom, only to find Carver sitting on the bed.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

He smirked. "It’s my house. I can sit wherever I want."

"Fine. Just stay out of my way. I’m getting my phone." As I reached for it, he suddenly grabbed my wrist.

"What do you think you’re doing?" he growled, his grip tight.

"Let go. You’re hurting me!" I tried to twist free, but he didn’t let go.

"Tell me what’s going on between you and Anna."

"I already did. But if you’d rather trust her over me, that’s your choice. I just couldn’t bear to see you ruin your life, so I’m leaving."

Our eyes locked. His intense gaze traveled from my eyes to my lips. And then, before I could process it, his lips met mine.

It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t gentle. It was urgent and confusing and heart-shattering.

His lips were soft. He tasted like mint. I melted into the kiss, my knees going weak as our mouths moved in sync.

Then… the damn ringtone shattered everything.

We pulled back, breathless and wide-eyed. I couldn’t find words. Neither could he.

I ran—out of the room, out of the house, trying to hide my flushed cheeks. As I sat in the car, I looked up at the balcony.

Carver stood there. "I’m sorry," he mouthed, his hands on his earlobes in apology.

I just waved, signaling goodbye—because after this wedding, nothing between us would ever be the same.

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At the airport…

As soon as I entered the terminal, I bumped into someone. I didn’t see his face, but I knew the scent—his cologne was unforgettable.

Eric Williamson.

What is he doing in France?

He was on the phone, walking briskly. Curiosity got the better of me.

"Yeah, sweetheart, I’ll be there soon. Don’t worry—you’re marrying me, not that loser Deric. Once the contract is signed, Anderson and James are finished."

My heart froze.

He continued, "I’ve already made arrangements for Amelia. When she reaches Australia, my men will take care of her."

Take care of me? He’s planning to kill me?

I turned to leave, but he caught me by the hair and dragged me into a dark room.

"Did you think you could spy on me and get away with it?" he snarled. "My sweet ex… I was going to follow you to Australia to kill you, but you’ve made it easy by showing up here."

Kill me? Revenge?

Before I could scream, before I could fight back, everything went dark.

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