As soon as Amelia heard that, the little bit of hope that had just risen in her heart instantly sank again.
She asked softly, “So it might’ve just been a fluke?”
The doctor offered some reassurance, “Not necessarily.
Eye movement is a good sign, but it’s too early to jump to conclusions.
She’s been unresponsive for a long time—we’ll just need to keep watching.
Let us know immediately if anything changes.”
Amelia gave a small nod.
“Thanks.”
After the doctor left, she stayed by the bedside for quite a while, quietly watching.
Before leaving, she slipped a envelope into the caretaker’s hand.
The woman tried to decline, but Amelia said, “Please, just take it.
I’m not around much, and my mom relies on you.
I’d feel bad if you didn’t keep it.
And if anything changes, promise me you’ll tell me right away.”
“Of course.
It’s part of my job.”
With the conversation reaching that point, the caretaker couldn’t turn it down any longer.
*****
When Amelia got back to the apartment that night, Samantha was still up, curled up with a mug in hand.
The TV was on, playing an episode of the variety show “Voice of the Screen.”
“You’re back.”
Amelia gave a quiet “yeah” and flopped down onto the couch, sinking into the cushions.
The tension from the day finally eased up just a bit.
“You look like a mess—how’s your mom doing?”
“She’s stable for now,” Amelia sighed.
“But I didn’t manage to file for divorce.”
“Oh, that’s it?” Samantha popped a cherry into her mouth.
“So just try again another day.”
Amelia couldn’t be as chill about it.
The way Eric spoke on the phone this afternoon—he probably thought she bailed on him on purpose.
He might’ve even felt like she was trying to play some twisted mind game again.
If that’s how he saw it, trying to meet up again was going to be a lot harder.
She texted Eric, asking if he was free tomorrow.
He didn’t reply.
Most likely saw it and chose to ignore it.
While she was still thinking about how to get him to show up, Samantha suddenly remembered, “Oh right, those two boxes of white truffle are still sitting in the fridge.
When are you gonna deliver those?
I’m worried they’ll go bad.”
Amelia smacked her forehead.
“How did I forget about that!”
Talk about the perfect excuse—it basically just landed in her lap.
Eric had promised to take them.
He wouldn’t just ghost her now, would he?
“No way.
‘Voice of the Screen’ is actually thinking about inviting Chloe?” Samantha stared at the group chat, looking disgusted.
“That show’s lost its mind.
She literally exploited a major accident to gain clout—has the internet really forgotten already?”
“Voice of the Screen” had been a super popular show these past few years, and because it brought in so much traffic, big-time productions often used it for promo. New chapters come out on novelping dot com first.
Seeing someone you can’t stand pop up on a show you love?
Total buzzkill.
Samantha wasn’t ready to let it go.
“This can’t be real.
Let me check who leaked it.”
Just then, Amelia—who normally couldn’t care less about variety shows—suddenly said, “It’s probably true.”
Samantha turned to stare.
“How do you know?”
Amelia looked at her and replied, “The show’s official account DM’d me a few days ago, asking if I’d be interested in joining.”
Samantha’s jaw practically hit the floor.
“They asked you to be on it?”
Amelia nodded.
“Yeah, but I haven’t replied yet.”
Samantha looked like she was about to scream.
“Why not?!
Just say yes!
What’s there to think about?”
Amelia pressed her lips together.
Samantha squinted.
“Wait—you’re hesitant ’cause you don’t wanna be on stage with Chloe?”
Amelia said quietly, “It’s not that I’m afraid of her.
I just really don’t like being around her.”
“Feeling annoyed is totally normal.
I mean, who wouldn’t be pissed seeing the other woman?
But think about it—if you go, she’s the one getting crushed.
Isn’t she always bragging about being the most stunning one?
Let the audience see what real beauty looks like.
When the show airs, it’s gonna drive her nuts.
Just thinking about it feels satisfying!
And with how popular the show is, maybe some director will notice you.
Boom—lead actress role, instant fame.”
Amelia chuckled through her tears.
“Why does everything sound so easy when you say it?”
“Because I believe in you!
I’m counting on living in a mansion with you one day—come on, just say yes already!”
Amelia let out a soft sigh.
“I’ll think about it.
The taping’s not until next month anyway, there’s time.”
*****
The next morning, Amelia headed over to Eric’ company.
They’d been married for over three years, and she’d never once stepped into this building.
Who would’ve thought her first time here would be to talk about divorce?
She straightened her clothes, took a deep breath, and walked in.
Jeson Group was the major player in River City, located right in the city’s busiest district.
The sleek, high-tech design had made it a local landmark, and inside, it was all luxury—the ceiling was polished enough to reflect faces.
She kept her gaze steady and walked straight to the reception desk.
“Hi, could you tell me how to get to the CEO’s office?”
The receptionist was a young, clean-cut guy with a pleasant voice.
“Do you have an appointment?”
Amelia shook her head.
“Sorry, without an appointment, the CEO doesn’t take walk-ins.”
“Can you give him a call and tell him Amelia is looking for him?”
The guy glanced her up and down—she was dressed elegantly and looked like someone important, definitely beautiful enough to make people hesitate.
Barely a few seconds in, the call ended.
He turned to her, polite but firm.
“Sorry, Mr.
Reeves said he doesn’t know anyone named Amelia.”
Amelia’s expression tightened.
So he was just flat-out refusing to see her now?
“I’m his wife.
Try calling him again and let him know.”
The receptionist looked at her like she was imagining things.
Like, if you really were his wife and can’t even reach him, who are you kidding?
Amelia pulled out her phone and showed him a picture of her and Eric together, looking confident.
“Now do you believe me?”
He gave a sheepish smile.
“You wouldn’t believe how many people bring in photos claiming they’re Mrs.
Reeves.
Yours is one of the better Photoshop jobs, though.”
“I swear, it’s real.”
He kept his professional smile intact.
Amelia exhaled and dialed Lucas.
No one answered either.
Great.
These two probably planned this whole avoid-Amelia operation.
She looked up at the receptionist again—still the same robotic expression.
Fine, Eric.
You asked for it.
She put on the kind of bright, dazzling smile that could turn heads.
“Alright, guess I’ll just come back after making an appointment next time.
Could you take a few photos for me, though?
It’s my first time here—I’d like a souvenir.”
That he couldn’t refuse.
Jeson Group’s customer service motto was to meet every client’s needs, after all.
Once she picked a photo spot, Amelia slipped off her jacket.
*****
In the conference room.
The marketing manager was giving a report while Eric’ phone buzzed on the table.
Twice.
He glanced at it—Amelia had sent over a few photos.
He casually took a sip of water and tapped them open.
Next second, he choked on his drink, coughing uncontrollably as he covered his mouth, water splashing onto his hand.