Chapter 100
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ADRIAN sat behind his desk, the city lights spilling in through the tall glass windows of his office. The night was alive outside, but his thoughts were consumed within. Peter stood before him, a tablet in hand, scrolling carefully as he spoke.
“You asked me to gather details on your wife’s business ventures,” Peter began. “Well… it is more than just Satin & Sage now p>
Adrian’s eyes lifted sharply.
“What do you mean, more p>
Peter cleared his throat, showing him the list.
“She has expanded. There is Ames Roses, a high-end flower boutique that has become something of a hotspot for both weddings and corporate events. Then there is Azure Springs Resort, a luxury getaway that is already receiving glowing reviews and pulling in dignitaries from out of state. Not to mention her partnerships with smaller fashion brands, quietly gaining traction p>
Adrian leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table as his gaze devoured the details. Each word seemed to strike him deeper.
“She… she built all this?” His voice was low, almost incredulous. “While I…” He trailed off, unable to finish, his jaw tightening with both regret and wonder.
“Yes, boss. And frankly,” Peter said carefully, “her businesses are flourishing. She is not just surviving, she is thriving p>
Adrian’s chest rose and fell, uneven. A strange mixture of pride and pain settled in him, twisting like a knife. He had once thought of Amelia as the quiet shadow behind his own success, but here she was, standing on her own, stronger than ever.
Marvelled, he leaned back into his chair, exhaling heavily. Again, in years, Adrian Cole realized he was no longer the center of Amelia’s world, she had built her own empire. And that, more than anything, shook him.
Amelia sat in her study, the glow of her desk lamp pooling over files and contracts. The twins were asleep, Hazel had gone to bed early, and the quiet in the house felt almost foreign. She leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples.
Her phone buzzed. She looked at it, unknown number. For a moment, she almost ignored it, until something told her to answer.
“Hello?” she said, her voice cautious.
There was a pause. Then a familiar voice, shaky, uncertain.
“Amelia… big sis, it is me. Claire p>
Amelia stiffened, her fingers tightening around the phone. Memories rushed back, the betrayal, the harsh words, the pain. And yet, also that night Claire had been the one to help her when labor struck, rushing her to the hospital.
“What do you want, Claire?” Amelia asked, her tone cool but not as cutting as it might have once been.
Claire swallowed audibly on the other end.
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“I know I have no right to call. After everything I did… after the way I hurt you, I wouldn’t blame you if you never wanted to hear my voice again. I left, like I said I would. I thought distance would help. But it hasn’t.” Her voice cracked. “You are still my sister, Amelia. I have missed you every day p>
The silence stretched between them. Amelia’s eyes misted, though she fought to keep her breathing even.
Claire continued, voice trembling.
“I don’t expect you to forgive me. I just… I needed you to know that I’m sorry. More sorry than words can ever explain. And if all I can do is carry that guilt for the rest of my life, then so be it. I only wish-” Her voice broke again. “I only wish I could still be in your life p>
Amelia closed her eyes, memories flashing like quick lightning, the betrayal, yes, but also the bond they once shared, the laughter, the childhood dreams. And then the image of Claire’s panicked hands steadying her during labor, her cries for help echoing in that moment of desperation.
The words came out before she could stop them.
“I forgive you, Claire p>
There was silence. So complete Amelia thought maybe the line had dropped. Then came the sound of Claire’s stifled sob.
“What… did you just say p>
“I forgive you,” Amelia repeated softly. Her throat tightened, but she pressed on. “It doesn’t erase what happened. It doesn’t mean everything is suddenly fine. But… I can’t keep carrying this anger anymore. And I don’t want to p>
On the other end, Claire wept openly now, words tumbling out between gasps.
“Thank you… Amelia, thank you… You don’t know what this means to me. I don’t deserve it, but… thank you p>
Amelia swallowed hard, blinking against the tears threatening to fall.
“We will take it one step at a time. Slowly. Don’t rush this, Claire. But maybe… maybe we can find our way back p>
For the first time in months, Claire allowed herself to breathe.
“That is all I have ever wanted.
When Amelia ended the call, she sat there for a long while, phone still in her hand, her heart lighter than it had felt in ages. For once, the night didn’t feel so heavy.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.