The Divorced Heiress Is Getting Married Again
Chapter 185

185 A Short Break

Liam had never been good at hiding his frustrations, and lately, they seemed to cling to him like a shadow.

He had not been sleepwalking for quite some time now, and even though therapy had started to help as well, the stress that hung over him made it all the harder to break free. Amelie saw the wear in his eyes, the tension in his shoulders, and finally, she decided that enough was enough. The deal with Einar's company had been a looming weight on both of them, but Amelie put her foot down and took control, insisting she would manage the negotiations herself, using the help of the Castillo family.

Liam had protested, of course, but he knew that when his wife made up her mind, there was nothing that could stop her. She had a way of setting her jaw that made him-everyone-fall in line.

Liam had even admitted to his therapist, half-laughing, half-serious, that Amelie's serious face was the scariest of all her expressions. Amelie sat in bed, her face buried in a novel, while Liam climbed in beside her, his head resting on her thighs as he hugged her waist.

"Let's go away for a few days," he murmured in a gentle voice, but there was an undercurrent of pleading that tugged at the woman's heart.

Without looking up from her book, Amelie answered somewhat absentmindedly, "Away? I don't think we can afford to do that right now. Work has been piling up, and the Christmas charity banquet is practically knocking at our door. I need to start preparing." "Exactly!" Liam said, a little more whiny this time as he snatched the book out of her hands, forcing her to meet his eyes. "Soon, we are going to be even busier. This is the perfect time for us to take a break while we still can. My therapist said that spending quiet time with you helps, you know... with everything." He paused, his lips curving into a small pout. "And since we didn't even have our honeymoon, I think it will do us both good."

Amelie looked into his stormy gray eyes, the soft lines of worry etched around them, and her seriousness began to melt.

Liam's therapist had said the same to her: that Liam felt calmer when they were together, that their bond was a key part of his healing. And if she were honest with herself, she needed the break too. The constant pressure of work, of managing the company's intricate deals, and caring for Liam had worn her thin.

She smiled down at him, brushing a lock of his dark hair from his forehead. "You know what? You are right. Work has been hard, and I want to help you with your therapy."

She paused, thinking for a moment. "Angelina Castillo is having a birthday party at her family villa by the beach. I was going to decline the invitation because the weather's getting cold, but maybe a little celebration won't hurt. We can head to your villa afterward and stay there for a few days."

Liam's face lit up with excitement, his eyes sparkling as he wrapped his arms tighter around his

105 A Short Break

wife's waist, burying his face in her stomach. "That's amazing! I'm so glad you agreed to it!"

But suddenly, as if struck by a thought, he pulled back quickly, his expression filled with intense worry. "Wait... maybe I shouldn't hug you so tightly. What if you're already pregnant?"

melic burst into laughter, shaking her head as she patted him gently on the head. "Don't worry, Liam. A little hug isn't going to hurt me."

His eyes instantly softened as he rested his head back on her thighs, and for a moment, they both just sat in the quiet of the evening, wrapped in the shared warmth.

***

In the cold, darkened room of another home, Samantha sat in a rocking chair, her gaze fixed on the falling snow outside. The winter wind howled softly, brushing against the windows, but her mind was elsewhere-far from the serene scene before her. Her hands rested on her swollen stomach, her baby due in less than two months. She shifted uncomfortably, a heavy sigh escaping her lips as she glanced at the clock on her phone.

It was well past midnight, and Richard still hadn't come home. The late nights had become more frequent, and she hated that she was left waiting, unsure of what state he would return in. 'I told Kyle I'd handle the ballerina,' she thought, furrowing her brows. 'But how? What can I do that wouldn't make things worse? I agreed to his scheme with the company's shares because I didn't want to drown in debt... but who knows what that will mean for me in the end."

She stared out at the snow, her thoughts growing even darker. 'I have to be careful now. Richard had become unpredictable, and I can't trust him not to throw me away once the baby is born. I have to keep Kyle on my side, no matter what. I need him as a backup! Richard had once been her lifeline, her security, but now? Now, he felt like a threat. She couldn't afford to lose him, but she couldn't fully trust him with her future either.

The door creaked open downstairs, and Samantha tensed, her heart skipping a beat as she listened to Richard's footsteps echo through the house. She stood slowly, her hand still on her stomach, and moved toward the bedroom door.

'I'll give Kyle the shares,' she decided. 'It's the only way to keep him close. As long as I can keep him by my side, I'll have a way out if Richard tries anything."

She knew she was walking a dangerous line, but what choice did she have? With the baby coming and her position more precarious than ever, she had to secure her future.

"What are you doing in the dark?" Richard's voice rang in her ears, suddenly pulling her out of her musings. "You should be asleep by now. Don't harm your health."

'Drunk again,' Samantha's brows knitted together in annoyance.

She took a step forward, stretching her arms to offer her husband a hug, but Richard only shook his head and headed straight for the bed. "Angelina Castillo's birthday party. We are going. Make sure to be on your best behavior."@

<

186 What Should I Do About This Then?

186 What Should I Do About This Then?

The Castillo villa was nestled on the coast, its sprawling gardens stretching towards the edge of the cliffs that overlooked the sea.

The gentle hum of conversation, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter, filled the evening air as the crème de la crème of high society mingled under twinkling chandeliers and elaborate designer displays.

Angelina Castillo, dressed in a custom designer dress, drifted through her birthday party like the perfect hostess, smiling and chatting with her high-profile guests. Famous socialites, CEOs, and heirs to empires mingled effortlessly, their conversations a mix of idle gossip and business deals dressed up as casual pleasantries.

Amelie Bennett stood near one of the enormous windows, looking out at the breathtaking view of the ocean as she sipped her orange juice. Now that she was seriously trying for a baby, alcohol was out of the question.

Angelina had been gracious, though Amelie knew her well enough to sense the tension beneath her polished exterior.

Earlier, she had apologized to Amelie about inviting the Clarks, explaining that Richard was still quite a prominent business figure, and not inviting him would have caused more trouble than it was worth.

"It's fine," Amelie had said, brushing off the apology with a casual shrug. "As long as he and his wife keep their distance."

Still, there was a subtle division at the party.

Some of the older crowd, those who still held deep ties to Richard's former empire, gravitated toward him, engaging in polite conversation and reminiscing about old business deals.

But most of the younger socialites, eager to align themselves with the future, swarmed around Amelie and Liam. Amelie could feel the energy in the room shifting, could sense the curious eyes of guests landing on her, waiting for her next move.

She felt Liam beside her before she saw him. His familiar presence was always comforting, grounding her in a way no one else could. He scowled down at the small corgi nestled in her arms, Captain Pantaloons looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes. "Did you really have to bring him here?" Liam asked, his voice tinged with playful annoyance. Amelie shook her head, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "He's just like you, you know? He follows me everywhere. I couldn't be cruel and leave him alone again." Liam rolled his eyes, pouting slightly as he pointed at the dog. "At least don't carry him around like he's a baby."

Amelie laughed, setting Captain Pantaloons down on the floor. "You are right. I think I have grown way too attached to him."

Before Liam could gloat about the dog's crestfallen expression, a voice from behind them interrupted their conversation. "Mr. Bennett! Long time no see! Can we chat for a bit?"

186 What Should I Do About This Then?

Liam's playful expression faltered for a moment, and he turned to Amelie with a look of reluctant guilt. She gave him a small nod of encouragement, motioning for him to go. "Go ahead. I'll be fine."

Liam leaned down to kiss her cheek before turning to the man who had addressed him. "Sure, let's grab a drink and catch up."

As he disappeared into the crowd, Amelie helped Captain Pantaloons onto one of the nearby sofas, her eyes scanning the room. Relief washed over her when she saw no sign of Richard, but her gaze landed on someone else-Samantha. Heavily pregnant, Samantha looked out of place amidst the glittering guests, her expression tight as she lingered near the edges of the crowd.

'It was foolish of her to come here tonight,' Amelic thought, frowning. 'She is so far along-Richard should have known better than to drag her here.'

Just as Amelie was about to turn away, something caught her attention once more.

Kyle Marshall was approaching Samantha, his face clouded with a surprisingly grim expression. Amelie watched as Samantha's face mirrored his tension, her hand instinctively moving to her swollen belly as they exchanged words.

The two of them began walking toward the terrace, and curiosity gnawed at Amelie. She set her glass down and quietly followed them, slipping through the shadows of the villa until she was hidden behind one of the tall, marble pillars.

She strained her ears, trying to catch their conversation over the sound of the party, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and strange excitement.

"But why would you do that?!" Samantha's voice came first, sharp with loud shock. "And so suddenly, too?"

Kyle sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I told you before-my father doesn't like me spending money recklessly here, so he wants me back. He is putting me under strict supervision again." "But...!" Samantha's voice wavered, and Amelie peered around the pillar to see her stepping closer to Kyle, her expression almost pleading. "I am taking care of it! I filed the request with the accountants just like you instructed me! Soon, the shares will be in your hands!"

Amelie's breath caught in her throat, and she quickly covered her mouth with her hand to suppress a gasp. 'Liam was right... she is doing it!'

Kyle looked at Samantha for a long moment before sighing again. "That resolves my money issues, sure. But still... there is no point in me staying here any longer, Sam. It's been way too long already."

Samantha's face darkened, her fists clenched at her sides as her lips trembled. She bit down on them, trying to hold back her desperation.

Then, in a voice filled with evident frustration she nearly shouted, "Don't go back! I need you here, by my side! I... I love you!"

Amelie's eyes rounded in pure shock.

186 What Should I Do About This Then?

weird satisfaction, Samantha's corruption was there, in full display.

Hugging Kyle tightly from behind, her face was pressed against his back, tears streaming down her face.

The man, noticing Amelie, offered her a cunning smirk, and covered Samantha's hands with his.

"Oh my... What should I do about this then?"