Amelia
“Being a working-class woman isn't stressful.”

Curse whoever says that. I'm so tired right now but have no choice but to eat. If not something to eat, at least something cold to calm my nerves. Not even with the ongoing family drama.

What are they fighting about exactly? I don't even know.

A few days ago, Amanda was at the Romanus mansion to shout and a detective came home to accuse mother and Ava. Though I know they've been cruel to Amanda, will they ever try to kill her?

I breathed in heavily and exhaled deeply. I rushed out of the vehicle to get some fast food and go home for a peaceful night's rest.

Immediately I bought what I needed, I walked out of the restaurant and slipped into the car. Exhausted, I rested my head on the steering wheel until I heard a knock on the car's door.

Anger surged as I raised my head but subsided when I laid my orbs on the tall, handsome man knocking on my car’s door.

“Hi… I'm sorry,” I said, opening the car's door.

“No worries, Amelia. It's normal. It's my fault anyway.” He explained.

“Yeah, Detective…” I paused suddenly because I couldn't remember his name.

“Daniel,” he said before he extended his left hand for a handshake. Still seated in my car, I shook hands with him.

“I hope I don't forget that again. It's nice meeting you again. What are you doing here?” I asked, tapping my shoes lightly on the floor immediately I stood.

“To see you… I mean, I couldn't… I was just passing by.” He stumbled on his words before finally concluding.

“No problem. I guess we will meet some other day then.” I waved ‘goodbye’ and attempted to leave but I was stopped by an extremely icy hand that allowed my body to vibrate before it swirled at the command of the hand.

The hand had more strength than I have so it was no big deal dragging me close. “What are you doing?” I asked Daniel.

“I came for you. I have been more of a stalker these days.” He pulled me closer till his eyes bore into mine and his lips touched my cold nose. Realization struck me as I tightened my grip on the clothes. He lowered his head and placed a kiss on my lips.

My phone nearly fell from my hand.

It was like I was in his trance. I just stood like a moron. When he took off his lips on mine, I felt like a huge creep and when I was finally able to move again, my heart rate hammered at one hundred and eighty pulses per minute.

“To be sincere, I like you. Do you think we can be a thing?” He asked.

I batted my eyelashes instinctively at him before I darted into the vehicle and zoomed off.

My heart couldn't stop beating fast even when I arrived at the Romanus mansion. Quickly, I carried my bag and the nylon containing my food then I rushed into the building.

“Welcome workaholic. It took you quite a long time to get home today. Did you go to see Amanda?” My mother asked without bothering to look at me.

Had it been Ava, she would have hurried to assist her.

Julienne is my mother but one would hardly know. All she cares about is my elder sister, Ava, who loves no one but herself. Anyway, they are birds of the same feathers.

“I didn't. And even if I go, I am not a kid that you are supposed to monitor her movement. I'm an adult,” I said as I made my way to the stairs.

“I am your mother, Amelia. Don't you fucking walk out on me,” my father's wife yelled.

My countenance switched from a moody one to an angry one while I turned. I rolled my eyes irritatingly at her, “When last have we had a conversation? You had better be joking. Well… it looks like behind your concern lies a hidden agenda. What's it? Tell me.”

She chuckled, dropped the glass of wine on the table, and marched towards me. “I love the fact that you know your mother well. You're not a bastard. Well, what did you and Amanda talk about today? Don't lie, I know you guys met.”

I laughed out loud, almost enough to wake the whole house. “That's not true. Looks like your informants are blind or probably you are blind. It will be better if you start urgent medical attention so your condition doesn't get worse, Mother.” I mocked.

“How dare you talk to my mother like that?” Ava growled, rushing down the stairs.

“And what breed of dog is barking behind me?” I asked, staring at Ava who had a towel wrapped around her chest to her knee.

“You… I dare you to say that again.” Ava shouted.

“Cotton buds aren't expensive. If your ear is not properly cleaned, you can get some to clean them. Okay?” I winced at Julienne while I almost knocked Ava off the stairs as I made my way upstairs before storming into my room.

That served them right.

Ever since we were kids growing up, Julienne paid more attention to Ava than me. Separated from them, I spent most of my time with Amanda and her mother because they had opened their arms to accept me. They were also caring and affectionate.

I sat on the bed, lay on it, and shut my eyes.

All of a sudden, I sat upright when my stomach grumbled, begging me to pay more attention to it than what I was thinking of.

First things first, I need a warm bath.

I rushed to the bathroom and soaked myself in the bathtub for a few minutes. When I was done cleaning my body, I came out only to hear my phone ringing. I wondered who it was. Before I could pick up my phone, the call ended.

I ignored it and carefully unwrapped the nylon around my food. After I unpacked the food, my phone rang again.

I checked the screen to see it was an unknown number. I wanted to ignore it since I don't like picking private or unknown numbers but I summoned a little bit of courage to answer the call.

“Hello, Amelia.” The familiar male voice that left me not too long ago echoed from the other end of the line.