Chapter 97

Landon had been calm and composed just moments ago, but his expression darkened at her words. “Amelia, do you think throwing around the idea of divorce is funny?”

Amelia hadn’t expected him to react so strongly. She glanced at Landon hesitantly, suddenly feeling like she might be in the wrong. I’m a liability now–dangerous, even. she thought. He should be keeping his distance, especially when he has barely survived and is recovering.

She sighed, “I’ve thought about this. I think someone’s trying to stop me from meeting William. It could be connected to my mother’s death, or maybe it’s about the tiara. Whatever it is, I’m in serious danger. I don’t want to drag you into it.”

Amelia’s gaze softened as she looked at Landon. Just days ago, they’d been bickering like children, but now, Amelia felt reluctant to leave. She glanced around the room, her heart aching with attachment.

In this life, both the Edwards family and the Foster family were like prisons. Only here had Amelia found warmth and felt like home. When she watched Zachary die in front of her at the hospital today, this was the place that came to her mind.

And Landon was the first person Amelia thought of. She knew it was just a partnership, but somehow, she’d come to depend on him. Even so, it was time to go.

“Amelia, do you think I’m afraid of danger?” Landon’s voice was low and restrained, his teeth clenched as if holding back his anger.

When Jonas took Amelia away, she would poison herself rather than fight back. But now, just because she’s in danger, she wants to leave me? Not a chance, he thought.

“Landon, you have so many responsibilities already. I really don’t want to burden you,” Amelia sighed, her expression a mixture of sorrow and helplessness.

Landon looked into her eyes and softened his tone. “So, you’re worried about me?”

Amelia nodded, and her gaze fell to the floor. The extent of the danger she faced was uncertain, but she couldn’t back down.

Amelia had to uncover the truth about Debra’s death and bring the murderer to justice–whether it was Walter, Melissa, or the one who pulled the trigger on Zachary.

“Amelia, I’m not afraid,” Landon suddenly smiled, taking Amelia’s uninjured hand and gently stroking it. “Let me help you.”

“This is different–they dare to kill this time,” Amelia shook her head.

“Then, we’ll deal with it head-on,” Landon interrupted, his voice steady. “What’s there to fear?” Anyone daring to threaten Amelia will have to answer to me and my gun, he thought.

Amelia stood frozen, her eyes filling with tears. “Landon, thank you for still protecting me.”

Landon rolled his eyes in exasperation and thought, Seriously? Isn’t it my duty to protect my wife?

Back in her room, Amelia collapsed onto her bed, tossing and turning as she tried to figure out who was stopping her from meeting William. Her phone buzzed–it was Patrick.

“Are you okay? Were you hurt? Did Zachary’s case implicate you in any way?” The string of sincere-sounding questions gave her a headache. This guy…could he not bother me at a time like this? Amelia thought.

“I’m fine. I’m home already,” she replied curtly.

“Amelia, no matter what happens, the Kingsley family is your support,” Patrick said earnestly, as though there were genuine feelings behind his words. But his next line immediately killed the mood. “Don’t be afraid. Even though Landon’s unwell, I can take his place and do anything for you."

Why did he say this to me? He’s clearly up to no good! Amelia thought.

“Thanks, Patrick, but that won’t be necessary. I can handle my own affairs.” Amelia ended the call without hesitation.

As she massaged her temples, preparing for sleep, she heard a familiar scoff. “Smart move–not falling for that creep’s tricks.”

Amelia turned her head and, sure enough, saw Landon wheeling himself into her room. His face was blank, carefully neutral, as if to say, “I didn’t say anything. I don’t know anything. And no, I’m definitely not mad.” Amelia couldn’t help bursting out laughing.

Oh, go on. Keep pretending. Your little secret thoughts are already an open book, she thought.

“What’s so funny?” Landon asked, feigning ignorance.

Inside, though, he felt a flicker of pride. She seems to like my praise. Maybe I should try that more often, he thought.

“Nothing,” Amelia said, shaking her head as she got up to help him with his evening routine.

“Go to bed,” Landon said abruptly. “I can handle it myself.”

Amelia hesitated before lying back down. “Alright, but call me if you need anything.”

“I won’t,” Landon muttered, clearly displeased. He wasn’t completely paralyzed, after all. The night Amelia stormed off to Pinecrest, he’d managed just fine on his own. Amelia was lost in her thoughts about William and didn’t notice Landon’s expression.

It wasn’t until Landon finished washing up and appeared beside Amelia’s bed in his pajamas that Amelia exclaimed in surprise, “You put on your pants all by yourself?”

“I told you, I’m perfectly capable.” Landon’s expression was proud, as if being self-sufficient at twenty-seven was some kind of extraordinary achievement.

Amelia couldn’t help but laugh. She played along and praised him. “You’re amazing.”

Landon looked satisfied as he handed her a heavy pillow. “What’s this?” she asked.

Landon replied, “A lavender pillow. It’s supposed to help you sleep.”

Amelia took it, bringing it up to her nose. A faint, soothing scent of lavender wafted from it.

“Where’d you get this?” she asked curiously.

“My father got it,” Landon replied, his eyes darkening slightly.

Amelia noticed the subtle change and pressed further. “Is there a story behind this pillow?”

Landon hesitated before answering. “I have an older sister. She’s timid and prone to nightmares, so my father sought out a lavender pillow to help her sleep better.”

“You have a sister?” Amelia’s shock was palpable. She had never heard of or seen Landon’s sister all this time.

“She was taken away when she was eight,” Landon said, his expression turning heavy.

“What?” Amelia gasped, her heart clenching. That must have been twenty years ago. Did that mean…his sister had never been found? she thought. She dared not ask further, fearing she’d upset Landon.

“They were after me,” Landon continued quietly. “But that day, my sister and I had swapped clothes. Despite everything my family did, we couldn’t find her. To this day, we don’t know if she’s alive or dead.” A deep sadness flickered in his eyes, and bitterness lingered in his tone.

If it hadn’t been for me, my sister wouldn’t have been taken, he thought.

“You were only six. It wasn’t your fault,” Amelia said, her voice gentle as she clasped his hand. “And maybe she’s still alive.”

“As long as I’m breathing, I won’t stop looking for her.” Landon took a deep breath, visibly pulling himself together. “Get some rest. And don’t let my mother see that pillow.”

Amelia hugged the lavender pillow, its weight suddenly feeling heavier. It wasn’t just a pillow–it was the embodiment of the Kingsley family’s deepest grief. Landon had still brought it to her. Landon, do I really deserve this? I’m just your partner…nothing more. Amelia thought.

Meanwhile, Landon had already maneuvered his wheelchair to the bed, using his arms to lift himself onto it with practiced strength. He never asked for help. Even with his disability, he carried himself with the pride of someone destined for greatness.

“What was her name?” Amelia asked, trying to steady her trembling heart.

“Kayla, a graceful name,” Landon said, his voice soft. Amelia silently committed the name to memory. If she survived this ordeal, she would help him find Kayla, too.