Chapter 19

Julian drove through the winding roads that led to the Piers estate in the southern part of Verenza, the late afternoon light fading into a soft glow. The atmosphere inside the car was thick it was a quiet ride. Julian understood what Amara was going through and avoided any small talk.

He glanced at Amara, stealing a few sideways looks. Her gaze was lost somewhere beyond the window, as if she were searching for answers among the tall trees that lined the road.

As they pulled up to the entrance of the estate, Julian unlatched the door, stepping out to open it for her. The smell of fresh grass and blooming flowers wafted through the air as Amara hesitated before stepping out, momentarily fascinated by the familiar surroundings. She took a deep breath, grounding herself, yet her mind was in a daze, still processing the pain and what lay ahead.

She stepped onto the path, her heels clicking softly against the stones. She turned for a moment, half expecting to find Julian still there, but the car was already pulling away, Julian’s car fading into the distance.

In her daze, she realized she hadn’t even thought to ask him his name. Shaking her head slightly to dispel the lingering thoughts, she straightened her posture and moved toward the towering entrance of the estate.

“Welcome back, Ms. Piers.” The words greeted Amara the moment she stepped through the grand doors of the Piers residence. Familiar. Grounding. Safe.

Her mother crossed the room quickly, eyes scanning her from head to toe. “Amara… you’ve lost weight.” Amara gave a faint smile. “I don’t mind losing weight p>

Her mother cupped her face gently, eyes softening. “No matter what, you’re always stunning.” Then the warmth hardened into fire.

“Sebastian Creed is not worthy of you,” her mother said coldly. “A scumbag. You hid your identity as a Piers heiress just to protect his fragile ego. You raised his child as your own. And now he’s the reason you lost your baby p>

Amara stiffened. “Mother… you knew p>

“Silly girl,” her mother scolded, voice breaking despite herself. “Why didn’t you tell me about such a major surgery p>

“I didn’t want you to worry,” Amara said quietly. “I’m fine now. I’ve recovered p>

Her mother exhaled slowly, pulling her into an embrace. “You’re still young. Thank heaven you’re safe.” She guided Amara toward the sofa. “Sit p>

Amara obeyed. “I’m glad you’re back,” her mother said, studying her carefully. “But now that you are, you must promise me one thing p>

Amara looked up. “What is it?” “I’m organizing a party for you p>

Amara blinked. “A party p>

“You are my beloved daughter,” her mother continued firmly. “You deserve a man who is exceptional. Devoted. Loyal.” A sharp smile curved her lips. “I already have the finest bachelors lined up, and yes, they’ve all been thoroughly investigated. None is secretly married p>

Amara lowered her gaze, her hands curling slowly into fists. “Mother… right now, I only want justice for my child p>

Her mother’s expression softened again, but there was steel beneath it. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll use all our family’s resources to help you.” She paused, then added gently but firmly, “But I want you to attend the party next week p>

Amara lifted her head. In her eyes, grief still lived, but so did something new. “What? Next week?” Amara straightened instantly. “No. I don’t…I don’t want to attend any party p>

Her mother waved a dismissive hand. “Come on, do me this one favor, alright? You have no idea, every eligible man in Verenza is more impressive than the last. This time, we’ll find someone a hundred times better than Sebastian. I want him to eat his heart out p>

Amara let out a soft, humorless laugh. “Don’t get upset over someone irrelevant. Sebastian means nothing to me now p>

She paused, her tone sharpening. “I’ve moved on. But tell me… do you know a very capable lawyer p>

Her mother’s eyes darkened instantly. “Of course. Elara must go to prison. How dare she mess with my daughter?” She reached into her handbag and handed Amara a card. “I’ll make her pay p>

Amara glanced down. Julian Vale. “That name sounds familiar,” she murmured. Her mother smiled knowingly. “It should. Go meet him p>

“Alright,” Amara said slowly, narrowing her eyes at her mother. “I know you’re up to something.” Her mother only smiled.

Since returning home, Amara hadn’t reached out to the man who had quietly helped her, who had stayed silent, steady, respectful. The man who had taken her home when her world was falling apart.

She owed him a thank-you. And perhaps… more. She picked up her phone.

“Hello… Mr. Vale?” Amara said softly when the call connected. “I’d like to ask you a few legal questions p>

“Sure,” Julian replied, his voice calm, almost amused. “Of course p>

“Meet me at Graca Café in an hour,” he added. “Alright,” Amara said. She ended the call, staring at the phone for a moment.

Whatever waited for her at that café. She knew one thing for certain. This time, she would be the one in control.

Sebastian stood in the living room, slowly turning in place. Something was wrong. The shelves looked bare. The corners felt empty. The toys Amara had carefully picked out for Seren were gone. The picture frames she used to dust every morning are gone.

The little handmade decorations she insisted on, which made the house feel warm, were gone. It was as if someone had erased her presence piece by piece.

She’s leaving, Sebastian thought, his chest tightening. His hands moved on instinct as he pulled out his phone.

Dear, where are you? I’ve searched everywhere for you. He pressed send.

Nothing happened. He frowned and looked again. His breath hitched. You cannot send messages to this user. She had blocked him.

Sebastian stared at the screen, disbelief crashing into panic. His fingers trembled as he tried to call.

Unavailable. Again. Unavailable.

“Sebastian?” His mother walked in and froze when she saw his face.

“Seb, are you crying?” she asked, then scoffed lightly. “Stop worrying about Amara. She’s just acting up, I’m telling you p>

He looked up at her, eyes red, voice hoarse. “She blocked me p>

For the first time, there was real fear in his expression. “I need to find her.” He grabbed his coat and headed for the door. “Sebastian!” his mother called after him. “Seb p>

But he didn’t stop. Because for the first time since he met Amara Piers. He was the one being abandoned. And he had no idea how to survive it.