“We both know nothing ever happened between us. My child has nothing to do with you, so please don’t overthink it.”

Finnian gazed quietly into Amara’s eyes.

He understood exactly what she meant, and deep down, he knew it was true. Yet, he still asked softly, “Really?”

Without warning, a wave of hurt swept over Amara, and she pressed her lips together tightly.

“Of course it’s true. You were gone for three years. Every time I tried to see you, you refused to meet me. How could anything have happened between us?”

Finnian was suddenly reminded of his own actions. Flustered, he reached out and took Amara’s hand. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have acted that way back then…”

“I told you, there’s no need to apologize. We only got married for appearances’ sake —it wasn’t a real marriage. It didn’t matter that you didn’t come home. I just want to make it clear: nothing ever happened between us. So please, don’t let your imagination get the better of you,” Amara said, closing her eyes as she spoke.

“You should go. We’re leaving too.”

She gave Finnian a determined look, then turned and walked away with Elysia and Tina.

Finnian watched Amara’s retreating figure, feeling miserable.

Maybe he really had misunderstood. Yesterday, Tina had only glanced at him a few times; she hadn’t said anything unusual. It was Edith’s words later that planted doubts in his mind.

But, more than anything, Finnian knew the real reason: he longed for a connection with Amara, which made it impossible for him not to read too much into things.

He was frustrated with himself. How could he have been so foolish?

Thinking about what Amara had said, he realized she had her own frustrations and helplessness too.

Suppressing his turbulent thoughts, Finnian forced himself to let it go. He got into his car and drove away.

Finnian soon arrived back at the Everly family home, where Emma and Liliana were waiting anxiously in the living room.

They had spent almost the entire night waiting, but Finnian never returned, and he hadn’t answered their calls. They were sick with worry.

As soon as Finnian walked in, Emma rushed up and scolded, “Where have you

been all night? You wouldn’t answer your phone. What were you thinking?”

Finnian shot her a cold look. “I’m back now, aren’t I?”

At that, Emma fell silent.

She was his mother, but Finnian’s presence was so cold and imposing that she often found herself intimidated by him. Only when she lost her temper could she get

through to him…

But now wasn’t the time for that. Emma forced down her anger. “We’ll talk about that

later. Go get some rest, and then get ready.”

“The ceremony was supposed to be at noon, but since you were gone all night and I was worried there

wouldn’t be enough time to prepare, I’ve postponed it to five this evening content

“Who holds a wedding in the evening? Only second marriages are held at night…”

Emma couldn’t help but start complaining again, but Finnian interrupted her coldly,

“It is my second marriage. What’s wrong with that?”

Emma bristled. “How is this your second marriage? What you had with Amara

wasn’t a real marriage. This is your first!”

Finnian’s lips twisted into a sardonic smile.

“Amara and had a wedding

ceremony and signed a marriage et

license Legally and socially, we were husband and wife

HOW WAS that not a real marriage?”