Against all odds (anchored by you)

(Amelia pov) The air in the prison visitation room was colder than I remembered. Or maybe it was the look in Charles Montgomery’s eyes that chilled me to the bone. He sat across from me at the scratched metal table. flanked by two suited men whose presence screamed power. His fingers were clasped loosely in front of him. like he wasn’t the reason I was wearing an orange jumpsuit. chained at the wrists like a criminal. I wasn’t a criminal. But Charles Montgomery had the power to make me one. “You look tired, Amelia,” he said smoothly, his voice laced with mock concern. I didn’t respond. I just stared at him. this man who had once smiled at me over dinner. who had toasted to love and unity while planning to tear me apart behind closed doors. “I’ll get to the point,” he continued, sliding a slim file across the table. “This is your chance. One final offer.” I eyed the folder but didn’t touch it. I already knew what it contained. Lies. Something that might destroy my life for ever, Mr Charles isn't someone I trusted “You marry the man I’ve selected. Quietly. No press. No scandal. You start a new life far away. And you stay away from Ethan. Forever.” His name struck like a dagger to the chest. Ethan. My Ethan. “If I don’t?” I asked, my voice steady, even though everything inside me was trembling. Charles smiled, an ugly, smug smile that made my stomach churn. “Then you’ll be convicted. Fraud, theft, extortion. Witnesses will come forward. Evidence will appear. I’ll make sure you rot in here until your hair turns gray.” Tears burned the back of my throat, but I refused to let them fall. “You’re bluffing.” “Am I?” He leaned in slightly, the air between us thick with menace. “I gave you a chance, Amelia. I tolerated your little affair with my son. But you’re not the kind of woman who belongs in our family. You never were.” It wasn’t an affair. It was love. Once. But even as I sat there, fighting to stay upright beneath the weight of his threats, the memories flooded in, uninvited, unstoppable. It all started that night… *** Flashback A warm autumn evening. Sparkling lights. The scent of roasted duck and champagne in the air. That night wasn’t meant to be anything special. Just another shift. Another event. Another few hours of polite smiles and aching feet. It was a corporate dinner hosted by some luxury firm—Morgan & Associates, or something equally self-important. They were celebrating the launch of a high-end kitchen innovation project that was supposed to “revolutionize the culinary world.” Whatever that meant. All I knew was my agency had assigned me as one of the lead servers. I was responsible for table coordination, clean-up, and assisting in the kitchen. Not glamorous work, but it paid the bills and kept my dreams on life support. Table Three had been easy—smiling faces, light conversation, generous tips. But when I turned toward Table Four, adjusting the tray in my hands, I caught a look. One of the men at the table was watching me. No—studying me. His gaze wasn’t lewd or creepy. Just… intense. Focused. Like I was a riddle he couldn’t help but try to solve. I cleared my throat and stepped up. “Good evening. May I take your order?” He blinked, slowly, as if waking from something. “Something light,” he said, voice deep and deliberate. I nodded. “I’ll be right back.” There were three men at the table. The others gave quick, no-fuss orders. I returned with small plates, keeping my movements smooth and professional. When I reached his side, I set his dish down carefully. He looked up again, curious. “What brand is this?” he asked, gesturing to the wine. “Montreux Reserve,” I replied without hesitation. He gave a low whistle, impressed. “Fancy. I usually only see that at wine tastings with snobs.” I laughed, soft, involuntary. His eyes lit up. “You should smile more,” he said gently. “It suits you.” I didn’t know what to say. I just murmured, “Enjoy your meal,” and walked away, a strange flutter rising in my chest. He hadn’t looked at me like I was beneath him. Or like I was just part of the service crew. He’d looked at me like I mattered. And I didn’t expect to see him again.