Chapter 21: Contrasting Families
(Amelia's POV)
The servant’s hesitant invitation for lunch still hung in the air, but Alexander spoke first, his voice calm but resolute. “No, thank you,” he said, his tone making it clear there was no room for negotiation.
I simply nodded along, echoing his refusal. The last thing I wanted was to endure a meal in silence under Margaret’s cold gaze. My stomach had felt empty and knotted since the start, but the thought of sitting under that roof any longer only increased the tightness.
Alexander’s hand came to rest lightly on the small of my back as we stepped toward the door. His touch was steadying, though my emotions were anything but. As the heavy manor doors opened with a low groan, the first burst of sunlight felt almost jarring after the suff
