Amelia wasn't the stay-at-home wife she used to be. Over the next few weeks, she had begun to step outside the mansion more often—meeting old acquaintances, enjoying lunches out, and even reconnecting with the world she had left behind. It was refreshing to see her rediscovering herself, and when her former professor invited her to participate in a charity ball, she accepted the invitation with a spark of excitement I hadn't seen before.

Her newfound confidence wasn't lost on Michael. Though he rarely commented on it, I could see the subtle changes in his demeanor. His gaze lingered on her a bit longer, and he seemed intrigued by her active lifestyle. It didn't surprise me when he invited her to lunch today.

What did surprise me, however, was the fact that Saddie was tagging along.

Amelia must have expected it. When I told her I'd wait outside the restaurant and not intrude on their private lunch, she gave me a knowing look and insisted I join them. "You're coming with me, Lena," she said.

The moment we arrived at the private dining room Michael had reserved, the tension in the air was palpable. Saddie was already there, standing far too close to Michael, her hand lightly grazing his arm. It was an intimate gesture, one meant to stake her claim, and yet Michael didn't flinch.

When Amelia stepped into the room, Saddie pulled back quickly, feigning innocence.

"Oh, Amelia, it's been a while!" Saddie said, waving at her with a sugary smile.

Michael barely acknowledged his wife, his sharp eyes flicking briefly toward me. "You brought your assistant?" he said flatly, as if my presence were a nuisance.

Inside, I scoffed. That's what he chose to focus on?

"Yes," Amelia replied calmly, her gaze unwavering. "Because I knew you'd bring her." She directed her eyes toward Saddie, her tone even but pointed.

Saddie's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "I'm sorry, Amelia. When Michael said he was having lunch outside, I asked him if I could join. I didn't mean to ruin your date." Her words dripped with faux apology, her expression anything but sincere.

"It's okay," Amelia said curtly, brushing off the comment. She walked to the table and pulled out a chair across from Michael. "I'm sure Michael doesn't mind with both you and Lena joining us." She smiled as she sat down, a perfect picture of composure.

"I hope you don't mind me sitting here," Saddie added, directing her sugary smile at Michael as she took the seat closest to him.

What a fox, I thought bitterly.

Amelia gestured for me to sit beside her, and I obeyed, taking the chair to her right. The tension at the table was thick as we waited for the food to arrive.

When the dishes were served, Saddie's shamelessness reached a new height. She leaned over, her fingers brushing Michael's as she pretended to help him cut his steak. He didn't stop her, didn't even glance at Amelia, who sat silently eating her meal.

Amelia, for her part, remained composed, her face a mask of indifference as she focused on her food. But I saw the way her grip tightened on her fork and knife, her knuckles turning white with suppressed anger.

Michael, oblivious or indifferent, sipped his wine before turning to me. "Lena, after you're finished, you can go home first," he said curtly.

Amelia set her utensils down, her movements deliberate. "What do you mean?" she asked, her tone sharp.

"You'll go with me," Michael replied, his attention fixed on her.

She raised an eyebrow. "But you already have Saddie. I'm not going with the two of you."

"No," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Just us."

Saddie's face fell, her eyes widening in disbelief. "What? What about me, Michael?"

"I need time with my wife," he said, emphasizing the last word.

I felt Amelia flinch beside me, her breath hitching as she stared at him. Her confusion and disbelief were palpable, her mind clearly racing to process his sudden change in behavior.

Michael turned to me again. "Lena, you'll take Saddie back to the office with the driver."

"Yes, Sir," I replied, my voice clipped.

As we exited the restaurant, Michael placed a hand on Amelia's back, guiding her toward their car. She moved stiffly, her expression a mixture of confusion and hesitation.

I stayed behind with the driver, opening the second car's door as Saddie approached. Her heels clicked sharply against the pavement, her frustration radiating off her in waves. She slid into the backseat without a word, her lips pressed into a thin line.

The car ride to the office was unbearable. Saddie's complaints started almost immediately, her voice sharp and grating.

"I don't know what's gotten into him," she muttered, crossing her arms as she glared out the window. "He's never been like this before. Why would he pick her over me? After everything?"

I sat silently in the passenger seat, staring ahead and biting back every sharp response that threatened to spill out. The driver, equally uncomfortable, kept his eyes on the road, his jaw tight.

When we finally pulled up to the office, the driver glanced at me, and I nodded in silent agreement: we were both eager to end this ride. "We're here," I said flatly, turning to look at Saddie.

She grabbed her bag, huffing as she stepped out of the car. Before closing the door, she leaned back in, her eyes narrowing. "This isn't over," she muttered, her voice dripping with malice, though the words seemed more for herself than for me.

I didn't bother replying. The moment the door shut, the driver pulled away, both of us relieved to leave her behind.

By the time I returned to the mansion, the estate was quiet. The soft glow of the lights in the grand hall felt almost peaceful, but my mind was anything but. I couldn't help but wonder what was happening between Michael and Amelia. His sudden insistence on spending time with her was a shift, but I wasn't ready to trust it. As long as Saddie remained in the picture, Michael would continue to hurt Amelia, whether intentionally or not.

And Amelia... she deserved so much more. And I'd like her to have a different ending.

I sighed as I stepped into the servants' quarters. For now, all I could do was wait. I would be there for her when she needed me. And I would do everything in my power to make sure this story didn't end the way it had been written.