Chapter 155

Over the years, I had spent more time with Chase than even with my own parents. Only in death did I find myself bound by an obsession to remain by his side. His voice was as familiar as my own name. Never did I imagine I would reach a point where merely hearing his voice would ignite such a burning hatred within me.

On a deep winter's morning, before eight o'clock, the sky was still dim with pre-dawn light. Streetlights cast a gentle, warm glow on the softly falling snow. The road remained uncleared, and I distinctly heard the crunch of Chase's shoes as he approached.

As his footsteps drew closer, I forcefully suppressed the bubbling hatred. I reminded myself not to rush; there was ample time, and I couldn't afford any mistakes. I had been given a new life, but that didn't make me invincible. After discovering Nicole's true nature, my top priority was protecting my secret. No one could know about my rebirth if I wanted to effectively seek revenge.

"Derek, who is this lady...?" Chase's voice came from behind me. He was likely puzzled, as Derek was famously indifferent to women, yet here I stood at his side. I was ready for this moment; after all, it was only a matter of time before we met.

Thankfully, my mother ensured I looked my best. Amelia's face, younger and more beautiful than mine, especially with that striking red birthmark on her forehead, stood out against the snowy backdrop. I turned gracefully, offering a faint smile. "Hello, Mr. Reyes," I greeted him.

Chase, recently discharged from the hospital, appeared well-rested, having evidently swallowed Nicole's lies. His guilt and apologies towards me seemed forgotten. When his gaze fell upon my face, the shock in his eyes was evident; he instinctively recoiled.

Pointing at my face, he stammered, "She... she is..." Amelia's face was eerily similar to mine, creating a sense of both familiarity and difference.

Derek turned his wheelchair, his face expressionless. "Ms. Amelia Hoffman," he introduced me. Chase quickly realized who I was, and I saw a cold flash in his eyes. He had never wanted Derek to marry into wealth, as it would elevate him.

Derek likely remained preoccupied with his first love, treating me with coldness. But seeing Chase filled me with determination. Smiling confidently, I said, "You must be Mr. Chase. I'm Amelia, Derek's fiancée. So, technically, you'll have to call me 'aunt' in the future, right?"

Derek frowned, clearly displeased. Chase continued to stare at my face, lost in thought, unsure how to react. I couldn't blame him; even I was surprised by the mirror's reflection.

"Chase, Derek and I are off to get our marriage certificate, so please excuse us," I said with a brief smile. I was about to turn away when Chase snapped back to reality, disbelief etched across his face. "What did you say?"

"We're getting our marriage certificate," I repeated, taking Derek's hand. My eyes were full of affection, my voice soft and tender. "Derek, say something, won't you?"

Startled by my sudden affection, Derek instinctively tried to pull away, but I held on tight. To an onlooker, it must have seemed incredibly intimate.

Chase visibly panicked. "Derek, you're really going to marry Amelia? But you were in love with..."

He didn't finish before Derek coldly interrupted, "Yes, we're getting married today, Chase. From now on, Amelia will be your aunt-in-law." This sealed my identity, and my smile widened.

Chase's face paled; he looked incredulous. "You called her what? Amanda?"

I stepped closer, locking eyes with Chase, correcting him clearly. "No, not Amanda. It's Amelia."