Chapter 165

Nicole deliberately stirred the pot, keeping me on edge. She quickly changed the subject, saying, “I grew up with Chase; we’re as close as real siblings. Amelia, this is my room.”

Swinging the door open, it was exactly as I remembered it from my time as a spirit—drenched in soft pink hues. You wouldn't believe the owner could possess such a cold heart.

She opened her walk-in closet's jewelry section, revealing an impressive display. Some pieces were gifts from the Kennedy and Reyes families; others, I recognized as mine. Each necklace and bracelet was etched in my memory.

Then, I recalled our parents' disapproving words: “If your sister likes it, can’t you just let her have it?”

In the end, she even took my man.

Catching me eyeing the jewelry, she cheerfully offered, “See anything you like, Amelia? Feel free to pick whatever you want; we’re family, after all.”

I smiled, meeting her gaze. “Nicole, you’re remarkably generous and warm-hearted. Whoever marries you is a lucky person.”

Nicole chuckled softly. “Oh, Amelia, you always tease me.”

Little did she know, I'd already shifted gears. “I must say, Nicole, you have excellent taste. I just returned and didn’t pack much. If you don’t mind, could you spare a few outfits?”

“Of course.”

Nicole offered a closet, but I headed straight for the one concealing her secrets. If I opened it, you’d see the door.

As my hand reached for the handle, Nicole blurted, “Amelia!”

I turned slowly, teasing, “What’s wrong, Nicole? You seem jumpy. Got any hidden secrets in there?”

Oh, she did. Inside was where she and Chase had their clandestine rendezvous—the biggest skeleton in her closet. If anyone discovered it, her sisterly facade would crumble.

She must have been panicking, but maintained her composure. “Of course not, just some old things. My clothes are over here, Amelia, take a look.”

“Alright,” I played along, choosing not to reveal her secret yet. A good show needs an audience; with only us, it would be dull.

I selected a few outfits, then smiled. “Nicole, are you free this afternoon? Could you accompany me to see Chase’s bridal house?”

“This afternoon? Amelia, why the rush?”

Holding my selections, I left. “Well, Derek and I are setting up our home, and I’d like to finalize the bridal house soon. It would be helpful to check out the area this afternoon. Is that alright with you?”

Nicole hesitated. “Sure. I heard you and Derek have a business arrangement. But from what I gather, it sounds like you two have something more?”

I didn’t deny it, simply flashing a bright smile. “Oh yes, I’ve been smitten with Derek for ages, dreaming of marrying him. It feels like a blessing from a past life.”

I was simply rambling, but when I turned around, Derek and Chase were both staring at me.