Chapter 166

In a past life, my ex-husband was present; in this one, I have a husband I married impulsively. The irony? I love neither of them anymore.

Swallowing my discomfort, I approached Derek. "Derek," I called, my voice dripping with sweetness. Passing Chase, I glimpsed fleeting pain in his eyes.

He sometimes saw me as Amanda, a ghost haunting his thoughts. Now, Amelia, my uncanny double, only intensified his unease. But if he found peace, I would be the one feeling adrift.

Derek looked up, his eyes questioning my intentions. "How about we check out our wedding house this afternoon?" I suggested.

He hesitated, studying me. I employed my reliable tactic. "I want us to have our own place soon, a home we can decorate as we like. What do you think?"

"Crash!"

Chase's glass shattered, breaking the silence. He stared, a mix of excitement and frenzy on his face. "What did you just say? Say it again."

I remembered that line—a plea from long ago. I had desperately wanted a home just for us. But ultimately, the house remained, while we were gone.

Feigning fear, I turned to him. "Chase, what's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"

"Repeat what you just said."

I could repeat it endlessly. With an innocent expression, I said, "I was just saying I want to set up a home with Derek soon, decorating it as we both like. Chase, don't look at me like that—it's rather scary."

I then sat on Derek's lap, leaning into him. He was so surprised by my sudden closeness that he was speechless.

"Derek, I… I'm scared…"

Chase looked haggard, his pale face and dark circles giving him a ghostly appearance. His red-rimmed eyes, fixed on me, were genuinely unsettling.

Derek's chest heaved, but he remained composed, not pushing me away. He said, "Don't worry, I'm here."

I clung to his sleeve. "Derek, you're such a sweetheart. Do you have a preference for a boy or a girl?"

Derek, thankfully not drinking anything, would have otherwise sprayed me. He had no idea what bombshell I'd drop next.

With a sigh, he closed his eyes. "Either is fine."

I nestled against his chest, playfully rubbing my cheek. "How about I give you two children? A boy and a girl, maybe twins. It would be perfect if the girl resembles you. You're so handsome, our daughter would be stunning!"

This wasn't fabrication; Derek was more handsome than Chase. His features were striking, and rumor had it his mother was of mixed race.

10:54

Chapter 166 (continued)

I never expected my flippant remark to redden Derek's ears. Was he truly this innocent?

He knew I was teasing. Chase, however, seemed on the verge of a breakdown. He must have wondered why I sounded so much like Amanda, echoing her past words.

Nicole felt guilty, fearing her secret's exposure. A few words could easily unsettle them both. But Derek, taking my wrist, was gentler this time, carefully avoiding my injured hand and using minimal force.

He cleared his throat. "We have company."

I didn't expect his willing participation. Impulsively, I whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear, "How about we save this conversation for tonight when we're alone?"

Derek's ears flushed even deeper, his fair skin taking on a soft pink hue like delicate paint on white jade. It was quite a sight. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he nodded coolly.

I noticed that the closer I got to Derek, the more intensely Chase reacted. He kept fidgeting with his damaged rosary, trying to quell his inner turmoil.

Feeling a surge of exhilaration, I suggested visiting the wedding house. Though neither Derek nor Chase were enthusiastic, their earlier promise left them no choice but to agree.

On the way, Derek remained silent, his eyes fixed on me as if deciphering my strategy. But right now, I couldn't worry about that. With Derek at my side, I planned to use his help to uncover the truth.

As the sculpture loomed closer, my heart pounded. An invisible force seemed to pull me towards it. Tears streamed uncontrollably down my face.

Drip-drop.

They fell from my chin, hitting the ground…