Chapter 3

Amelia's POV

On the other end of the line, my mother's voice was full of unapologetic accusations.

"Are you not even planning to show up for Chloe's birthday party tonight?"

Birthday?

I was still struggling to remember when she impatiently barked her order.

"No matter what your excuse, be there at 7 PM sharp!"

With that, the phone was slammed down.

I didn't want to go.

But then I thought, I was leaving soon anyway, so there was no need to cause more trouble at the last minute.

So, I chose a black dress and had the driver take me to the birthday party venue.

The entire venue had been booked out.

Julian had specifically rented it for Chloe.

When I arrived, the party was at its peak.

The center of attention was Julian and Chloe, standing together.

Chloe wore a designer pink gown, looking like a meticulously cared-for rose.

Julian's gaze remained fixed on her, never wavering.

"I heard Julian personally planned the whole surprise for Chloe. Didn't sleep for three days, they say."

Amidst the guests' whispers, I watched Julian half-crouch, willingly adjusting Chloe's gown.

The smile on his face was a tenderness I had never seen before.

That scene was like a silent knife.

Suddenly, spotlights illuminated the stage.

My father announced. "I've decided to transfer 60% of my company's shares entirely to my daughter, Chloe!"

The entire room erupted in whispers.

The biological daughter gets nothing? The adopted one takes all?

Eyes filled with scrutiny, pity, and schadenfreude all turned to me in the corner.

But the real shock was yet to come.

Julian led Chloe onto the stage, opening a velvet box.

Inside was the Vance family heirloom ruby bracelet.

"Isn't that meant for the wife of the Vance family's eldest grandson?" someone gasped.

Julian clasped the ruby bracelet onto Chloe's wrist.

"Julian, this is too precious," Chloe whispered, covering her mouth, then looked out at the audience timidly. "This should have been Amelia's."

My mother immediately chimed in. "Amelia has Julian taking care of her, she doesn't need these things. You're frail, so it's only right for you to have it."

Julian's gaze swept across the room, as cold as ice.

"If not for an accident three years ago, Chloe would be standing here by my side today. This bracelet is simply returned to its rightful owner."

That phrase, "returned to its rightful owner," felt like a slap across my face.

The guests' snickers gnawed at my last shred of dignity like ants.

I looked at the picture-perfect family on stage, at Chloe's triumphant eyes and Julian's merciless face.

Even with amnesia, my heart felt no ripple.

No heartache, no sadness, not even anger.

I turned and quietly headed for the exit.

"Look, Mrs. Vance is crying," I heard someone whisper behind me.

My steps didn't falter as I walked into the restroom.

The face in the mirror had no tears, serene like a deep ocean.

It seemed that when a heart died, it truly stopped hurting.

These people, these events, were now just an irrelevant past to me.

I forced a smile at my reflection.

Just a little longer. Once my visa was processed, I could finally leave.

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