AMELIA'S POVI stood in front of the mirror, trying to steady my nerves. My hands shook as I pinned the final strand of hair into place. Richard had actually stood up for me today. The memory of it made my heart flutter. Could things really go back to how they used to be between us?The gown I had chosen for the masquerade ball fit perfectly, hugging my curves in all the right places. It was a deep emerald green, with intricate silver embroidery that caught the light with every movement. My mask, adorned with feathers and tiny crystals, completed the ensemble. I took a deep breath, feeling a cocktail of anticipation and anxiety churn in my stomach.A car horn beeped outside my window. “Right on time,” I murmured to myself, grabbing my clutch and heading downstairs. As I stepped outside, a sleek black limousine waited for me. The driver, a tall man with a polite smile, opened the door.“Miss Amelia, Mr. Richard sent me to pick you up,” he said.I slid into the backseat, the soft le

RICHARD'S POVThe chandeliers glittered like a thousand tiny stars above us, casting a golden hue over the masquerade ball. Amelia's laughter was like music, and as we swayed to the rhythm, I felt a sense of peace. But peace is often fleeting.As we danced, a man with a portly belly approached. His mask was elaborate, hiding his features, but it couldn’t hide his wealth. "Excuse me," he said, his voice smooth yet commanding. "Would you care to join us for a private poker game? A more... exclusive event, if you will."I hesitated. Poker wasn't my forte. But before I could decline, Alex, Jenny’s man, sauntered over, a smug grin plastered on his face. "Didn't I tell you he wouldn't want to play?" he said loudly, making sure others around us could hear. "He obviously doesn't have the liver for it."The crowd's attention shifted to us. Whispered conversations buzzed around like annoying flies. People were watching, waiting for my reaction. I couldn't back down now. I glanced at Amelia, who

Amelia's POVI stood there, watching Jenny and Richard talk. My blood boiled. Jenny, of all people. She didn’t deserve his attention. She was just a secretary. I was his ex-wife. I had history with him, memories, a life we built together.I tried to catch Richard’s eye, but he was too engrossed in whatever Jenny was saying. Every time I took a step closer, hoping to interject, Jenny cut me off. Each time, her voice grew louder, more insistent, as if she was marking her territory.The third time I tried, I had enough. “Richard, can we leave and dance?” I asked, my voice sharp and cutting through their conversation.Jenny didn’t even look at me. “Dancing is over, Amelia. Richard has important things to discuss.”I clenched my fists. “I have important things to discuss with him too,” I snapped.Richard glanced at me, his face flushed with embarrassment. He looked like he wished the ground would swallow him whole. Before I could say anything more, he excused himself and walked away.I fel

RICHARD'S POV My mom had left my room, but the memory of that fateful day—the day she died in that horrible car accident played over and over in my mind. My mother, her warm smile, her gentle touch—gone in an instant. I couldn't let it happen again. Not today. Not on my watch.I jumped out of bed, threw some clothes on and rushed downstairs, nearly tripping over my discarded clothes. I had to stop her. I had to stop her from going to work. I ran down the stairs, my footsteps echoing in the quiet house. As I reached the bottom, I saw him. A man I didn't recognize, talking to my mother.Mom was standing by the kitchen table, dressed and ready to leave. The man was tall, wearing a dark suit, and his voice was low and urgent.“Listen, ma'am, Richard's father wants to see you. He needs to discuss Richard's future and inheritance. It's important, for him and for you,” the man said.I froze and ducked behind the staircase, my heart racing. This was new. I don't remember it happening like th

RICHARD'S POV "This is outrageous, Father!" Jonathan shouted, his voice echoing off the marble walls. "You can't seriously expect us to accept this... this... bastard as our equal!"I sat in the spacious room, my heart thudding in my chest. Jonathan and William glared at me, their faces twisted with anger and resentmentWilliam nodded in agreement, his fists clenched at his sides. "He's an outsider! He's got no place here. This is our home, our inheritance!"Father raised a hand, silencing them both. "Enough," he said, his voice calm but firm. "From now on, you are all equal. Richard is as much my son as you two are."Jonathan's face turned red with fury. "But why now, Father? Why bring him into our lives after all these years? You never cared before!"Father's eyes softened, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of regret. "I should have taken care of Richard and his mother a long time ago," he said quietly. "I should have been there for them."I felt a lump in my throat. The words were