Chapter Eighty One - Serenac Lake

Back at the apartment, Jason ran into Amelia in the lobby. She was wheeling a rolling suitcase and had another luggage bag in her other hand.

She greeted Jason, "Hi.”

Jason replied, “Hi. How are you?”

Amelia’s lips curled into a small smile that did not reach her eyes. “I'm trying to be okay. I'm going to my hometown for Miriam’s funeral.”

“Have a nice trip." Jason’s tone was soft and genuine.

There was something different to him about Amelia. Maybe it was the fact that now she wasn't being pressured to marry him, so unlike before, she didn't give him big awkward smiles or try so hard to win his affection. She could just be herself around him now, and Jason liked that much more.

“Thank you,” Amelia said.

“Honey, wait for me!” Rose called out from the end of the lobby.

“Hurry up, Mom; the taxi is waiting for us,” Amelia said.

Soon Rose was by her side, saying, “Sorry for taking so long." Her eyes darted to Jason. "Hello, Jason.”

"Hi, Miss Marren,” Jason greeted.

Rose took Jason’s han