Chapter 74 Memories of the Past

Chapter 74 Memories of the Past

Amelia sighed and got up to open the door. There stood Henry, dressed in loose gray loungewear, his hair a bit messy, and looking tired. He clearly hadn't slept well.

"You take the bed, I'll crash on the couch," Amelia said, stepping aside to let him in.

"Don't make it a big deal," Henry said, suddenly wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. They were so close they could feel each other's breath. "We've shared a bed before. I promise I won't touch you, okay?"

Amelia's cheeks turned red. Just as she was about to push him away, her phone rang. The screen showed "Olivia," and Amelia felt a wave of anxiety. She answered instinctively, but before she could say anything, Olivia's loud voice came through, "Amelia! I forgot to ask you earlier. Henry said he's a virgin. Is that true? He wouldn't be lying to you, would he?"

The question hit Amelia like a bolt of lightning, leaving her frozen. She glanced at Henry, who was looking down at her with a playful smile, raising an eyebrow as if urging her to answer.

"I..." Amelia opened her mouth but had no idea what to say, feeling utterly embarrassed.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Could it be true?" Olivia's tone was filled with surprise. "I didn't expect Henry to be so innocent!"

"It's late, let's talk tomorrow," Amelia tried to end the call, her voice full of panic.

"Come on! Tell me!" Olivia persisted. "You two have been married for so long, hasn't anything happened?"

Before Amelia could respond, Henry's grip on her waist tightened. He leaned in close to her ear, his warm breath brushing against her earlobe, his voice low and husky, with a hint of seduction, "Want to try a virgin again?"

Amelia's body went rigid, her cheeks burning hot. The room was dimly lit, the warm yellow glow creating a faintly intimate atmosphere. Just a little closer, and it could lead to something more.

"Amelia? Why aren't you talking? Are you embarrassed?" Olivia's voice continued through the phone. "What's there to be embarrassed about? You two are legally married; it's perfectly normal for something to happen. Besides, you don't have much experience either; you two are a perfect match!"

"Olivia! Just shut up already!" Amelia finally couldn't hold back, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Are you mad?" Olivia teased. "Judging by your reaction, could it be that you've actually fallen for Henry?"

At that moment, Henry's lips brushed against her ear, gently nibbling on her earlobe, his tone amused, "Is she right?"

Amelia's heart skipped a beat. Just as she was about to retort, Olivia continued, "By the way, there's something I'm really curious about. That night when Ella drugged you, why did you go to Henry's room instead of Hayden's? Hayden was your boyfriend at the time. Wouldn't it have made more sense to go to his room?"

The question was like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing the intimate atmosphere in the room. Amelia and Henry both froze, exchanging a glance, each seeing the surprise in the other's eyes.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Olivia pressed. "We're best friends, there's nothing you can't tell me."

"You're nuts!" Amelia snapped, hanging up the phone and tossing it onto the nightstand, her chest heaving from the intense conversation.

The room fell silent, their breaths mingling in the air. After a long moment, Henry released his hold on her waist, stepping back slightly, looking into her eyes with a serious expression. "Olivia's got a point. I'm curious too. Why did you come to my room that night?"

Amelia looked up, meeting his gaze, feeling utterly confused. She couldn't really explain why. That night, her mind was foggy, and all she could think about was finding a safe place to hide. But out of all the rooms in the Phillips Villa, why did she choose Henry's? Was it because she subconsciously felt safe with him, or was there another reason? She thought for a long time but couldn't come up with an answer.

Amelia lowered her head, her voice tinged with confusion. "I don't know why I chose your room."

She clutched the bedsheet tightly, the fabric's creases pressing into her palm, unable to suppress the flood of memories. She recalled Hayden's twenty-fifth birthday night when she was still his secret girlfriend, the two of them carefully avoiding the Phillips family's scrutiny, secretly dating.

But Ella had long seen through their act. Valuing family status above all, she couldn't tolerate someone from an ordinary background like Amelia staying with Hayden. From the start, Amelia was a thorn in Ella's side.

The birthday party was particularly lively, with crystal chandeliers casting dazzling light, and guests raising their glasses in laughter. Hayden, dressed in a sharp suit, was surrounded by well-wishers. Amelia stood in a corner, watching him chat with the women from prominent families, feeling a twinge of jealousy, unaware of the bigger plot against her.

Midway through the party, Ella approached her with a glass of red wine, wearing an unusually gentle smile, raising her voice to introduce Amelia to the guests. "Everyone, let me introduce Amelia, my adopted daughter. She's well-behaved and sensible, and our whole family is very fond of her. Please take good care of her."

The guests responded warmly, but Amelia felt a chill. She had never heard of being an "adopted daughter" before; Ella was clearly sending a warning. Before she could react, Ella handed her the wine. "Amelia, you must drink this. Once you do, you'll be a permanent member of the Phillips family, with a real home here."

All eyes were on her, filled with curiosity, scrutiny, and a hint of mockery. Amelia looked at the wine, sensing something was wrong, but under Ella's commanding gaze and the guests' attention, she had no choice but to comply.

She downed the wine in one gulp, the spicy taste burning her throat.

Soon, dizziness set in, her consciousness fading.

She struggled to stay awake, seeing Ella signal a servant to "take her to her room," but was led in the opposite direction of Hayden's room, towards Henry's.

She could have fought to reach Hayden's room for help, but Ella's cold gaze flashed in her mind. She realized that if she got entangled with Hayden, Ella would have more reason to get rid of her, leaving her with no place in the Phillips Villa.

Henry, the one who also didn't quite fit in with the Phillips family, might be her only way out. With that thought, she let the servant take her to Henry's door, pushed it open, and walked in.