Chapter 146 Keep It Simple

Amanda’s POV

Ethan swayed before me, drunk beyond reason. Something soft and tender crept into my voice without permission. The sight of him—powerful businessman reduced to this vulnerable state—thawed parts of me I'd tried to keep frozen.

He mumbled something about standards and wives as I tried helping him undress for bed.

A laugh nearly escaped me. This adorable side? Never appeared during our marriage. Years of proper upbringing stopped me from bursting out laughing. When I looked again, he'd already fallen asleep.

Resigned, I removed his pants, brought water, and wiped his body carefully. Just as I turned to leave, his muffled voice called: "Amanda..."

That single word stopped me cold. Turning back to the handsome man on the bed, warmth spread through my chest. My hand drifted to my stomach unconsciously.

"Baby, daddy will remember us soon," I whispered. "Then I'll introduce you properly, okay?"

His hand shot out, grabbing me suddenly. Caught off guard, I tumbled onto the bed and into his arms. Heat radiated from his body as he pulled me against him. Struggling seemed pointless. Instead, I breathed in his familiar scent, eyes closed, thoughts finally peaceful.

His breathing steadied beside my ear. Logic screamed that staying meant trouble—he still didn't recognize me. Morning would bring complications.

"Mr. Blackwood, I need to get up. Please let go."

His chest remained immovable after two attempts. Desperate, I changed tactics: "Ethan, let go."

"Don't go," he murmured, arm tightening around me.

His heartbeat pounded against me. God, how I'd missed this embrace. Every second apart had been torture. His scent, our shared memories—impossible to walk away from. Eyes closing, resistance faded. Exhaustion washed over me, and sleep claimed me quickly.

Morning light woke me to an empty bed. He'd left without waking me. Footsteps approached as I sat up. The door opened, revealing Ethan's tall figure.

Our eyes met. "Mr. Blackwood," I said hoarsely.

"Hmph." Cold laughter escaped him. "Now I understand why the famous Sarah Hope joined Blackwood Group as a mere assistant. Dr. Hope set her sights on me."

Frowning at his mockery, I sat up straighter. "You're jumping to conclusions. You were drunk. I took care of you. You pulled me into bed and wouldn't let go."

Guilt flashed across his face—he remembered waking with me in his arms.

"How did you know I was drunk?" he questioned.

"Your assistant Mike called me."

"Why would he call you?" Suspicion colored his tone.

"Because I'm a doctor," I explained calmly. "He thought I could help if something happened. Call him if you don't believe me."

His hesitation spoke volumes. "About last night," I added, "I won't tell anyone. Relax."

A knock interrupted us. "Mr. Blackwood, your mother and father are here."

My hand froze on the doorknob. What timing! I turned to him, silently questioning.

Composed as ever, he opened the door. The servant's eyes widened seeing me, head quickly lowering. "Mr... Mr. Blackwood, your parents are downstairs. Are you... coming down?"

"Yes." He nodded, glancing my way.

"Should I stay here?" I asked after a moment's thought.

"Follow me." Two words, then he strode forward. I hurried after him.

Katherine's gaze found me immediately downstairs, joy flashing across her face before she composed herself. "Ethan, why are you and Ms. Davis coming down together?"

"Ms. Davis brought me home last night and stayed over," he explained casually.

Katherine smiled warmly at me. "Thank you for taking care of my Ethan."

"You're welcome." No embarrassment touched me—everyone except Ethan knew about us.

Benjamin spoke as Ethan sipped his tea. "Has something happened between you and Amanda?"

"Ahem." Ethan coughed. "Dad, what are you talking about?"

"You've always kept women at a distance," Benjamin remarked casually. "Finding Amanda staying overnight raises questions."

Ethan fell silent. Hope sparked in me—perhaps some feelings remained despite his forgotten memories.

"I was drunk. She took care of me. Nothing more," he finally explained, sounding defensive.

Benjamin glanced at me but dropped the subject.

"Mrs. Blackwood, Mr. Blackwood, I have matters at home. I should leave." I bowed politely.

"A young woman's reputation matters," Katherine smiled. "If you're concerned, I'll make Ethan take responsibility."

"Mom." Ethan frowned.

"What? You got her stranded overnight and won't take responsibility?" Katherine's sharp look silenced him instantly.

Seeing him scolded almost made me laugh. "You're exaggerating, Mrs. Blackwood. I just helped briefly. Nothing serious." Relationships needed time—rushing wouldn't help.

She nodded. "Alright."

I seized my chance. "It's getting late. I should go." With that, I hurried away.

Mrs. Irving rushed to me when I got home, worry etched on her face. "Where were you last night? I was terrified! Your mother's been so busy—I didn't want to disturb her."

Only then did I realize my oversight. Having recently recovered my memory, I'd forgotten Mrs. Irving didn't have my contact information.

"Stayed with a friend. Sorry for not telling you," I apologized sincerely.

Relief washed over her. "Thank goodness you're safe. I feared Gregory... those people might have harmed you."

I knew she meant Gregory Freeman. "Don't worry, I'm fine."

"In case of emergencies, could you leave me a phone number next time?"

"Of course. My mistake," I nodded, warmth spreading through me. Someone caring felt good.

"When will Diana return?" I asked once in my room.

Mrs. Irving shook her head. "Not sure. Send her a message? She's been busy with something—I don't know what."

Strange—Diana seemed to be hiding something.

"Would you like something to eat?" she offered kindly.

"Already eaten, thanks," I declined before heading upstairs.

I texted Diana: "Need to talk. When can you come home?" No response came. Busy, probably.

My thoughts drifted to the upcoming gala, just three days away. Who would Weill Cornell send?

Diana finally returned that evening during dinner. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes," I nodded, taking a roundabout approach given her complicated relationship with Robert. "Are you free tomorrow? I'd like you to come somewhere with me."

Pleasure brightened her face. "Of course. I'm free. Wherever you want."

I nodded quietly, planning their reunion.

After dinner, I messaged Robert: [Tomorrow, 3 p.m., here.]

[Understood. Thank you, Ms. Davis.] came his swift reply.

The next day, I brought Diana to a downtown shopping mall. Her discomfort showed—she'd avoided such places since leaving Robert.

After wandering briefly, I feigned tiredness and led her to a tea restaurant's private room. Robert waited inside.

Diana entered smiling, but seeing Robert, her face paled instantly. Her hands clenched as she tried to leave. Robert caught her arm. "Diana, it's been a long time."

"Indeed," she answered stiffly. "Do you... need something?"

I slipped toward the door. "You two talk. I'll wait outside." Before she could protest, I was gone.