Chapter 146: Like an Affair

Turning the doorknob, Dorian walked in. The room was pitch dark, with only a faint light from outside filtering through the curtains, outlining the vague contours of the room.

Dorian tiptoed to the bedside. In the dim light, he saw Amelia lying on the bed, seemingly asleep.

Just as Dorian was about to turn and leave, Amelia on the bed suddenly moved.

Amelia, half-asleep, sensed someone approaching and instinctively thought it was a threat. Without hesitation, she reached out and pinned Dorian down.

Dorian hadn't expected Amelia to react so quickly, catching him off guard.

Both of them froze.

In the darkness, Amelia's hand pressed firmly against Dorian's chest. She could feel his strong, powerful heartbeat, thumping against her palm.

"Who?" Amelia's voice was low, cold, and tinged with a hint of caution.

Dorian snapped back to reality and quickly countered, grabbing Amelia's wrist firmly.

"It's me." Dorian's voice was deep and hoarse, standing out clearly in the silent room.

Amelia realized that the person she had pinned down was Dorian.

She quickly released her grip and sat up, "What are you doing here?"

"Took a wrong turn," Dorian explained flatly, his tone giving nothing away.

"Really?" Amelia responded, feeling a bit suspicious. How could Dorian have entered the wrong room?

Both of them fell silent for a moment.

"You're not asleep yet?" Dorian broke the silence.

"Why are you in my room in the middle of the night?" Amelia retorted.

Dorian's lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes flickering slightly, "I was worried you might hurt your foot again while sleeping."

Amelia looked at him, a hint of doubt in her eyes. Her injury, though inconvenient, wasn't severe enough to cause trouble while sleeping. Dorian's excuse seemed a bit far-fetched.

"What? You don't believe me?" Dorian raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.

"Not at all," Amelia responded coolly, lowering her gaze to avoid looking at him.

"And you? Why aren't you asleep?" Dorian sat down on the edge of her bed, his tone softening a bit.

"Can't sleep in a strange bed," Amelia replied, her tone still indifferent.

"Does your foot hurt?" Dorian's gaze fell on her injured ankle.

"This little injury, it's nothing," Amelia said calmly, as if the injury wasn't hers.

Suddenly, Dorian lay down, occupying the other side of the bed, "I'll stay here and watch over you."

Amelia frowned slightly, wanting to refuse but not knowing how to say it.

"What? Not welcome?" Dorian turned to her, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Amelia pursed her lips, "No."

"Next week, I'll take you to the orphanage to see if there's anything that needs to be added," Dorian suddenly changed the subject.

Amelia was taken aback, realizing this was a benefit for the orphanage.

"Okay," Amelia agreed, thinking that with her injured foot, he couldn't do much anyway.

The two of them fell into a brief silence.

The night outside grew darker, and the room was so quiet that they could only hear each other's breathing.

Amelia unknowingly closed her eyes. Perhaps Dorian's presence made her feel a bit at ease, or maybe she was just too tired. She slowly fell asleep.

Dorian watched her peaceful sleeping face, a barely noticeable smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Suddenly, a knock on the door broke the morning silence. Amelia woke up with a start, instinctively looking to her side. Dorian was still there, sleeping soundly, his breathing even and steady.

The knock came again, accompanied by Bella's clear voice, "Amelia, are you awake?"

Amelia's heart skipped a beat. Almost reflexively, she pushed Dorian, "Quick, hide!"

Dorian was startled awake by the sudden movement, his thick eyelashes fluttering, a hint of confusion in his eyes. Before he could speak, Amelia had already lifted the blanket, pointing to the only wardrobe in the room, her voice low and urgent, "Get in there!"

Dorian looked at her flustered state, his lips pressed into a thin line, a hint of displeasure in his eyes. He, the president of the Talbot Group, had to hide in a cramped wardrobe? If word got out, where would his dignity go?

"Hurry up!" Amelia urged again, her eyes filled with anxiety.

Dorian took a deep breath and finally relented. He got up and quickly slipped into the wardrobe.

Amelia took a deep breath, trying to stay calm, and said towards the door, "Bella, I'm awake. My foot is much better. I can walk on my own. You go ahead and have breakfast."

"Really?" Bella's voice carried a hint of doubt, "But your foot was so badly injured yesterday."

"Really, it's fine," Amelia interrupted her, "I can manage on my own."

"Alright then," Bella seemed to believe her, "I'll go have breakfast first. If you need anything, just call me."

"Okay." Amelia let out a sigh of relief. Hearing Bella's footsteps gradually fade away, she opened the wardrobe.

Dorian stepped out, adjusting his slightly wrinkled shirt, looking at Amelia with a stern expression, "You made me hide in the wardrobe?"

Amelia looked at him and couldn't help but chuckle, "Mr. Talbot, you look like a lover caught in the act."

Dorian raised an eyebrow, stepping closer until she was trapped against the bed. He leaned in slightly, their breaths mingling, his deep voice whispering in her ear, "Caught in the act? I don't mind letting Bella and Rhys know about our 'affair'."

Amelia's heart raced, feeling the pressure emanating from him like a predator eyeing its prey. She tried to stay calm, but a hint of panic flashed in her eyes.

Dorian watched the subtle changes in her expression, a barely noticeable smile tugging at his lips. He reached out, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, the touch sending a shiver through him.

Amelia's ears grew warm. Suddenly, there was a faint sound of footsteps outside the door. Her heart tightened, and she instinctively struggled, her knee accidentally hitting Dorian's groin.

Dorian let out a muffled groan, his face turning pale, his handsome features contorted in pain. Reflexively, he stepped back, one hand bracing against the bed, his body slightly hunched.

Amelia was startled, hurriedly apologizing, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! Are you okay?" She looked at Dorian's pained expression, her heart filled with concern, her voice tinged with a hint of worry.

Dorian took a few deep breaths, sweat beading on his forehead. He waved his hand, his voice hoarse, "I'm fine. You go have breakfast. I'll rest for a bit." He gritted his teeth, trying to maintain his composure, not wanting to show weakness in front of her.

Amelia hesitated for a moment, then slowly walked out of the room with the help of her crutch.

Dorian watched her leave, a bitter smile playing on his lips. Amelia was indeed ruthless.

Amelia went downstairs to the dining room, where Bella and Rhys were already seated at the table, chatting while having breakfast.

"Amelia, you're up? Where's Uncle Dorian? Why isn't he down yet?" Bella asked curiously when she saw Amelia.

Rhys also looked up at her, echoing, "Yeah, Uncle Dorian sleeping in? Is this a miracle?"

Amelia felt a bit nervous but kept a calm expression. She explained lightly, "He might have stayed up late working last night, so he's sleeping in a bit."

"That makes sense," Bella nodded, "Uncle Dorian has been really busy lately." She didn't think much of it and continued eating her breakfast.

Amelia sat down at the table but had little appetite. She kept glancing towards the stairs, worried about Dorian's condition.