Chapter 274 Farewell
Amelia looked up in shock.
"Husband?"
"Yes."
Amelia roughly understood.
Calling him a husband was actually to tie down Scarlett - finding someone like this to watch over Scarlett for the rest of her life.
For Scarlett, who deeply loved Finn and had been pampered since childhood, this would be a fate worse than death.
It was a thousand times more painful than beating or scolding Scarlett.
"Will Scarlett agree to this?"
Samuel's eyes held a cold gleam as he said, "She has to agree whether she wants to or not."
Without this arrangement, how could he possibly let it go?
It was precisely because he knew this punishment would be pure hell for Scarlett that he was willing to accept it.
"Then where will Mom and Dad stay tonight?"
"I have another villa nearby. I've asked them all to stay there. We'll go see them after we finish eating."
"Okay."
"We'll pick up some New Year gifts on the way."
"Okay."
Amelia was especially obedient today.
Samuel knew she was still feeling shy, so he didn't say much.
The two quietly finished their breakfast.
After eating, they grabbed their coats and went downstairs.
But they ran into Finn in the hotel lobby.
He looked like he hadn't slept all night, as if he'd been waiting there on purpose.
When he saw Amelia, his eyes lit up for a moment.
But when he saw Samuel behind Amelia, the light in his eyes dimmed again.
"Amelia, Mr. Crawford."
He greeted them first.
Samuel didn't want to acknowledge him, but for Amelia's sake, he nodded.
Finn walked up and after saying "Happy New Year," asked Amelia, "Can I talk to you alone for five minutes?"
Amelia glanced at Samuel.
Samuel said, "I'll wait for you in the car and turn up the heat."
Amelia was a bit surprised.
Samuel agreed so easily?
But soon, Amelia understood why Samuel agreed to let her talk to Finn alone.
Finn said, "After the holiday ends, I'm being transferred to Mistveil City. I probably won't be back for about three years."
Amelia asked in surprise, "Why so sudden?"
Finn smiled and said, "Anthony arranged it. I'll come back eventually. But for the next three years, I probably won't be back much."
Amelia nodded, knowing he was going to the grassroots level for training, and when he returned, he'd be up for a promotion.
She said, "I wish you all the best and success in your career."
"Thank you."
The two suddenly fell silent, not knowing what to say.
Before, they had endless things to talk about, but now it was so awkward they couldn't say an extra word.
Finn broke the silence first, saying, "Scarlett is going abroad this afternoon and won't come back. Don't worry, she won't appear in front of you again."
Amelia said, "I know. I wish her a safe journey."
"Thanks."
Finn nodded.
He said goodbye to her before they could fall into awkward silence again.
"I'm leaving now. Take care. When you have your wedding, remember to send me an invitation. I'll definitely be there."
"Okay."
Finn smiled slightly and turned to leave.
Watching his retreating figure, Amelia felt her nose tingle inexplicably.
The connections between people are really strange.
Two people who once thought they'd never be apart had, in the blink of an eye, become the most familiar strangers.
Amelia rubbed her eyes, took a deep breath, and walked outside too.
When she went out, Finn was nowhere to be seen. She only saw the door of a black business car open, and Samuel stepped out, waving at her.
"Get in."
Amelia nodded and got in the car with Samuel's help.
She felt a slight pain below, not enough to affect her walking, but there was a dull ache with larger movements.
She used to think only the first time would hurt, but didn't expect the second time to hurt too.
Amelia quickly stopped herself from thinking further, because her face was starting to feel hot again.
Fortunately, the lighting in the car was dim, which could hide her embarrassment.
Samuel asked at this moment, "Did he tell you about his transfer?"
Amelia knew Samuel was asking about Finn.
She nodded honestly.
"Yes. He also said Scarlett's flight is this afternoon."
"Okay."
After Samuel responded, he didn't mention Scarlett and Finn anymore, only asking if she wanted to eat something.
In the hotel room, she hadn't eaten much.
Amelia shook her head, "Let's go see Mom and Dad first. If they haven't eaten either, we can eat together."
"Okay." His voice was even gentler than usual.
They soon arrived at the house where the Richardson family was staying.
This place was slightly smaller than where Samuel and Amelia were staying, but had two more floors, so there was more than enough room for last night's group.
Just before getting out of the car, Samuel suddenly handed her a large gift.
"Happy New Year."
Amelia was very surprised.
"When did you prepare this?"
"When we were in Goldenvale."
Receiving a New Year gift made her very happy. Amelia smiled.
"I wish you all the best too. But I didn't have time to prepare a New Year gift."
"No need, you are my best gift."
Samuel's expression was serious, and Amelia's heart skipped a beat.
"Let's get out."
Samuel opened the car door and helped her out, his careful movements making Amelia's heart beat even faster.
He must have noticed that she was a bit sore down there.
Amelia tried hard to look calm, but her red ears still betrayed her inner feelings.
They soon reached the villa.
The living room was filled with laughter and cheerful voices. Just hearing the sounds, Amelia's expression naturally became softer.
"Amelia!"
"Samuel."
Everyone immediately noticed them and hurried over.
The temperature difference between inside and outside was significant. Amelia took off her coat and handed it to a servant before looking up at everyone.
Everyone was there. Faith and Byron didn't live here, but they'd also come early.
Amelia's eyes quickly scanned the group.
She noticed that only Quinton, Natalie, and Faith looked at her slightly differently; everyone else looked normal.
Amelia concluded that only these three knew about Samuel being drugged last night.
None of them had told anyone else, not even their own family members.
Even Faith hadn't told Byron.
Amelia's anxious heart eased a bit.
Otherwise, she really would have been on edge.
Grant tugged at her sleeve and said, "We were planning to play bridge, but we're one person short. Perfect timing - you can join us."
Amelia was skilled at everything and nodded in agreement.
"Sure."
However, Natalie spoke up at this moment, "I haven't given Amelia her New Year gift yet. Samuel, you play a couple rounds for her first. I want to talk to Amelia for a bit."
"Okay."
The group went off to play bridge cheerfully.
Those who didn't know how to play gathered around to watch.
Amelia was led upstairs by Natalie.
She roughly knew what Natalie wanted to talk about. Worried that Natalie might misunderstand and think she was unwilling, she was about to explain that she had taken the initiative to help Samuel with the antidote last night when Natalie handed her a gift.
"Happy New Year, Amelia. I wish you happiness, joy, and all the best."
Amelia opened it and found a very heavy set of luxury jewelry.
"Your dad bought this for me on our tenth wedding anniversary. I never had the heart to wear it. Now that you're home, it's perfect for you. Originally, I was going to give this to you when you got married, but I think today is an even better time."
"Thank you, Mom."
"Why thank me? You're my daughter. Go downstairs and have fun! I told them I'd make lunch."
Amelia's eyes suddenly reddened.
She thought Natalie was going to bring up last night, but she really just wanted to give her a New Year gift.
She didn't go downstairs right away, but took the initiative to tell Natalie about last night.
"Samuel didn't force me. He wanted to endure it himself. I was the one who said I was willing to help him."
Natalie nodded and tucked the stray hair from her forehead behind her ear, saying, "I know Samuel respects you very much and wouldn't force you."
Amelia felt relieved.
She was afraid Natalie would have a bad opinion of Samuel because of this.
She hoped that the family she loved could wholeheartedly accept the man she loved.
"However," Natalie changed her tone and asked, "Did you use any contraception?"
Amelia was stunned for a moment.
She had forgotten about that.
Samuel was under the drug's effects at the time and definitely hadn't thought about it either.
She bit her lip and shook her head, "No."
Natalie held her hand and first said, "You're a doctor, so you definitely know what this means. And you know it's not too late to take medication now. Do you want to take it?"
She added, "If you do, I'll pick it up for you when I go out to buy groceries later."
That way Amelia wouldn't have to pass by Samuel, or feel embarrassed buying it herself.
Amelia thought seriously for half a minute before answering.
"Mom, Samuel said we'll get married after the holiday ends."
Natalie understood what she meant.
She wasn't planning to take the medication.
But hearing that the two would get married after the holiday, it seemed there really was no need for medication.
If Amelia really got pregnant, it would be a great joy.
But after the initial happiness, she became serious again and asked, "What does Stanley say?"
Natalie said, "At first he wanted to honor your engagement, but later, for some reason, he stopped mentioning it. I'm worried there might be a change on his end."
Amelia said, "Stanley does have a bit of an issue with me because of a misunderstanding. But don't worry about it - this will be resolved soon."
She had saved Stanley's life.
But this matter couldn't be made public yet.
They were still working on a plan targeting Zachary.
Natalie felt a bit more at ease.
She said, "Then pay special attention to when your period comes this time. If it's delayed, tell me. Okay?"
Amelia nodded, "Okay."
"Alright, go downstairs. I should go out to buy groceries too. You like celery, right?"
Amelia nodded.
Natalie had figured out all her preferences.
She was just confirming in case her tastes had suddenly changed.
Soon the two went downstairs.