Chapter 65
Edmund POV
The moment the car door shut behind Vikki, I turned and headed straight back into the gala hall.
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I didn’t care about the whispers, or the flashes, or the dozens of people who were still staring like they’d just watched alive soap opera.
I only cared about one thing, finding Amelia.
The crowd had thinned slightly, but the murmur of gossip was louder now. Everywhere I turned, I could feel eyes on me. Some were sympathetic. Most curious.
I scanned the tables, the corners, and the bar. Nothing.
“Excuse me,” I stopped one of the servers who looked startled to see me. “Did you happen to see Dr. Amelia Garcia leave?”
He shook his head quickly. “No, sir. Sorry, I didn’t.”
I moved to another table, where two women were whispering with their phones in hand. “Did either of you see Dr. Garcia?”
One of them looked up, clearly uncomfortable. “Um… I think she left a few minutes ago. She looked upset.”
I nodded, jaw tightening. “Thanks.”
The ballroom felt like a cage. The music had started again, but all I could hear was my pulse pounding in my ears. I pushed past a few people, ignoring the small talk and polite smiles until I got to the main doors.
Two security men stood there, scanning the room.
“Did you see a woman leave?” I asked. “Brown hair, emerald dress?”
They exchanged a glance. One of them nodded. “Yes, sir. She walked out about ten minutes ago. Got into an Uber.”
My chest dropped. “Do you know which direction it went?”
Toward the hotel, sir.”
Of course. Our suite.
I exhaled shakily, rubbing the back of my neck. “Thank you.”
I turned, ready to bolt out the door when a familiar voice called my name.
“Mr.Montgomery! There you are, thank God.”
It was Daniel, the co–host of the gala, jogging toward me in his tux with a clipboard in hand and a look of panic on his face.
“Daniel, not now,” I said, already half–turned toward the exit. “I have to go.”
“You can’t.” He stepped in front of me, breathless. “The fundraising segment is starting now. Everyone’s waiting. The press is ready. You’re the face of this, Sir, you have to be there.”
“Then do it without me,” I snapped. “Something personal just came up.”
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“Without you?” He blinked, incredulous. “You’re the one leading the Montgomery Initiative! You can’t bail now. It’ll look bad, especially after… well, after what just happened.”
I froze, biting back the curse that rose to my tongue. He wasn’t wrong. If I walked out now, it would only feed the rumors.
But Amelia-
Damn it.
“Sir, please,” Daniel said again, lowering his voice. “It’ll take ten minutes. Get through it, and then go wherever you need to. Just… be quick and look composed. We can’t afford another scene.”
I looked toward the exit again, my chest heavy with indecision. Every part of me wanted to say to hell with it and go after her. To fix what I’d just broken.
But I also knew this project meant everything to her too. To us.
I inhaled sharply, straightened my jacket, and finally said, “Fine. Let’s make it quick.”
Daniel nodded gratefully. “Thank you. Come on.”
He led me through the crowd again, toward the stage. The lights were blinding when I stepped up, the chatter fading as the host handed me the microphone.
I could feel the tension in the room. Everyone was waiting to see if I’d pretend nothing had happened.
I didn’t. I just took a breath and started talking.
‘Good evening,” I began, voice steady. “First, I want to thank every single person here tonight, for showing up, for believing in what we’re trying to do.”
A pause. A glance at the front row, where flashes from cameras danced like restless fireflies.
The outreach program we just completed was more than a medical mission. It was a symbol, a beginning.” I met a few eyes n the crowd, “The Montgomery Conglomerate isn’t just about business anymore. It’s about people. And this-“I gestured to he screen behind me, showing pictures from the outreach “-marks the birth of the Montgomery Hospital Chain.”
There were murmurs, a few nods, and polite applause.
In as much as the goal is there,” I continued, “Montgomery can’t do it alone. Change like this takes hands, many hands. It akes people who care enough to invest in something that will outlive all of us. And that’s why tonight, we’re not just celebrating. We’re inviting each of you to be part of this vision. To help us build a legacy of care, one community at a time.”
let out a quiet breath and smiled faintly. “Thank you.”
Applause followed.
I handed the microphone back to Daniel, who immediately took over with his usual energy. “Thank you. Mr. Montgomery! What an inspiring message. Now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment we’ve all been waiting for, the fundraising begins!”
The crowd clapped again. People began raising their paddles, calling out amounts as Daniel worked the room with the
enthusiasm of a seasoned host.
‘Fifty thousand from Table Three! Wonderful! Thank you!”
‘One hundred thousand from the Brixton Medical Board!”
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But my mind wasn’t there.
My body was sitting at the table, but everything in me was already halfway back to the suite Every time someone pledged an amount, every time Daniel cracked a joke to lighten the room. I just stared at the untouched champagne in front of me and thought about her.
How she must have looked when she walked out, hurt, humiliated, betrayed. And it was my fault
I’d promised her protection. Promised her peace. Instead, she got public humiliation and gossip columns waiting to tear her
apart.
“Mr. Montgomery?” Daniel’s voice pulled me back.
I blinked, realizing everyone was clapping again. The host was smiling, gesturing toward me.
“Would you like to say a few words before we close the session?”
I nodded automatically, standing again.
Taking the mic, I smiled faintly, keeping my tone calm though my mind was chaos. “I want to thank everyone once again Your generosity tonight will touch lives far beyond this room. What we’ve achieved isn’t mine alone, it’s all of ours. Thank you for believing in the vision, for standing with us, and for helping make a difference.”
Applause again. More flashes.
But I didn’t linger.
“Excuse me,” I murmured to Daniel as I handed the mic back. “I need to step out.”
He looked relieved that I’d stayed this long. “Of course, go ahead.”
A few guests tried to stop me as I made my way out, smiling faces, polite handshakes, congratulatory words.
“Fantastic speech, Edmund.”
“Truly moving.”
“Can’t wait to hear more about the hospital expansion.”
I nodded, forcing a smile. “Thank you. I appreciate it. But I really must be going.”
By the time I stepped out into the quiet hallway, my patience was gone. I pulled out my phone, checked for any messages…..nothing.
The drive back to the hotel felt longer than it should’ve. The night air outside the window was cold, my thoughts even
colder.
When I finally reached the suite, I hesitated for a second before unlocking the door.
The lights were off. Silent.
“Amelia?” I called softly, stepping inside.
Nothing.
I shut the door behind me, scanning the dimly lit living room.
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I exhaled and walked toward her room, pausing at the door. I knocked gently.
“Amelia?”
Silence.
I knocked again, a little firmer this time. “Please… open the door. I just want to talk.”
Still nothing.
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“Look, I know tonight was a mess,” I said quietly, leaning my forehead against the door. “I didn’t mean for any of that to happen. You didn’t deserve that humiliation, and I should’ve protected you better.”
My voice cracked slightly, but I didn’t care. “I swear, Amelia, there’s nothing between Vikki and me anymore. Whatever she said, whatever she made it look like, it’s not true. It’s over. It’s been over for a long time.”
No sound. No footsteps. Just silence.
I waited.
“Please…” I whispered, knocking one last time. “Just open the door. Let me explain. Let me make it right.”
Still nothing.
After a long moment, I sighed and stepped back. My chest felt heavy, my throat tight.
“Okay,” I murmured. “I’ll give you space. But I just want you to know that I’m sorry. For everything. And I’ll spend every day making up for it if you let me.”
I lingered there for a second, hoping maybe she’d open the door at the last minute. But she didn’t.
So I took a slow breath, forced myself to whisper, “Goodnight, Amelia,” and turned away.
By the time I reached my room, exhaustion hit me like a wave.
I loosened my tie, dropped it on the chair, and sank onto the edge of the bed, staring at the floor.
For the first time in a long while, I felt completely powerless.
Tomorrow, I’d fix what I could. I’d face the press, handle the fallout, do whatever it took.
But tonight… All I could do was hope she was okay.
And pray she’d still want to listen tomorrow.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
