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Chapter 343:

“Did you know your mother was discarded by that man? He didn’t just abandon her; he left you behind, too!” Ricky shouted at Amelia, his voice sharp with bitterness.

The memory of years spent chasing approval, only to be met with rejection, deepened Ricky’s hatred.

When Katrina revealed she was pregnant, Ricky’s initial anger gave way to acceptance when she proposed marriage.

He knew she viewed him as a mere convenience, a shield to deflect scrutiny, yet he didn’t care — he hoped marrying her would finally win her over. But no matter how much he tried to please her, she remained distant, never allowing his touch.

At first, he couldn’t grasp why until he noticed her drowning her pain in late-night drinks.

𝘗𝗼𝘱𝘂l𝗮𝘳 𝘴𝘁𝗼𝘳i𝖾ѕ 𝘰𝗻

It hit him then — her heart belonged to another, the very man who was Amelia’s biological father.

Ricky couldn’t understand why Katrina clung to someone who had abandoned her, and it stoked his bitterness.

If not for his current situation, he’d never have shared this with Amelia — it made him feel like a fool.

Still, seeing Amelia’s darkened expression lifted his spirits slightly. “Amelia, your mother’s frail health comes from years of heartbreak, but I’m not the cause p>

Ricky’s eyes flashed with a hint of wounded pride as he said that.

Everyone assumed Katrina’s depression stemmed from his affair with Janessa, but Ricky knew she was indifferent to it.

Even when he flaunted Janessa in front of her, Katrina only coldly reminded him of their agreement.

Amelia, swallowing her fury, shot back, “Even if that’s true, it doesn’t justify you tampering with my mother’s medication p>

With that, she stormed out of the basement, not sparing him another glance.

When Wyatt returned to Hillside Villa, Kurt met him at the entrance.

“Mr. Stewart, Mrs. Stewart has been shut in her room all day and skipped lunch,” Kurt said.

“Did something happen today?” Wyatt asked.

“Mrs. Stewart spoke with Ricky in the basement this morning. After that, she hasn’t come out of her room since p>

Wyatt’s brow furrowed as he headed upstairs.

At the turn of the stairs, he paused and told Kurt, “Have the kitchen prepare a bowl of pasta and bring it up as soon as it’s ready p>

“Yes, Mr. Stewart p>

At the bedroom door, Wyatt knocked softly.

Amelia, sitting on the balcony, assumed it was Kurt. “I’m not hungry, Kurt. Go handle your tasks p>

Her words cut off as Wyatt scooped her up. Looking up, she caught the sharp line of his jaw.

He settled into her chair, placing her onto his lap.

She tried to stand instinctively, but his firm grip on her waist held her in place.

After a brief struggle, she relented, sinking into his arms.

Wyatt gauged her mood, relaxing only when her expression softened. Still, recalling Kurt’s words, he asked gently, “What did Ricky say to upset you so much that you lost your appetite p>

Amelia froze for a moment after hearing that, then smiled faintly. “It’s not Ricky’s words. I just haven’t felt like eating p>

Kretol’s June heat was oppressive, and paired with her period discomfort, her appetite had vanished.

Still, Wyatt’s mention of Ricky stirred memories of their conversation. Despite the calm front she showed Ricky, her heart was a storm of conflicting emotions.

As she had told him, she indeed no longer craved a father’s love, but questions gnawed at her.

Why had that man hurt her mother? If he didn’t love her, why leave her pregnant? And if he did, why abandon her?

Katrina had never spoken of him, leaving Amelia unsure if her mother had been disillusioned or hiding something else. This left Amelia torn about whether to seek that man out.

Wyatt didn’t press further. Stroking her cheek gently, he said, “We haven’t taken our honeymoon yet. How about a getaway for a few days p>