AMELIA'S QUEST: LOVE OR REVENGE

The next day arrived in the blink of an eye. After freshening up, Amelia slipped into the same red silk dress she had worn the day before and made her way to her first stop: the hospital, where she had scheduled an appointment to terminate her pregnancy.

The decision to terminate the pregnancy had been made the moment she saw the positive test results. It was a mistake, an inconvenience she hadn't planned for, and she had no desire to complicate her life further. Keeping the baby was out of the question; she didn't want any hindrance to the plans she had carefully laid out for herself.

As she stepped into the hospital's sterile hallway, the sharp, medicinal scent immediately filled her senses, stirring memories she had buried long ago. She had hated hospitals since childhood, and her parents' deaths had only deepened her aversion. This was her first time in three years setting foot inside a hospital—but this time, it was important

An hour after the procedure for the evacuation of the tiny fetus in her uterus had been completed, Amelia signed the necessary paperwork and headed out, her focus already shifted to her next destination.

As soon as Amelia pulled up to the Luxurious mansion she shared with Luke, she noticed his car parked at the far end of the garage, indicating he hadn't left for work yet. Rolling her eyes, she grabbed her handbag and headed towards the entrance.

Upon opening the door, she was hit with the enticing aroma of exquisite dishes, " Amelia!" Luke exclaimed, rushing out of the kitchen with an apron draped around his neck, a sight that might have amused her under different circumstances.

Amelia's expression turned quizzical, her eyes narrowing. " What's—"

Luke silenced her with a gentle finger to her lips, his eyes locked onto hers. " I know I've been a terrible person, and I deserve every bit of your anger," he said, his sorrowful tone matching the pleading look in his eyes. " I have been selfish, and I realize now that I took you for granted.

Amelia's face remained impassive, her emotions guarded. Luke removed his hand and gently pulled her into the dining area, where a sumptuously decorated table awaited. The table was set with fine china, crystal glasses, and silverware, gleaming in the soft candlelight. A stunning floral arrangement featuring velvety red roses and crisp white lilies adorned the center, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. Plush linens in a soft ivory hue added warmth and elegance to the setting.

As he moved, Luke casually removed the apron, revealing an expensive tailored suit underneath; its crisp lines and impeccable fit were a stark contrast to the domesticity of the apron. Candles flickered, casting a golden glow on the walls, and the soft hum of classical music drifted through the room, attempting to mask the tension between them.

The table was set for two, with each place setting carefully arranged to create an intimate atmosphere. A delicate wine glass stood beside a Waterford crystal flute, awaiting the champagne chilling in the ice bucket nearby. The dinner plates, adorned with delicate patterns, held the promise of an exquisite meal, carefully crafted to woo Amelia's senses.

Despite the lavish setup, Amelia's expression remained unmoved, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in the elaborate display. Luke's efforts to recreate their lost romance seemed almost desperate.

" I thought we could start anew," Luke said, his voice laced with hope.

Amelia's gaze lingered on the table, her thoughts hidden behind a mask of indifference. " You're a little late for that, don't you think?"

Her words hung in the air, piercing the fragile atmosphere Luke had tried to create.

" I have messed up, I know. But I love you more than anything. Will you give me the chance to redeem myself, to continue being your husband, and to spend the rest of my life making it right?" His voice trembled with emotions

He dropped to one knee, producing a small velvet box from his pocket. His eyes shone with unshed tears, and his face bore a sincere plea.

Amelia burst into laughter, the sound harsh and mocking, leaving Luke wondering if he'd unconsciously made a joke. Shrugging it off, he forced a smile, his eyes searching for any glimmer of hope.

" Have you signed the papers?" Amelia asked, her tone abrupt, slicing through the tension.

Luke's face fell off " No, I—"

" I thought so," she replied, her voice dripping with disdain, as she turned to leave.

" What was that supposed to be? " Amelia muttered to herself, shaking her head.

Luke chased after her, finding her hastily packing a small traveling box in their bedroom.

" What's going on?" Luke asked, alarm creeping into his voice.

But Amelia ignored him and instead pushed past him and exited the house, leaving Luke, who remained frozen, his pleas still hovering in the air.

The roar of her car's engine shattered the silence, jolting him into desperate action. He burst through the doorway, his eyes scanning the driveway just in time to see her car vanish through the gate, leaving behind only the faint scent of exhaust and the crushing weight of rejection.

Amelia floored it, racing towards the airport with a sense of desperation as if the shadows themselves were closing in. She couldn't shake the feeling that Luke was hot on her heels.

Reaching the airport, she snatched her phone from her purse and dialed a memorized number. A low, gravelly voice answered on the first ring.

" Good day, ma'am."

Without hesitation, Amelia delivered her instructions. " The car is parked outside Benito Juarez. I'll leave the keys with security."

She ended the call abruptly, her eyes scanning the surrounding area for any sign of pursuit. Satisfied she wasn't being watched, Amelia took a deep breath, shouldered her bag, and stepped into the airport, ready to vanish into the anonymity of the departing flights.

**********

As the plane's wheels kissed the American tarmac, the Captain's warm voice filtered through the intercom, " Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to New York City, the vibrant epicenter of opportunity and prosperity. Kindly exit and wait for your luggage"

Amelia exhaled softly, her nerves beginning to fray despite her careful planning. She had left Mexico in haste, driven by a single goal. Now, just miles from her target, a faint unease stirred in her chest, but she pushed it aside with quiet confidence.

Collecting her luggage, Amelia slipped into a waiting cab, her voice low and decisive. " Nearest hotel, please."