Chapter 63
As she spoke, Amara let out a sigh.
“Elowen and I are like real sisters, really. I can handle a few insults from her, but what if one day she talks to someone else like that? People might think Elowen’s got no manners.
And earlier, she wasn’t exactly respectful to her brother–in–law. That doesn’t sit right with me. If word gets out, folks might start saying the Sullivan family doesn’t know how to raise their kids.”
Amara casually mentioned this, and Larry’s face turned a shade darker. Fiona and Elowen, meanwhile, broke into a cold sweat.
Elowen was known for her sharp tongue, so a “few insults” were likely more than just a passing comment. She must have said something really nasty to Amara.
And when Amara mentioned the lack of respect towards her brother–in–law, how exactly was Elowen being disrespectful?
From the moment they sat down for dinner, Elowen’s attitude towards Finnian was telling. Everyone at the table noticed it. Combining all this with Amara’s remarks, Larry could easily imagine what Elowen might have done. He smacked the silverware on the table, about to lose his temper.
“Dad,” before Larry could blow up, Amara cut in just in time.
“Elowen doesn’t have a bad heart; she just hasn’t settled down yet,” Amara explained. “Maybe you and Mrs. Sullivan could think about finding a good match for her. Once she has a family and responsibilities, she might not act like this anymore.”
Larry was big on family stability. He believed a stable family facilitated professional success. In his eyes, a chaotic household meant one couldn’t succeed at anything.
Amara’s suggestion hit the right chord. Larry nodded approvingly, saying, “You’ve grown up a lot. Keep being sensible like this. Focus on living well and don’t get caught up in nonsense.”
After that, he shot a glance at Elowen, who immediately looked down, her grip on the edge of the table revealing her irritation.
Lips pressed briefly, Amara allowed herself a subtle smile.
Finnian continued eating quietly, but every now and then, he’d cast a surprised glance at Amara. He’d always seen her as gentle and straightforward, but today, she showed a side of slickness he didn’t expect. Was this really the same Amara?
Later that evening, back in their room, they naturally ended up in the same bed. They’d shared a bed twice before, so the awkwardness had somewhat dissipated, or at least wasn’t evident.
Amara had to work on a script, so Finnian took a shower first. Emerging from the bathroom, he teased, “What was that back there? Have you been possessed or something?”
Amara paused, then realized what he was getting at and sighed. “It’s something inevitable.”
Growing up, she was quiet and reserved, often bullied by Fiona and Elowen. When she was ten, Elowen had scarred her face with a knife. Due to certain circumstances, Amara couldn’t tell Larry right away.
By the time Larry came home from abroad and Amara told him what had happened, Elowen denied the whole thing.
Having endured so much in silence as a child, Amara learned to think ahead to avoid getting hurt again.
“I’m going to take a shower. If you’re tired, go ahead and rest.”
Amara grabbed a towel and her pajamas, heading into the bathroom. After locking the door, she slipped off the clothes, stepped under the showerhead, and turned on the water.
Chapter 64
