Chapter 18 

Finnian was a tall, imposing figure, like a brick wall shielding Amara, making her feel suddenly immobilized. 

She didn’t meet Finnian’s gaze, instead focusing on the floral wallpaper beside them. “What do you want to talk about?” 

She had a good idea of what Finnian wanted to discuss. Probably a stern warning to stay away from Liliana and not stir up trouble. But Finnian surprised her by asking, “Do you care a lot about me and Liliana?” 

Amara fell silent. Under the room’s lighting, Finnian’s skin appeared porcelain–smooth, his features sharp and defined. His eyes, fixed on Amara, seemed calm yet pierced right through her, seemingly reading her mind. 

Amara’s heart pounded in her chest, her palms slightly damp with sweat. She couldn’t let Finnian discover her feelings for him. That would be too humiliating, and she couldn’t bear losing her dignity. 

Struggling to maintain her composure, she replied, “We’re married in name. So when Liliana called you her husband in public, I felt insulted. That’s why I reacted. Nothing more.” 

Was that really the reason? Finnian’s brows furrowed slightly but quickly relaxed, so quickly that even he didn’t notice it. 

“Our arrangement will be over soon. We’ll both be free then. Just hang in there for a little while longer.” 

With that indifferent statement, Finnian turned and left, not sparing Amara another glance. 

Amara clutched her chest where it ached. Finnian’s defense of Liliana was clear. She couldn’t let herself fall deeper into this illusion. She forced herself to suppress any inappropriate thoughts. 

After leaving the estate, Finnian drove to an upscale neighborhood in the heart of Wye. Once parking in the underground garage, he took the elevator up and knocked twice on an apartment door. It opened swiftly. 

“Finn, you’re here! I thought I’d given you access. Why didn’t you just come in?” Liliana beamed. 

“Not used to it.” 

Finnian entered the living room, glancing at Liliana holding onto his arm. “Are you feeling better?” 

“Yeah, much better. I just overworked myself filming while pregnant, that’s why I nearly passed out. I need to eat more healthily these days.” 

“Find out what you need, and I’ll buy it for you.” 

“You’re the best.” 

Liliana led Finnian to the couch, and then bounced off to the kitchen, intent on making him a meal. 

Finnian, feeling somewhat drained, leaned back against the sofa, resting his fingers on his forehead. Sleep tugged at him, but the unfamiliar surroundings kept him from fully drifting off. 

In a half–awake state, a soft fragrance filled the air, and something silky brushed against his skin. His eyes snapped open to a wash of white, his pupils contracting sharply. 

“Finn.” 

Liliana was taken aback; she hadn’t expected Finnian to wake so suddenly. She bit her lip lightly, leaning closer 

to him. 

“Don’t,” Finnian said, pressing her shoulder back, his gaze dark and commanding. “You’re pregnant.” 

Liliana paused, a trace of hurt in her voice. “I spoke with the doctor. It’s true that the first three months are delicate, but there are other ways I can help you. I’d do anything for you.” 

Her voice was sweet and beguiling, enough to tempt any man. Finnian’s breath hitched, but a flicker of fleeting disdain crossed his eyes. 

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Pushing Liliana away, he said coolly, “I don’t need it.” 

Finnian’s presence was always commanding. Just a slight drop in his tone could make anyone’s spine tingle. 

Liliana felt goosebumps rise on her skin as she watched Finnian stand and leave, his back turned without hesitation, not even sparing her a glance. Her eyes widened slightly in confusion. 

What’s going on? This wasn’t the first time. Even when they dated years ago, Finnian would keep his distance. Although he provided for her and cared for her material needs, she always felt a lack of true closeness. 

Besides, it wasn’t as if Finnian couldn’t be intimate. On the contrary, she had tested the waters, and Finnian was more than capable. With his athletic build, he would undoubtedly excel. Yet, he showed no interest in touching her and seemed to have an aversion to marriage. 

The other day in the hospital, when she suggested they live together, he refused, citing Amara as the reason. She thought it was just an excuse. 

Finnian wasn’t known for his kindness. He was ruthless, particularly to those he didn’t care about. Otherwise, why would he have ignored Amara for three years without seeing her? 

To confirm her suspicions, she had called Finnian her husband in front of everyone today. Sure enough, Finnian didn’t deny it. He clearly didn’t care about Amara! 

Chapter 19 

Chapter 19