Chapter 48: I Promise, It Won’t Happen Again
Iris’s POV
I approached Amelia, my heart a knot of hurt and love as I pulled her into a hug, emotions overwhelming me. Sudden tears rolled down my cheeks as I buried my face in her shoulder. "Don’t ever believe Liora over me," I choked out, my voice filled with sobs. The pain of her doubt only made those tears pour even more. Her arms tightened around me.
"I promise it won’t happen again," Amelia’s words sounded sincere. She pulled back slightly, her hands still resting on my shoulders, and her eyes, red-rimmed from her own tears searched mine. And then a slight smile appeared across her lips as she reached up to wipe my tears with her thumb. "You look horrible when you cry," she teased gently.
Immediately, a small laugh broke through my sobs, and I felt my cheeks flush as a smile curved my lips. Wiping at my face with the back of my hand, her words eased the ache in my heart. For a moment, it felt like we were kids again, her teasing me out of a bad day.
Just then, the door creaked open as my head snapped up, and there stood Liora. She’s carrying a tray of food and a cup of water. Then she glared at us, irritated as she spoke. "Have this," she said. "I’m being generous enough to remember Lucas needs food. Go feed him before he dies of hunger." She stretched the tray toward me as I collected it and before I could say a word, she turned on her heel and left without another word.
I stared at the tray in my hands as I set the tray down on the small table by the door. I walked to my bed side, where I’d left the gown earlier. I picked it up and turned to Amelia. "Here, you need to wear this," I said, holding it out to her.
Amelia’s brows furrowed. "What? Why? There’s nothing wrong with my dress," she said, glancing down at the oversized tomboy outfit she’s on. One that hid her curves. Her voice sounded stubborn, but I wasn’t having it.
I shook my head, stepping closer. "Amelia, if you want Lucas to see you, you need to do this. Your dressing right now? It’s not giving at all." I raised an eyebrow, my tone firm but teasing, daring her to argue.
She opened her mouth to speak but no words came, her cheeks flushing slightly in shyness. With a reluctant smile, she snatched the gown from my hands. "Fine," she muttered. She took the dress and headed towards the corner of my room where she changed. When she was done, the gown hugged her body perfectly, showing her beautiful curve. In fact, she looked so beautiful.
With a smile, I approached her. "Now that’s more like it." I gestured toward the mirror on the wall. "Go look."