A Naive Bride for the Sophisticated CEO

Chapter 25: I love James!

Amelia closed her eyes losing hope of surviving Ava’s cruelty, until she fell into someone’s arms.

She opened her eyes and found out she was in arms of a man. She turned her head to look at her savior.

“Hey, baby girl,” Hudson uttered with a devilish grin.

Amelia wanted to get away from his grip but he was way stronger than her. It had always been like that.

“Let me go, Hudson!” Amelia yelled.

“Shouldn’t you be grateful I didn’t let you fall off?”

“What the hell is going on here?!” Freddie yelled as he walked to the scene.

Hudson let Amelia go immediately he heard his father’s voice. He tucked his hand in his pocket and turned to leave.

“I’m asking you a question! What is going on here?!” Freddie yelled angrily, and Ava gave way for Amelia to walk to where Freddie was standing.

“Nothing happened, okay?! She was about to fall off the stairs, and I grabbed her before she could lull herself!”

“We just wanted to help her, Dad! You don’t have to be on her side all the time!”

They responded to Freddie out of rage, and they both walked down the staircase, to the first floor.

Freddie turned to look at Amelia and scrutinized her body.

“Are you hurt?” He asked, and she shook her head.

“I’m fine, father. Let’s talk now.”

Amelia couldn’t wait to go back to her apartment. If not for Freddie’s intervention, she couldn’t imagine the horrible things are cousins would have done to her.

Freddie nodded and led the way to his room.

“I should have come out earlier. I was busy on my PC when I heard your voice. Please just ignore them. I have stopped funding Hudson after what he did the other day.”

“Really? Uncle you didn’t have to. He is your son.”

“No, Amelia. I would never support such a bad thing. He deserves more punishment than that. You are also my daughter.”

He opened the door to his room and walked into his room. Amelia followed behind him and waited at the door.

Freddie looked at her and pointed to the single seat in his room.

“Sit here.”

Amelia sat, and Freddie pulled a chair close to her.

“So, Charles told me that he got to James’ company and found out you weren’t there anymore. He told me you were fired. Did you do anything to him?”

“No, Uncle. I did nothing. He arrived at the office looking so angry and cold. I greeted him and received a termination letter as a response. I’m still trying to think of what I did wrong.”

“I think I know why he acted like that to you. Charles talked to me about something, and I want us to talk about it.”

“Yes, Uncle. But before you go there, can you please tell me what made Mr. James sign the contract? Maybe he was forced to do it and felt I didn’t have to work at the company again.”

“I don’t think so. It was Helen that talked to him about it. He loves his mother so much and wouldn’t say no to her. Charles talked to her about it, and he decided to help out. If not for Helen, he wouldn’t sign it at all.”

“Oh, wow. He truly loves his mother then. I’m happy you can finally go on with the business now.”

Freddie smiled and bounced his head.

“About what Charles told me. He said he has talked to you about it. He said he wants you to marry James.”

“He told me, Uncle. I am still…”

“Hold on, Amelia. I know you feel somehow about it, but I believe this is a good thing for you.”

“How, Uncle? Mr. James hates me. He treated me like trash this morning. If only you were present, you would understand what I’m saying.”

“Hey…” He reached for her hand and held it.

“Listen to me, Amelia. All James needs is some time. After Charles told me he fired you, I was so worried. But he said I shouldn’t, that they are going to work on it. Both he and Helen.”

“But do they have to go through all that stress because of me? I don’t think I want to marry him.”

“Amelia, I know you are scared. Anyone in your shoes would be scared. But, see it this way. You are taking a step forward, you are making me proud like you have always done. Who wouldn’t want to get married to a man with such greatness?”

Amelia heaved a sigh and lowered her head. She wasn’t sure what to tell her uncle anymore.

She could phantom that he wants her to get married to him, and saying No to her uncle would show that she is ingrateful.

“Do this for yourself. Do this for me, and you won’t regret it. I have nursed you since you were little. I was your mother and father. Believe me when I say I know what is best for you. James is best for you,”

Amelia raised her head and looked at him. She smiled faintly and bounced her head.

“Okay, Uncle. But if he doesn’t want me after his parents intervene. There is nothing we can do about it, right?” She asked, and he shook his head.

“If Helen and Charles can’t convince him, then we’ll let him go. But let them take care of it first.”

“Okay, Uncle. I… I’ll do anything you ask of me.”

“This is why I love you, Amelia. You are the best.”

Freddie opened his hand and she embraced him, resting her head on his shoulder.

‘This is going to be a wonderful breakthrough for Amelia and my business. She will become famous and rich, and my business will gain more support from the Parkers.’ James thought happily.

“I should leave now, Uncle. I want to get home as soon as I can.”

They disengaged and stood up. Amelia led the way to the door and before she got out, Freddie held her hand and made her stop.

“Remember, Amelia. I’m doing this for you, and I love you so much. And don’t be scared of James, his parents love you. Most especially his mother, she wouldn’t let him do anything stupid to you.”

Amelia smiled and bounced her head. She slowly withdrew her hand and headed out of the room.

As she opened the door and stepped out, she saw Ava standing in front of the door. Her face was burning up in wrath.

She had eavesdropped and heard only the last parts of their conversation. She could guess that her father wanted Amelia to be with James.

“What are you doing here? Are you okay?” Freddie asked Ava as he also stepped out of the room.

“Dad, we need to talk.” Her voice was full of rage.

“Wait for me then. I’ll walk Amelia out.”

“No, you don’t have to. I’ll be fine, uncle. See you soon.” Amelia hurriedly waved and walked away.

Ava stormed into Freddie’s room, and he exhaled loudly and turned to look at her.

“What is it this time?”

“Dad! Are you for real? You want Amelia to be with James?!” She uttered in a very loud tone.

“When you talk to me, you talk Politely, Ava, okay?” He calmly uttered and sat on his bed.

“Dad, do you love me at all?” She asked, and he knitted his brows.

“Of course, I do. You are my daughter. Why would you ask me that kind of question?”

“Why won’t I ask? You want Amelia to have all the good things in the world, and what about me?”

“Ava, I have given you everything you have ever wanted. Don’t start comparing yourself to Ava. You are two different people, okay? Sit next to me.”

He tapped the bed and Ava shook her head.

“No, I don’t want to sit next to you. I love James, Dad! I want to be his wife.”

“What? James Parker?”

“Yes! We are a thing. He would never marry Amelia because he doesn’t love her. He loves only me, Dad!”

“Oh my… this is surprising. I’m so sorry, Ava. I never knew you two are a thing.”

Ava pouted and sat next to him. She began to shed crocodile tears and rested her head on his shoulder.

“Now you know, Uncle. You won’t let him get married to her, right?”

“Ava, I can’t decide that. His parents love her already and want only her. If they want her, I don’t have a choice but want the same thing. You know how the Parkers have always helped us.”

“What!! Dad! I’m your daughter! Your only daughter! Don’t you care about my feelings at all? You want me to lose the one I love?”

“Ava…” Freddie called tiredly as he stood up.

He moved closer to her and took her quivering hands in his.

“Ava, you are my only daughter and that is why I want the best for you. Do you think I don’t have plans for you too? Of course I do. I wanted it to be a surprise, but since it has come to this, I’ll tell you.” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“What surprise?”

“You remember President Anthony? My friend from high school?”

“Yes, I do. What does he have to do with this?”

She snatched her hands away from him in frustration.

“His son, Nicholas wants you. And his father is in full support. Nicholas is yet to return from the United Kingdom. Once he is back, he is going to visit the house. I wanted to wait until then before I say anything.”

“Is that the surprise?” She asked, and Freddie nodded with a broad smile.

“Yes! I want the best for my daughter.”

“No, Dad!! This is not the best! I want James Parker, not one stupid President’s son!”

“Ava, C’mon.” Freddie tried to stay calm and understanding.

“No! If anyone should back off, it’s Amelia. I have known James before she did. And I won’t let him go easily, Dad. If she doesn’t stay away from my man, she is going to suffer! I promise you!”

After yelling, she stormed out of the room, leaving Freddie in shock.

“Ava!” He called, but she ignored him and headed to her room. ‘You are going to pay, Amelia. This is just the beginning!’