FLASH MARRIAGE; CHARMED BY THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE CEO - Chapter 278

Chapter 278: The Arranged Meeting 3
No one dared to open their mouth to challenge Maria. Not even the senator whose scrunched face spoke volumes of his ire at everyone excluding his mom.

Nana Shawl heaved another sigh before speaking.

“My dear Amelia, let me begin by thanking you for considering my request even though you didn’t find it palatable. What your uncles and the others did to you is purely wicked and I will never condone evil. Nevertheless, for the sake of family, unity, love and as you rightly mention redemption, I’m glad you have decided to forgive them and give them a second chance.”

Amelia lowered her gaze and sucked in her breath, anger sizzling in her veins.

“Although I would have preferred the probation period to be shortened to three months, six months is more than considerate when compared to their crime. I just pray they have learned their lessons and turned a new leaf. How long would it take for them to be released?”

“Probably a week or less,” Amelia replied lifting her head up.

“Good. Then we would have a family reunion feast in a week to welcome everyone home. Every member of this family is highly invited and I will not be accepting any form of excuses to be absent.”

Amelia shook her head but didn’t say anything.

Nana Shawls’ stern gaze shifted to the rest of her family. “Let’s all bury the past behind us starting from today. I don’t want segregation between us. Do away with the blaming game. Let love and peace reign. I don’t want to hear side comments. I hope I have made myself clear.”

There was little murmuring in the background but everyone agreed to a peaceful resolution in the end.

As Amelia and Maria stood up to leave after politely declining to have breakfast with the rest of the family, Senator Gregory hurried over to them, his expression apologetic.

“Maria, thanks for accompanying my daughter here.”

“You don’t need to thank me, senator,” Maria replied in a deadpan tone. “I’m simply doing what is expected of me as a mother.”

Senator Gregory nodded with a forced smile before turning to his daughter.

“Can I speak to you in private?”

“Dad, I don’t have that luxury of time,” Amelia said begrudgingly, reluctant to be near her father right now. “Whatever you need to say, just say it. I have to be in the office before 10:00 AM.”

“Please, Amy. I promise I won’t take much of your time.” The senator pleaded looking to Maria for assistance.

“Just go with him, Amy. I will be waiting for you by the car.” Maria said reluctantly.

“Are you sure, mom?” Amelia pouted.

“Yes. Speak with your father. You two need to iron some things out alone.”

“Thank you, m…”

“Save it, senator.” Maria cut him off, sharply. “Do well not to upset my daughter than you’ve already done. Remember, I’m not far away.”

The Senator heaved a sigh of relief as he watched Maria exit the living room.

“Let’s talk privately in my office.”

“Lead the way.” Amelia silently followed behind her father.

Immediately they were behind closed doors, Senator Gregory wasted no time in expressing his frustrations.

“Amy, what is happening to us?”

“How do you mean, dad?” Amelia made herself comfortable on his double couch sofa, ignoring his brokenness.

“This sudden coldness. This isn’t you.” The Senator took his seat beside his daughter. “You have changed greatly in less than twenty-four hours.”

“And who is to blame Dad, me?” Amelia shot him a hurtful glare.

“This is not the time to pass blame, Amelia. I need you behind me. I understand that we are both under stress. But let’s not allow it to ruin our relationship.”

“Is that what you called me here to talk about?” Amelia’s tone rose with bitterness which didn’t go unnoticed by her father.”

“Amy, please. I’m tired. I don’t want to fight especially with you. I’m sorry for anything I may have done to offend you. Just like your grams said, let’s put the past behind us. I don’t want to lose to your husband’s family. I don’t want to lose your love. Please, you need to understand that I’m trying to be a great father, brother and son. I want to unite our family. Don’t hate me for this.”

“I don’t hate you, dad.” Amelia met her father’s gaze, her shimmering eye brimming with anger.

“But I’m very mad at you. I can’t believe you would doubt my words after everything we have been through together. Do you think I would go around making up stupid stories just to keep you to myself? How could you even suspect me of harming Gwen’s unborn child? Do I look like a monster to you?”

“But I never said that.” Senator Gregory lamented.

“You didn’t have to say anything, dad. I saw that look of disappointment and betrayal in your eyes. It hurts to know that you would think so low of me. But it’s fine. I’m not going to act selfish anymore like you think. Do what’s in your heart. Nevertheless, don’t expect me to go along with your decision. I’m simply here, honouring Grandma.”

The senator lowered his head, massaging his forehead in frustration.

“Even though you hate your sister for her…”

“Not my sister, dad.” Amelia snapped angrily, banging her fist on the cushioned armrest.

“Amelia!” The Senator’s eyes widened in shock.

Amelia inhaled and exhaled to stifle her bubbling rage. She apologized for raising her voice before stating calmly.

“Please, Dad. I have told you severally that Gwen is not my sister. Please, stop addressing her as my sister. I won’t interfere with your relationship with her, or your wife or brothers. Just don’t interfere in mine and my decision to stay away. Respect my wish. That is all I ask.”

The senator swallowed hard, his heart hammering in his chest.

“So you think Gwen is not my daughter but Matt’s?”

“It doesn’t matter what I think or know.” Amelia stood up, glancing briefly at her silver wristwatch. “It’s up to you to find the truth for yourself. I have to leave right now.”

Senator Gregory also rose to his feet, he held her by the wrist before she could leave.

“I love you, princess.”

Amelia sighed. “By dad.” She briskly left to hide her tears.