Since She Met Lucian

Amelia gently patted Courtney's hand. Smiling, she said, "It's hard to say."

Courtney looked at Amelia and with all seriousness said, "I'll take you to the hospital tomorrow for your blood test. We'll have a doctor confirm the result. We also need to know about the precautions you have to take. Oh, look at you. You're so thin! If you don't take care of your health, I worry you might miscarry."

Amelia appreciated Courtney's thoughtfulness and nodded in agreement. But just then, she remembered the message Jonny sent her. With a frown on her face, Amelia said, "I have to go to the An's tonight. Johnny's parents want to see me. I don't know what to expect."

Hearing Jonny's name, a thought occurred to Courtney. "Are you planning on telling Jonny about it?"

"If I'm to keep a relationship with him, he's bound to notice." Things were beginning to look even more complicated for Amelia.

"I can't say I know Jonny well, but he's been helping you all this time. It would be nice if he could act as the father of your baby." Courtney looked hopeful. Smiling, she held a hand to touch Amelia's cheek. "If Jonny doesn't mind that Lucian is the father, you can be a happy family. Your lives will be secured."

"Courtney, Jonny will definitely want to raise his own son. And he's been so good to me, I don't want to cheat him on anything." Amelia didn't want to take things lightly, especially considering that there were reputations on the line. She also didn't wish to get too involved with the An family as Lucian was going to be their son-in-law soon enough. They didn't meet often, but there would be no avoiding of them on special days. She would have to attend as Jonny's girlfriend.

"How could that be cheating? Look. I think Jonny likes you. Surely, there can't be a truly platonic relationship between men and women. You're the only who thinks that he's being kind out of mere friendship," Courtney pointed out.

Amelia had never told Courtney about what happened when she and Jonny were in middle school. Courtney had no idea that Amelia had known him for years. Amelia couldn't blame Courtney for thinking that Jonny had an ulterior motive.

Jonny made Amelia promise not to tell anyone about their past, so she kept her silence on the matter.

It was dusk when Amelia received a call from Jonny. He was driving to pick her up so she told him her address.

"Jonny, I'm Amelia's best friend and I'm warning you. If you or any of your family hurts her, I will look for you and beat you up!" Courtney said as she saw Amelia to the car. She glared at Jonny and shook her fist in jest.

Amelia's face went red with embarrassment. She quickly turned to Courtney and said, "You left the door open. Go ahead and clean up so you can go home."

Courtney waved goodbye as their car drove off. Amelia felt warmed by Courtney's protective gesture and smiled to herself. She turned to look at Jonny and apologized, "Please ignore Courtney. She's always joking around."

"It's nothing. It's great to have such a good friend who looks after you," Jonny replied with a soft smile. "My father is away for the night so it's just going to be us and my mother at dinner. She said she invited you because she wanted to cook for you."

Amelia looked at Jonny blankly. She was spacing out because her thoughts kept returning to Lucian. Amelia always felt nervous visiting the Zhan family, but Lucian would always calm and reassure her like Jonny did. But... As much as she wanted to feel at ease, Jonny's words didn't have an effect on her. She only felt guilty for missing Lucian more.

her hands on her abdomen. Thinking of giving birth to Lucian's child offered her some

that she missed the expression in Jonny's

The estate looked like a palace. A huge fountain gushing in the middle of the garden caught

Amelia's heart thumped loudly;

for fear of losing Lucian if she gave off

welcomed by Emma. She was wearing an elegant dress that shimmered under the chandelier. Seeing them, she smiled gracefully and greeted,

allowed Emma to take her hand and

kind despite having only met

spread on the table, Amelia forgot her feelings of nervousness and realized just

hope you like them. Please try some," Emma said. She turned to her son and added, "Jonny, what are you waiting for? Serve Amelia some of

polite reply,

as Amelia reached for the

Amelia had

didn't have pepper. She thought

Emma replied happily. She gave Jonny a wink, suggesting that he

treats. Her pregnancy gave her an unusually increased appetite.

with the dishes when

tell me we were having a guest?" It was Shelly who came unannounced and carelessly tossed her

here? Have you had

seemed to annoy Shelly more. She curtly replied, "Lucian has been staying at SJ Garden. I don't like there so I came

hint of sorrow

Amelia's hands tremble, causing her to drop a small bowl. It

it. Please have a seat in

Lucian once broke a bowl when he tried cleaning the dishes. Tears welled up in her eyes and her heart ached at

Lucian used

Enraged, Shelly followed Amelia.

Do you still have feelings for him?" Shelly glowered at