Chapter 6 Shadows of the Past

The sun dipped below the New York skyline, casting long shadows across the city. Amelia, now in her new apartment and relishing the newfound happiness in her life, sat at her desk in the cozy apartment she shared with her twins. The glow of her laptop illuminated her face as she immersed herself in work. Since her return, she had been busy, but she managed to reach out to Ty and Grace. It was from them that she heard about Ethan's remarriage to Tycoon heiress, Natalie. She had learnt this from them when they met up over coffee at their favourite coffee shop. Amelia's heart sank as she listened to her best friends, Grace and Ty, deliver the unexpected news. Returning to America after her time abroad, she had hoped to find a sense of familiarity and comfort. But instead, she was met with the revelation of Ethan's remarriage to Natalie, the tycoon heiress. "Wait, what? Ethan got remarried?" Amelia's voice trembled with disbelief as she tried to process the information. Her eyes widened, searching for any sign that this was some kind of cruel joke. She thought she was over her love for Ethan, but she wasn't. The news hurt like it was just yesterday, meanwhile it's been years. Grace nodded sadly; her voice filled with sympathy. "I know, Amelia. It came as a shock to all of us. We found out just a few days ago." Tears welled up in Amelia's eyes as she struggled to find the right words. "But... how? I thought Ethan and I had something special. We were planning a future together. How was it so easy to move on" Ty reached out and gently squeezed Amelia's hand, offering her silent support. "Amelia, sometimes life takes unexpected turns. It doesn't mean that what you had wasn't special. People change, circumstances change." Amelia wiped away a tear, her voice trembling. "I just can't believe he moved on so quickly. And to someone like Natalie... it hurts." Grace's expression softened as she spoke. "Amelia, you are an incredible person. Don't let this make you doubt your worth. You deserve someone who appreciates you for who you are." Amelia took a deep breath, trying to find strength amidst the pain. "You're right. I can't let this define me. I need to focus on my own happiness and growth." Ty smiled warmly at her. "That's the spirit, Amelia. We're here for you every step of the way." As Amelia leaned on her friends for support, she knew that healing would take time. But with their love and encouragement, she would find the strength to move forward and create a future that was truly hers. Later that day, the doorbell rang, shattering the tranquility of the evening. Amelia, slightly puzzled, rose from her chair and approached the door cautiously. Through the peephole, she saw a figure standing in the hallway. The familiar pit in her stomach stirred as she recognized the man on the other side—Ethan. Taking a deep breath, Amelia opened the door, her eyes meeting Ethan's cold gaze. His presence sent a shiver down her spine, memories of a scarring past flooding back. "What do you want, Ethan?" Amelia's voice carried a mix of strength and caution. If it came down to throwing fists, she was ready. Ethan, leaning against the doorframe, smirked. "Amelia, my dear, it's been a while, hasn't it? I thought I'd check in on you and the kids." Amelia tightened her grip on the door, a protective instinct kicking in. "We're fine, Ethan. You have no business here. Leave." Ethan's smirk widened, revealing a predatory glint in his eyes. "You know, Amelia, you can't hide forever. I've been keeping tabs on you, watching your little fairy tale unfold." Amelia's heart raced, but she refused to let fear take hold. "I've moved on, Ethan. I suggest you do the same." Ethan's laughter echoed through the hallway. "Moved on? With this new guy, Mark? How sweet. But you should know, Amelia, you can't erase our past so easily. I built you, and I can destroy you." Amelia, her resolve unwavering, retorted, "You don't have any power over me anymore. I won't let you threaten us." Ethan's tone turned sinister. "You think you can just run away and play house with someone else? Think again. I can make your life a living hell, Amelia. I can expose your little secrets." Amelia, clenching her fists, stood her ground. "I won't let you hurt us. We've moved on, and you need to do the same." Ethan, stepping closer, invaded her personal space. "You're playing a dangerous game, Amelia. Mark doesn't know the real you—the broken, desperate woman I left behind. I can make sure he sees the truth." Amelia, anger burning in her eyes, warned, "Stay away from us, Ethan. I won't let you ruin what I've built." Ethan's smile twisted into a sneer. "We'll see about that. This little charade of yours won't last forever. I have ways of making people see the truth, Amelia. You can't escape your past." “How did you find us here?” Her teeth grinded together in a bid to contain her anger. What did he really want from her? Had be not ruined her life already? “Your little house was sold to him by me. I'm into real estate, remember? Mark happens to be one of my top clients. Also, there's this thing I haven't told you.” His face darkened. “You owe me for keeping your bastard children a secret from your boss. I wonder how he'll feel once I tell him the truth and how you whored around while still married to me.” Amelia folded her hands into fists, her anger rising up. “You're twisted. You and I know the truth.” She smiled coldly. “One word from me, and your whole life blows up into thin air. You'll be caught in a scandal money will not pull you out of.” Ethan closed the distance between them. His cold eyes met hers. She hated this man with all she had. “You can try, but you'll be the one at the sharp end of the knife.” He smiled at her then turned away. With those ominous words, Ethan turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Amelia shaken but determined. She closed the door, her hands trembling. The specter of her past had reared its ugly head, threatening the fragile peace she had painstakingly built. That night, Amelia sat by the window, watching the city lights shimmering in the darkness. The fear of Ethan's threats lingered, casting a long shadow over her newfound happiness. She knew she had to take action to protect her family. She had not forgotten her vow of revenge and each day anger churned in her heart against him. Those awful memories came rushing back and even though she tried really hard not to cry, her shoulders began to shake with uncontrollable sobs.