But now, seeing Finniane out of Amara''s room-with that look in his eyes, the way he carried himself—it was obvious he liked her, and once again Amara felt


    conflicted.


    Amara stayed in her room for a while, editing her script and reading a book. Before long, Finnian returned. When she opened the door, she sounded a bit resigned. “Mr. Everly, what is it?"


    Finnian could tell she was getting impatient. He hesitated before saying, “I''ll just say a couple of things and then I''ll leave, so don''t worry."


    He still didn''t look at Amara, instead turning his face toward the window in the hallway. "It''s about Dorian. He asked me to talk to you-he wants to know if you''d be willing to see him. If you don''t want to, I can go back and tell him no. It''s really fine."


    Just hearing Dorian''s name put Amara in a bad mood. She replied, "Take me to him. Honestly, I kind of want to see him too.”


    Finnian nodded. "Alright. We''ll meet him at Galleria Lane."


    "Okay, let me get ready."


    Amara changed into clothes for going out, grabbed her phone, and left with Finnian.


    They arrived at a tea house on Galleria Lane. Once inside the private room, Amara nced around and spotted Dorian sitting at one end of a square table, his back perfectly straight but his face pale. Had it really only been two days? He looked noticeably thinner already.


    No matter how much weight he''d lost, Amara had no sympathy for him. She felt that whatever Dorian was going through now, he deserved it—andpared to what Elysia had suffered, his hardship was nothing.


    She sat down across from Dorian, with Finnian quietly taking the seat beside her. Amara asked, "So, what did you want to see me about?"


    Amara didn''t know that earlier, when she and Finnian got out of the same car together, someone who''d been following her snapped a photo and sent it to Emma. Emma, angered by what she saw, immediately forwarded the photo to Liliana.


    But inside the tea house, none of them were aware of any of this. Dorian, looking unshaven and exhausted, finally raised his head. "Where are you hiding Elysia? Can you give her back to me? I swear I''ll treat her well from now on."


    Amara found his words ridiculous.


    She let out a coldugh. "What do you mean, I''m hiding Elysia? She''s the one


    hiding-she doesn''t want to see you. Don''t you get that?"


    "Let me make this clear: Elysia has


    Amara''s words were firm, her expression serious.


    Dorian lowered his head, speaking softly. "I know I was horrible before. These past couple of days, I''ve thought a lot about the way I treated Elysia, and honesty wish could


    go back and punch my old self. But I really will change."


    "And I know Elysia still has some feelings for me. If she still cares, and I love her deeply, why can''t we give ourselves another chance?"


    "I understand she''s hiding from me now, but could you please talk to her for me?


    Just ask her to meet with me. She won''t answer my calls or texts, and I really just want a chance to talk things over with her."