Chapter 13 After the dinner party , Edward took Amy home . Just before entering her room , Amy hesitated and called out to him . Ethan's sudden appearance had shocked her , that familiar dread washing over her again . If Edward hadn't been there today , she might've panicked helplessly . She took a deep breath . " Thank you for today . " Edward sighed helplessly : " Amber , when will you stop being so formal with me ? " His wounded expression instantly made Amy laugh . " Your first real smile all evening . " Amy froze . She thought she'd hidden her tension perfectly , yet Edward saw right through her . She sensed Ethan wouldn't give up easily and didn't want to burden Edward . " Stop overthinking . I've got you . Goodnight Amber , sleep well ! " His simple words dissolved her worries . Amy marveled inwardly - he still read her thoughts effortlessly , just like in childhood . They'd grown up together . Young Edward would pull her by the hand to hide at his house when her father scolded her . Now , he shielded her from storms whenever she felt lost . She'd considered giving Edward a chance . 10:22 Chapter 13 289 ( Vouchers But fear held her back - especially now with Ethan's return . Nightmares found Amy again . In her dream , Ethan choked her , raging as he demanded why she'd abandoned him . Edward lay nearby , a dagger in his chest , blood pooling endlessly . She jolted awake gasping , forehead slick with cold sweat . Disoriented , she recognized her bedroom - just a dream . Still trembling , her phone lit up . Her gallery assistant was calling . Amy steadied her breath before answering . " Boss , some Mr. Johnson guy's camped out here demanding to see you . Says he won't leave till you show . Should I call security ? " Just as she'd feared - Ethan's harassment had begun . Amy wearily rubbed her temples . " Just leave him be . " Hanging up , she found Edward holding warm milk at her doorway . " Nightmares again ? " Amy stayed silent , the dream's horror lingering . Edward set the milk on her nightstand , softly coaxing : " Amber , hiding won't make this disappear . You must face it . " She met his gaze , shaking her head . " Not yet . His presence drowns me in painful memories . " " And you ... I fear dragging you into this . " Edward gently stroked her hair . " Amber , I'm a grown man . Trust me . " " No rush . Decide when you're ready . " 04 ግር 0 10:22 Chapter 13 288 Vouchers Biting her lip . Amy still went to the gallery . Ethan stood waiting at the entrance , looking utterly haggard . A flicker of delight sparked in his eyes the moment he saw her . " Amy , you finally agreed to see me . " Ethan's voice was hoarse as he extended a large bouquet of jasmine . She used to adore jasmine most - but not anymore . Amy met his gaze , her expression tranquil yet icy : " Let me reiterate : I'm not the Amy you remember . " She leaned down to lightly inhale the fragrance . " Lovely scent . But I dislike jasmine now . You should give these to your wife - after all , jasmine symbolizes pure , flawless love . " Her words left Ethan frozen in awkward silence . Amy offered a polite smile before brushing past him into her studio . Ethan followed her into the office . " Are you still holding resentment ? " She pretended not to hear , picking up her paintbrush instead . " I had no choice back then . I never intended to hurt you , nor drive you to despair . " " We can retake our wedding photos . We'll buy a new villa just for us . We can get another dog . " He continued his monologue , oblivious to Amy ' s brush moving faster across the canvas . " Everything can start fresh- " Before he finished , Amy slammed her brush onto the desk . Edward was right - some confrontations were unavoidable . She cut straight to the point . " Finished ? 10:22 Chapter 13 288 Vouchers Then leave . I've no interest in this nonsense . " Ethan didn't retreat . Instead , he smiled at her anger . " I knew it . I'd recognize you anywhere . You're my Amy . " " Come home with me , Amy . " His audacity almost made her laugh . How could Ethan believe they could turn back time ? With his pathetic shred of affection ? She rose and faced him . " Ethan , I've already died once - and you were the executioner . Do you truly think I'd leap back into that fire ? " Ethan lowered his head , offering no response . Amy snatched the jasmine bouquet and tossed it into the trash bin before him . His eyes filled with pain . " Do you despise me this much ? " A bitter laugh escaped her . Why shouldn't she ? " You weren't the one shattered , Ethan . You don't feel the agony - but you don't get to absolve yourself for me . " " I know everything about you and Ruth . " " You're the one who treated me as her replacement . " " You slipped me contraceptives . " " You're the one who fathered her child behind my back . " The day she left him , Amy vowed never to shed another tear for Ethan . Yet revisiting these wounds still made her eyes redden . She thought time had healed the scars - until Ethan reappeared and ripped off the bandages . " Tell me truthfully - did you ever love me ? " Ethan stood in stunned silence , his throat bobbing before he rasped : 10:22 Chapter 13 " Amy . I'll show you how deeply I love you . " Chapter 14