After moving into Elias’s home, Amara had proudly asked every servant in the mansion to call her Mrs. Creed from then on.
She still remembered how happy she had been the first time she heard it. Her entire face had lit up as she stood beside Elias in the grand dining room, unable to hide the excitement in her eyes.
“Please call me Mrs. Creed,” she had said shyly but happily. “I like it so much more than just Amara.”
And after that, she fell completely in love with the name.
Whenever they attended parties or business gatherings together, she would cling happily to Elias’s arm, her smile bright and soft whenever someone greeted her as Mrs. Creed. Even hearing it from strangers was enough to make her heart flutter.
The relatives they visited called her Mrs. Creed.
The extended family called her Mrs. Creed.
Business partners and wealthy socialites at galas called her Mrs. Creed.
Even strangers did.
The barista at the coffee shop near Elias’s office smiled and greeted her with, “Good morning, Mrs. Creed.”
The staff at the restaurant they often visited whenever she didn’t feel like eating at home always welcomed her warmly the same way.
Even hotel staff during their trips addressed her by that name with polite smiles.
And every single time, Amara would smile so brightly like it was the happiest thing in the world.
As if carrying his name meant she belonged somewhere in his world… even when he had never truly stepped into hers.
But now—
For the first time—
When someone called her Mrs. Creed, it felt painful.
Mocking.
Cruel.
Because only a short while ago, she had stood outside that VIP room and listened to everyone talk about how Elias had never wanted her.
How she had been forced into his life.
How he was trapped with her because he was too kind to refuse.
How he quietly endured her like a burden he couldn’t escape from.
Amara suddenly felt like dead weight tied around Elias’s feet.
Something heavy he had been too polite to push away.
Something unwanted.
Something exhausting.
Something he tolerated instead of wanted.
“Okay,” she whispered softly to the doctor.
A small smile appeared on her lips, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
