Chapter 128: Chapter 128

Amelia's POV

"Hello, I'm Amelia, Caleb's sister," I said, shaking his soft hands.

"I know all about you," he grinned. "Good to see you in person," he said, still holding my hands. It sounded creepy to me but I preferred to stay quiet. I tried to extricate my hand from his hold, but he wouldn't let go. By now, I was uncomfortable and already hated the man. I glanced at Caleb for help, but he looked very smug and happy seeing me and Scott together, holding hands. What was going on? I was suspicious and wanted to throttle Caleb by now. Did he summon me after so many years to play his matchmaking skills on me?

I somehow extricated my hand and left them to follow Veronica to the kitchen. I was at last free of Baldwin's creepy presence.

"Do you need help with anything?" I asked Veronica. I liked her better than Caleb.

"No, thank you, Amy, I can manage," She said a little formally before looking away.

"I insist, Veronica. Just tell me and we can do it together. Caleb wouldn't mind at all," I assured her. She smiled at me and nodded. She had already prepared the food and we just warmed it and gave the finishing touches to food.

"You made all these yourself?" I asked her appreciatively.

"Yes, that too at a day's notice. I didn't have anything at home. I bought the ingredients and prepared the whole afternoon. I took a half-day at work due to this," she rambled on. I realized that my brother was very hard on her.

"So sorry that you had to go through this, Veronica? But what was the urgency? We could have had this on the weekend," I asked curiously.

"Caleb wanted you to meet Scott and he isn't available on other days. He's going away on a work tour," said Veronica. My jaws fell to the floor at the piece of information that Veronica innocently blurted out to me without Caleb's knowledge. Anger boiled inside me. My intuitions were hundred percent correct. I just couldn't believe Caleb's audacity. How could he expect that I would dance to his tunes? I loved Tristan and would forever! He knew that. Then why was he trying to match me with his friend? I couldn't wait to blast him.

We laid the table together and I felt Scott's gaze on me the entire time. I felt like throwing up. We had dinner among light talks about my brothers and their families, about work. I tried hard to control my anger and waited for the ordeal to be over and done with. This is the last time I listened to Caleb. Next time I wouldn't. Finally, dinner was over and Caleb offered Scott drinks but he declined since he had to drive to the airport. He was going away tonight on a three-week business trip all over the country,

Scott left after dinner. Caleb turned to me after closing the door. "What do you think of Scott? We have decided that he's the perfect guy for you. We want you to marry him. He's into you already," He laughed heartily at his own joke. I glared at his face, wanting to box him.

I seethed with barely suppressed anger, "Are you out of your mind, Caleb? Why should I marry him of all the people on earth?" I yelled as I balled my hands into fists. I was amazed at his audacity. "You called me to dinner after so many years just to dump me on your friend? Amazing! I'm blessed indeed to have a brother like you! Who needed enemies?" I taunted, seething with anger. Caleb looked taken aback by my outburst, not being used to it at all. I had never retaliated in the past but now, I wasn't the shy sixteen-year-old Amelia anymore, whom he could dominate. I had learned to find for myself and I wasn't taking sh*t from him. He soon regained his composure and flashed his angry eyes at me.

"Why not? What's wrong with Scott? He's perfect husband material," Caleb shouted incredulously as Veronica tried to calm me. "I'm amazed at you too, Amy. Is this what I get for looking out for you?" he yelled. I scoffed at his words.

"Excuse me? Are you indeed looking out for me? I don't think so. You might be looking out for your friend. But not me. If you cared for me, you would never force me to marry a stranger, Cal. What's gotten into you?" I yelled back, surprised that we were even arguing about such an illogical issue.

"Scott might be a stranger to you but not to me. I've known him all my life and he's a very nice person. He'll keep you happy," he started but I was not able to digest his friend's praise.

"As if you care for my happiness. Anyway, thanks for having me for dinner. I'll go home," I said disinterestedly. Caleb walked toward me and blocked my way.

"You can't leave this way, Amy. We're not done with the discussion yet," he said vehemently. I massaged my temples. Why was he taking this too far? I wasn't at all interested in marrying Scott. I love Tristan. "Look, Amy, you're not getting any younger. Only working day and night will not get you a husband. We are all settled, I want the same for you," he said trying to make me see his point. I shook my head slowly. His words made me angrier.

"What am I? A forty-year-old unmarried woman who is married to her work?" I asked incredulously, "I'm only twenty-four, Caleb. I love Tristan still and you know that. Then why are you after my life? I'm glad that you all are settled down and happy. I don't interfere in yours then why can't you leave me alone? Why can't you stop interfering in my life?" I told him. His jaws dropped with surprise at my words.