Amelia's warning clearly couldn't awaken Daniel Cooper's rationality. Since falling in love with this woman, he had admitted she was his nemesis, sent by heaven to bring him down.
"It's too late to say anything now; it was you who actively seduced me."
Amelia felt a tightness in her chest and suddenly stopped struggling and avoiding him, only saying, "Daniel, you can do it, but we have to make an agreement."
As expected, Daniel stopped his actions and let go of her, staring at her intently while bending over her, "What?"
"You have a past, and I'm afraid you'll deny everything once you pull up your pants." To make sure he understood, she reiterated, "When you coaxed me into bed back then, you swore by heaven and earth that you'd marry me, but in the end, you married someone else."
Amelia faced him emotionlessly, bargaining with him in a monotonous tone as if they were doing business, "Just this once, or several times, or even a long-term arrangement. Write everything down clearly, so if something happens in the future, I can prove I was forced into it and avoid retaliation from your father-in-law's family..."
"Who told you that?" Daniel suddenly interrupted her, feeling inexplicably panicked by her overly calm demeanor. That matter was too dangerous, and he absolutely could not involve her in it.
Amelia's mind was on a different wavelength from his, and seeing his abrupt, harsh expression, she felt a sudden sting in her heart. She gave a cold laugh, "Mrs. Cooper has a distinguished status, and your father-in-law is even more powerful. Do we really need others to tell us what the consequences would be if we offend them? Or are you going to protect me?"
She imitated his manner, looking at him with a provocative and sarcastic smile that she didn't bother to hide, "Daniel, if that day truly comes, would you dare to protect me?"
Upon hearing this, he laughed and carried her straight to the bed.
The mattress was soft, but she still felt as if her head had been pierced by countless needles, sending the world gone dark due to the pain.
Amelia lay there motionlessly, her heart deadened, realizing that once a man stopped loving you, he'd not even give you the slightest gentleness.
He reached out and turned on the wall lamp, its dim light casting shadows on his profile. She watched him undress, loosening his tie and unbuttoning his shirt one by one.
Whether it was the headache or her dying sense of shame that caused her, her eyes welled up with tears involuntarily.
Closing her eyes, she reminded him, "Make the agreement first."
Once again, her words elicited a soft, scornful chuckle from him. Amelia didn't respond, but a moment later, she felt the mattress beside her sink and heard the lamp go out.
Her body stiffened reflexively, and she opened her eyes, only to see him lying down with his back to her, dressed in his pajamas. A long time passed, and he didn't move.
Not understanding his intentions, she asked, "What do you mean, Daniel?"
Was he chickening out because he dared not make the agreement?
Daniel turned to look at her, his tone bland but a bit gentler, "Didn't you say you were uncomfortable? Then go to sleep."
He had been so busy these past few days, like a spinning top, not having slept for over thirty hours, and he was genuinely tired.
Telling her this, he reached out in the dark to pull her into his arms. Amelia instinctively tried to struggle, but he tightened his grip and whispered wearily, "I'll take care of your father's matter."
Amelia froze for a moment, lying stiffly in his embrace, and finally asked, "Are you telling the truth?"
Daniel snorted, seemingly a little annoyed but then abruptly began discussing serious matters with her, "That donor had contact with AIDS; I know you resent me, but remember one thing: if someone is your teacher for a day, they will be your father for life. I will not harm Professor Foster."