The Unkept Promise (Amelia and Silasb) novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"Ms. Evans, are you absolutely certain you want to erase all your identification records? This is irreversible. After this, you'll effectively cease to exist. No one will be able to find you."

A brief silence hung in the air before Amelia Evans firmly nodded, though only she could see it."Yes. That's exactly what I want. I want to disappear completely."

A flicker of surprise registered in the operator's voice, quickly replaced by professional courtesy."Very well, Ms. Evans. The process will take approximately two weeks. We'll keep you updated."

After the call, Amelia booked a one—way ticket to France, scheduled for two weeks out. The TV was replaying the Diamond Empire Group's press conference.

A week earlier, CEO Silas Sterling had unveiled a breathtaking jewelry piece. Crafted with the world's finest diamonds and gemstones, it was a unique creation designed specifically for his wife. Its name: Summer's Embrace.

He'd named it after Amelia, a grand gesture of love for the world to see. Silas Sterling, he declared, would forever cherish Amelia Evans.

Summer's Embrace instantly went viral. Social media was ablaze, everyone buzzing about their fairytale romance. The news segment now showed reporters interviewing people on the street.

"Excuse me, sir, have you heard about Mr. Sterling and his wife's incredible love story?"

A woman in a sundress, her face alight with envy, gushed,"Who hasn't? Remember that book he published? Filled with notes about her, little things she liked. Just because she loves cherries, he planted an entire orchard of cherry trees at their mansion! I told my husband to take notes, and he just rolled his eyes and said,'Yeah, like that's ever happening.' Some guys have all the luck!"

The reporter moved on, microphone in hand. A college student, eyes sparkling, practically vibrated with excitement."It's like a romance novel come to life! Mr. Sterling is the ultimate husband goals. Four years ago, Mrs. Evans needed a kidney transplant. She was critically ill. He was frantic. When he found out he was a match, he insisted on the surgery immediately, against everyone's advice. He said she was his life, and he couldn't live without her. Talk about true love!"

The reporter interviewed several more people, all echoing the same sentiment: pure envy of Silas and Amelia's relationship. The news loop repeated several times, but Amelia only offered a bitter, self—deprecating smile.

She'd always attracted admirers, thanks to her looks. But her parents' messy divorce had left her cynical about love. She'd rejected countless advances."Sorry, not interested in dating. Relationships aren't my thing."

Then she met Silas. He was different. He pursued her relentlessly for three years, undeterred by her constant rejections. He even risked his life in an illegal street race to win her a necklace she admired.

That’s when her defenses finally crumbled.

His affection never wavered after they got together. He showered her with love, slowly melting her hardened heart. He proposed fifty—two times before she finally agreed to marry him.

On that day, tears in her eyes, she’d looked at the ring on her finger and told him,"Silas, I'll be the best wife I can be. For better or for worse, in sickness and in health. But there's one thing you need to know: I will not tolerate deception. If you ever lie to me, I will disappear from your life. Forever."

"What's this?" he asked, puzzled.

"A gift," she replied, a strained smile on her face."You got me a present, so naturally, I got you one too."

His eyes lit up with excitement. He reached for the box, eager to open it.

"Wait," Amelia stopped him."Open it in two weeks."

"Why?" he asked, confused.

"Because," she stated, her voice unwavering,"this gift will mean much more if you open it then."

Silas paused, but didn't press further. He gently kissed her hand."Whatever you say, sweetheart. I'll wait for my surprise." He grabbed a sticky note, scribbled "Open in 2 weeks" on it, and carefully placed it on the box.

Amelia watched silently. Silas, she thought, I hope you'll be truly surprised.