WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHO

In the dead of night, Kendrick lay fast asleep, his arms wrapped protectively around Amelia. Suddenly, the shrill ring of his phone shattered the silence. Careful not to disturb Amelia, Kendrick slipped out of bed and tiptoed out of the room to take the call.

"Yes."

"Kendrick! How could you leave us without even a word?!" Beryl whined.

"Something came up," Kendrick replied.

"Nerissa is so drunk. I even forgot to take care of her best friend." When Kendrick heard Beryl's words, he asked, "Why do you need to take care of her?"

"Because before the party started, Nerissa made me promise to take care of Amelia because she doesn't drink and dance, while my sister knew she would be drunk after the party.

But who would have thought that she would drink too much? I was so shocked to see how drunk she was that I directly sent her home, completely forgetting about Amelia! When I went back to find her, she was gone. My sister will kill me if something happens to her!" Beryl lamented.

"I see, anything else?"

"No, I just wanted to know if everything is alright on your side since you left without notice."

"Then, I'm hanging up."

Kendrick dialed his phone.

Alu was already in dreamland when the call suddenly awakened him. As Kendrick's chief assistant, he must be on call 24/7.

"Sir."

"Investigate what happened to Amelia at the club; I want to know who drugged her. I want every detail first thing in the morning. And buy a new set of clothes for her and send it here."

"Understood, Sir."

Kendrick went back to bed and held Amelia back in his arms.

Amelia looks tiny under his arm. Kendrick is 6 feet 2 inches tall and has a well-toned body, while Amelia is only 5 feet 4 inches.

Amelia awoke with a heavy head, feeling disoriented. As she tried to gather her thoughts, she was startled by the sight of Kendrick's concerned face as he gazed at her.

"Do you remember what happened?" Kendrick inquired.

Amelia, still feeling dazed and with a flush creeping up her cheeks, blinked repeatedly, her eyelashes fluttering like delicate butterflies, as she gazed at Kendrick, eliciting a chuckle from him.

"You were drugged. Do you have any idea who did it to you?" Kendrick asked, concern evident in his tone.

Amelia remained speechless as she fixated on Kendrick, her heart throbbing with such intensity that she feared it might burst from her chest.

With a playful tone, Kendrick remarked, "You still don't remember what happened? Would you like me to show you to remind you?"

Startled, Amelia blurted out, "You!" and abruptly sat up.

Chuckling, Kendrick teased, "Oh, I thought you lost your tongue," his smile lit up his face.

"Come here," Kendrick tenderly pulled Amelia close, wrapping her in his protective embrace. As his gaze met hers, he spoke with genuine concern, "I will take responsibility for you. But do you regret it?" He sought to understand her true feelings.

Amelia, 26 and poised beyond her years, responded with grace, "I'm sorry; it was my fault. Thank you for saving me." Amelia's mature demeanor and willingness to take ownership of her actions displayed a level of maturity that far surpassed that of Nerissa.

"Oh, Is that so? In that case, I will hold you responsible for what happened," Kendrick responded.

Amelia sat up once more and glared at Kendrick. "You!" she exclaimed. "It was my first time!"

"It was my first time as well!" Kendrick shot back.

Amelia stood in disbelief, her eyes fixed on Kendrick as if the words he had spoken were in an unfamiliar language. She was completely disoriented.

"So, should I take responsibility? Or you?" Kendrick's words hung in the air as he leaned closer, lightly holding Amelia's chin and gazing into her eyes.

"Hm?"

With Kendrick's face inches away, Amelia blinked repeatedly, unknowingly captivating Kendrick, who leaned in and gave her an unexpected peck on the lips, leaving her startled.

"Amelia pouted and said, "You, you are making fun of me."

Kendrick laughed and gazed at Amelia with a mischievous grin. "Ha ha ha…"

"Come here," Kendrick said, pulling Amelia back beside him on the bed.

As Kendrick gently ran his fingers through Amelia's hair, he asked, "Tell me, do you have anyone in mind who did this to you?"

Amelia shook her head slowly, her brow furrowed in confusion. "I also didn't recognize the person who was pulling me last night," she admitted.

"Don't worry," Kendrick said reassuringly. "I will look into it. I promise."

"Um, thank you," Amelia replied softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"What's your plan for today?" Kendrick inquired.

Amelia felt a wave of confusion washing over her as she shook her head. Her mind drew a blank, overwhelmed by the current situation.

"I recall Beryl mentioning that you and Nerissa are planning to attend the charity auction tonight," remarked Kendrick.

The mention of the charity auction instantly caught Amelia's attention, causing her to sit up straight in surprise.

"Do you always have to be so jumpy?" Amelia's action only made Kendrick chuckle.

"You're making fun of me," Amelia said, feeling slightly aggrieved.

"Can you stay still in my arms and not sit up hastily every time I say something?" Kendrick once again pulled her towards him, holding her tightly as he spoke. "So, are you and Nerissa going to the auction tonight?"

"Yes, I have been waiting for this day," replied Amelia with excitement in her voice.

"What do you want to see?" Kendrick asked with curiosity.

Amelia's eyes lit up with excitement as she eagerly told Kendrick about the catalog she had seen from Nerissa. She couldn't contain her enthusiasm as she expressed her strong desire to see the stunning ruby necklace featured in the catalog.

"I can take you there."

"But… but… what should I tell Nerissa?"

"We can meet them there."

"But…" Before Amelia could finish her words.

Kendrick's voice quivered with concern as he asked, "Are you afraid they will know about us?' His eyes searched Amelia's face, hoping to understand her worries.

Amelia, caught off guard by the unexpected question, felt a swirl of emotions clouding her mind, making it difficult to respond.

"Whatever your decision, I will support you," Kendrick's voice held unwavering determination. Despite the significant age gap between them, he exuded a rare courage, ready to confront any obstacle that came their way.