FLASH MARRIAGE; CHARMED BY THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE CEO-Chapter 209: True Love

Amelia spent more than half of the day indoors, eating, sleeping and eating again. She only made a few calls to her company putting her operation manager in charge in her absence while receiving updates on the company's progress report.

Afterwards, she decided to join her mother-in-law, who had been busy all noon, working in the mansion's extensive garden.

She slowly made her way down the stairs and through a hallway that led out of the mansion's side door.

Veering right, she followed down a pavement that wound its way towards the garden.

The sight of majestic trees which stood tall, with their leafy canopies, creating a verdant, shaded haven, filled Amelia with a sense of tranquillity and happiness. She paused on her track and looked up with eyes closed, breathing in the heavenly fragrance of nature with the partly shaded sun casting a warm glow on her pretty face.

Moving forward, she listened to the magical sounds of birds chirping harmoniously in the trees above. The gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze created a soft, soothing sound that filled the garden with a sense of peace and calm.

"Good day, ma'am."

"It's good to see you, ma'am."

"You look lovely today ma'am."

Different servant dressed in garden aprons and wearing thick gloves on their hands, greeted her enthusiastically as she walked by.

Amelia briefly acknowledged them while asking about the whereabouts of her mother-in-law.

"She is in the greenhouse planting some flowers." One of the servants pointed to another pathway on the left.

"Thanks." Amelia smiled in appreciation and followed the directions.

Up ahead was a magnificent structure bathed in the warm, filtered light of the sun, illuminating a tapestry of lush greenery and colourful plants.

Enchanted by the beauty before her, Amelia hurried down the path and into the glass structure, her eyes widened with excitement and her mouth hanging open by the magical wonder around her. The air was alive with the subtle fragrance of blooming flowers and the earthy aroma of moist soil.

Standing hypnotize on one spot, Amelia didn't see her mother-in-law slowly creep up from behind her, a mischievous smile framing her lips.

"Hello."

"Ahh!!!" Amelia screamed turning around sharply as Maria broke into fits of laughter. "Mom, you scared the hell out of me."

"You should see your face." Maria crouched, laughing her heart out.

Intoxicated by her mother-in-law's laughter Amelia joined in, intrigued by Maria's sense of humor.

"I'm sorry, my love. I couldn't help it." Maria took off her dirty hand glove before giving Amelia a warm hug.

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"It's fine, mom."

"So what kept you indoors all this while? I've been waiting for you to join me." Maria said slipping back her gloves.

"I guess I was still feeling a bit tired," Amelia said truthfully, causing Maria's forehead to furrow a bit.

"I think I need to have a word with my son."

"No Mom, you don't have to," Amelia said blushing. "I love him the way he is."

"Hmm... Always defending him. Okay. I rest my case. I won't interfere." Maria moved over to where she was working before while beckoning Amelia to join her.

Amelia was about to pick a fresh hand glove from the table and join her mother-in-law when the latter stopped her.

"No. Today you sit and watch. When you are all better, we could plant other flowers together." Maria gestured at the freshly baked cookies wrapped in a transparent plastic wrap and a jar of freshly squeezed orange juice, on another clean table.

"Help yourself with something sweet while you watch."

"Okay, mom." Amelia didn't bother arguing with her mother-in-law knowing she wouldn't win against her. She helped herself to some snacks and sat down while Maria continued transplanting the remaining sprouting rose plants.

"It's so beautiful and peaceful out here, mom. I could sit down here for the entire day without getting bored." Amelia complimented while watching the way Maria meticulously treated the flowers with so much love as if she was tending to a child.

"I know right? This has been my sanctuary ever since I lost my Prince charming." Maria said without looking up.

But Amelia could feel the sadness in her voice.

"I'm so sorry, mom."

"Don't be, my dear." Maria looked up giving Amelia a reassuring smile. "What Presley and I share transcends time and this world. Even though he's not here right now, he's always in my heart."

"You must really love him." Amelia pointed out.

Maria chuckled. "What we had was beyond love. It was something only the gods could experience. Even when we quarrel, we could never stay away from each other. We loved each other so much that when he's hurting, I'm also hurting. He was my soulmate and my life. I consider myself blessed to have experienced true love with him."

"True love."

Amelia echoed those words in her heart as she stared at her mother-in-law dreamily. Her thoughts invoked her previous night's encounter with Blaze when he reciprocated his love for her. It filled her with so much happiness and a sense of belonging. And at the same time, it brought her sadness when she looked down at her tummy.

'Is true love meant for everyone?' Amelia pondered in her heart.

"There....all done," Maria said proudly as she watered the plant before putting the watering can aside. She turned to look at her daughter-in-law who had suddenly gone quiet and was staring down at her open palm.

"Is something wrong, my dear?"

"No," Amelia replied almost immediately, looking up. "There's nothing wrong.

Maria raised an eyebrow and Amelia chuckled.

"Everything is fine, mom. I just have one question and I need you to be as honest as possible to me."

Maria took off her garden gloves and dusted her palm before joining Amelia on the bench where she was seated.

"Talk to me."

"If a man tells you he loves you but has certain conditions you must adhere to, can that be considered as love?"

Maria let out a sigh as she placed her hand on Amelia's shoulder, her gaze subtle and filled with maternal affection.

"True love it's not a selfish kind of love where only one person profits and the other doesn't. It is an unconditional affection characterized by commitment, respect, trust, emotional intimacy, selflessness and acceptance. Both partners must prioritize each other's well-being and happiness otherwise it is not love. A man who puts conditions before his heart while claiming to be in love is confused and doesn't know the first thing about love."

Amelia's gaze lowered, tears clouding her vision as she thought about Blaze's condition and the precious fetus growing in her womb.

"Amy..." Maria was slightly alarmed as she lifted Amelia's chin only to find tears falling from her eyes. "What's wrong."