In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 305

"It's not that simple—"

"Why not?" Keira's tone grew firmer. "You're talking about divorcing the man you love because you think you're not good enough for him. But have you actually asked him what he wants? How is that fair or right?"

Amelia was quiet for a long moment, staring down at the destroyed rose in her hands.

"I'm scared," she finally admitted.

"Of what?"

"Of hearing him say he'd be better off without me." The words came out broken. "Of confirming what I already know. Because you are right, I do love him more than my own happiness."

Keira felt her heart break for this woman who was clearly suffering in silence. "Amelia, listen to me. I've only known you for a few hours like you said, but I can see how much you love him. That kind of love doesn't just disappear because you can't have a baby."

This beautiful, intelligent woman was tearing herself apart over something that might not even be her fault.

"Amelia, I'm going to say something that might sound harsh," Keira wasn’t one to talk, but it was easier looking at other people’s relationships than her own. "What the fuck woman… You're making decisions about your marriage without actually talking to your husband. How is that fair to either of you?"

"I'm trying to protect him—"

"From what? From having a choice?" Keira's voice grew firm. "You're deciding what's best for Niko without asking him what he wants. That's not protection, that's control."

Amelia's eyes widened at the blunt statement.

"Look, I get it. The pressure is overwhelming, and you feel like you're failing at the one thing everyone expects from you. But you're more than a baby-making machine, and if Niko can't see that, then maybe he doesn't deserve you."

"You don't understand—"

"I understand more than you think." Keira's tone softened. "I've spent the last two years watching Alexei struggle with duty versus what he actually wants. The weight of expectations can crush you if you let it. But the only way through is together."

They sat in silence for a moment.

"What if he agrees that we should divorce?" Amelia whispered.

"Then at least you'll know the truth instead of torturing yourself." Keira reached for her hand. "But what if he doesn't? What if he tells you that he'd rather have you and no children than children with someone else?"

"I don't know if I can take that risk. I think the truth could crush me."

"Give him the chance to fight for you, Amelia. Give yourself the chance to be fought for."

Before Amelia could respond, footsteps crunched on the gravel path behind them. They turned to see Alexei and Niko approaching, their conversation from the King's study apparently concluded.

"There you are," Niko said, his eyes immediately going to his wife's tear-stained face. His expression shifted to concern. "Amelia? What's wrong?"

Amelia quickly wiped her cheeks, forcing a smile. "Nothing. Just... girl talk."

"Girl stuff." Keira deflected, but her mind was still on Amelia's pain. "The pressure of royal life. The expectations."

Alexei's hand tightened protectively around Keira's waist as they approached her suite.

"You're thinking too hard," Alexei murmured as they reached her door. "I can practically hear the gears turning."

"Just processing." She turned the handle, stepping inside the suite. "Your family is... interesting."

"That's putting it mildly." He didn't follow her into the room.

Keira turned to face him, hand still on the door. "Aren't you coming in?"

Alexei glanced down the hallway where a guard stood at attention. "My father made his position on propriety quite clear."

"Since when do you follow his rules?" She stepped close, lowering her voice. "Besides, you mentioned balcony doors."

His eyes darkened, but he shook his head. "I’ll make it look good. I’ll shower, then come to you."

She leaned against the doorway, lips curving. "Well, before you go, you’re going to have to undo my dress."

Alexei groaned but followed her inside.