Chapter Eleven

Amelia took a step back, her gaze fixed on the ground as she struggled to find the right words. "Raymond, I... I value our friendship, and I appreciate everything you've done for me," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "But right now, things are going beyond what I thought. I mean we are just friends, and I'm your cousin's wife, so this is totally wrong"

Raymond's face fell, disappointment evident in his eyes. He took a deep breath, trying to hide the hurt that surged within him. "You're right, Amelia," he replied, his voice tinged with a mix of sadness and resignation. "We shouldn't let our emotions cloud our judgment. We both have our own commitments, and I respect that."

Amelia nodded, her expression a mix of regret and longing. "I don't want to complicate things further," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "I married Ethan for a reason, and I need to honor that commitment."

Raymond reached out and gently grasped Amelia's hand, his touch offering both comfort an