Chapter 93
Audrey’s POV:
Clara’s tear–filled eyes looked at me with confusion.
“What do you mean?”
I glanced at Finley’s unconscious form slumped over the bar and sighed.
“This situation isn’t at all what you think it is. But honestly, I think this is something Finley should tell you himself.”
“Is it…” Clara hesitated, her voice small. “Is it good news or bad news?”
“It’s good news,” I assured her with a gentle smile. “But you two need to have an honest conversation when he’s sober.”
With the bartender’s help, we managed to move Finley to a booth where he could lie down.
Clara sat across from me, fidgeting nervously with her hands.
As the server placed another whiskey in front of her, I noticed Clara had already downed several drinks since arriving.
She reached for the glass, but I gently placed my hand over hers.
“Maybe slow down a bit? I can’t be responsible for two drunk friends tonight.”
Clara pulled her hand away with a sigh, but still took the glass.
‘I can’t help it. My mind is racing, and I can’t calm down.”
She took another sip, smaller this time. “I just need something to take the edge off.”
“Alright,” I said, making a decision.
“How about I tell you something else instead? You’ve been curious about what happened to me four years ago, haven’t you?”
Clara’s eyes widened with interest. “You mean when you disappeared to London?”
I nodded. “I think it’s time I told you the whole story.”
“So what’s really going on?” she asked.
“Clara, there’s something I’ve never told you,” I said quietly. “Four years ago, I got married.”
1/4
18:30 Fri, Jan 30
Chapter 93
:
Her glass froze halfway to her lips. “You… what?”
‘I was married. For four years. To a man named Samuel West.”
Clara set her glass down with a thud. “You’re joking.”
“I’m not.” I traced the rim of my water glass with my finger.
“It was a business arrangement, a contract marriage. The Bailey family was in financial trouble, and I was the sacrificial lamb.
Clara’s eyes widened as I explained how I’d been pushed into the marriage to save the family business, how I’d barely even met my husband, and how the arrangement had just recently ended with our divorce.
I carefully left out the part about my child.
By the time I finished, Clara was sobbing openly.
“Oh, Audrey, I had no idea. All this time, you were going through this alone?”
I shrugged, trying to appear more nonchalant than I felt.
“It’s over now. I’m free. Single again. And that’s why I understand what you might be facing with this arranged engagement.
“But at least I love Finley,” she whispered, wiping her tears. “You didn’t even know your husband.”
I nodded slowly, leaning forward across the table.
‘Exactly. And that’s why you two are lucky.”
“That’s why I don’t want to see you make the mistake of letting misunderstandings come between you,” I continued.
“You have a chance at something real, Clara. Don’t let fear or assumptions ruin it.”
“But what if-‘
“No what–ifs,” I interrupted, squeezing her hand.
“When Finley wakes up tomorrow, you need to talk to him. Really talk. Be brave and tell him exactly how you feel. ”
Clara finally nodded, seeming to absorb my words.
She glanced at Finley, who was still out cold. “What should we do with him?”
2/4
80
18:30 Fri, Jan 30
Chapter 93
‘Let’s call him a car service. And you should come stay at my place tonight. You’re in no condition to drive either.”
“Your place? You mean the Bailey residence? She frowned. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
I smiled. “Actually, I moved out. I have my own place now.”
‘You left them? Clara looked surprised and impressed. “Good for you! Where are you living now?”
‘I live in Chelsea. It’s not far from here. I deliberately kept my answer vague.
After arranging transportation for Finley and making sure he was safely on his way home, Clara and I caught a taxi to my apartment.
During the ride, Clara’s curiosity got the better of her.
“So what are you doing for work now? How can you afford a place in Chelsea?”
I hesitated before answering. “I actually took a position at Thornton Group.”
Clara’s eyebrows shot up.
“Thornton? As in Caspar Thornton?” A sly grin spread across her face. “Is there something going on between you two?”
I felt an immediate tension form at my temples when Caspar’s name came up.
I rubbed my forehead with my fingertips, trying to massage away the pressure.
*Please don’t start,‘ I said, closing my eyes briefly. “Just mentioning his name gives me a headache these days.*
*Come on, Audrey,” Clara nudged my shoulder playfully, the alcohol making her bolder. “You’re single now, technically free for the first
time in four years. And he’s…”
She gestured vaguely with her hands.
80
“Well, he’s Caspar Thornton, the most eligible bachelor in New York. He’s gorgeous, ridiculously wealthy, and from what I hear, completely
available… until now? Why not give it a shot?‘
I sighed, staring out the taxi window at the passing city lights.
‘It’s complicated, Clara. Even without Samuel in the picture, Caspar and I just wouldn’t work.”
When Clara didn’t respond, I turned to look at her.
Her head had slumped against the window, eyes closed, mouth slightly open. She was completely passed out.
374
18:30 Fri, Jan 30
Chapter 93
“Unbelievable,‘ I muttered, shaking my head with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
“You and Finley really are perfect for each other.”
The taxi pulled up to my building, and I realized I now had the unenviable task of getting Clara’s dead weight up to my apartment.
“Come on, Clara, I grunted, supporting her with her arm draped over my shoulder. “Work with me here.”
By the time I finally got her into my guest bedroom, I was sweating and out of breath.
Clara immediately collapsed onto the mattress, not even bothering to remove her shoes or jacket.
I sighed, tugging off her boots and helping her out of her coat before pulling the comforter over her.
“Sleep well,” I murmured, switching off the lamp.
Back in my own room, I went through my nighttime routine mechanically.
As I slipped under my covers, I realized with a start that I’d been spending nearly all my time either at the Thornton estate with Noah or
somewhere with Caspar.
With our seven–day agreement in place, I wasn’t particularly eager to visit the mansion right now.
Besides, Noah was spending quality time with Dorothy, which was good for both of them.
Going to the Thornton Group offices tomorrow seemed like the perfect solution.
Despite Thornton Group’s incredibly generous work arrangements–flexible hours, no clock–in requirements, just timely completion of assigned artwork and design proposals–I decided to head in early tomorrow.
Comments
2
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
