Audrey’s POV:
I’d been working from home for days now, avoiding the Thornton offices and, more specifically, avoiding Caspar.
Working remotely helped keep physical distance between us, but my mind refused to cooperate.
With a frustrated sigh, I pushed aside the painting plan I’d been pretending to review and reached for my phone.
Maybe Clara could meet for lunch. A few hours of her bubbly conversation might be exactly what I needed to escape this mental loop.
Just as I was about to dial her number, my phone lit up with an incoming call.
Edward Miller.
I stared at the screen, my heartbeat quickening.
Since the last time I refused to go to the Thornton estate to see Noah, I haven’t received any calls related to the Thornton family.
If Edward was calling now, something must be wrong.
After a moment’s hesitation, I answered.
“Miss Lane,” Edward’s typically composed voice carried an undercurrent of worry that immediately set me on edge. ‘I apologize for disturbing you, but we have a situation.”
“What’s happened?”
I kept my voice deliberately neutral, though my heart had already begun racing.
“It’s Noah,” he said, “He’s unwell. Running a fever and he’s been sick several times this morning.”
“Has a doctor seen him?” I asked, unable to mask the concern in my voice. “How serious is it? Does he need to go to the hospital?”
“Dr. Matthews examined him an hour ago,” Edward assured me. “He believes it’s just a cold with fever, nothing serious medically. But his
emotional state seems to be making the symptoms worse.”
He paused, his voice softening.
“He’s been calling for you, Miss Lane. Repeatedly asking when you’ll come back.”
There was a weight to his words that made my stomach tighten.
1/4
18:31 Fri, Jan 30
Chapter 100
…
My heart ached for Noah, but I forced myself to think logically.
:
80
How was this supposed to work? I’d made the decision to cut ties with Caspar, but somehow I was still entangled with his son? And what would happen when I eventually had to leave Noah’s life for good? The pain would only be greater then.
‘I’m… I’m sorry to hear that,” I said, my voice strained.
“But I think it’s best if you just take good care of him, Edward. Make sure he’s comfortable and gets plenty of rest. I’m sure he’ll be feeling
better soon.”
“Miss Lane,” Edward’s voice grew more urgent. “Noah truly needs you right now.”
I almost broke at the sincerity in his voice.
My resolve was crumbling, but-
“Please, Edward continued. “Before you decide, let me send you a picture. Just look at it, and then make your choice.”
I sighed. “Fine.”
The call ended, and seconds later, my phone chimed with a message notification.
I opened it to find a photo of a crumpled piece of paper.
On it, in wobbly, childish handwriting: Noah always does what Audrey says. When will Audrey come get me?
Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision.
I traced the words on my screen with my fingertip, my heart breaking at the thought of Noah writing these words, waiting for me to come
back.
All my hesitations evaporated instantly.
I called Edward back immediately.
‘I’m coming right now,‘ I said as soon as he answered, already grabbing my keys and bag. “Tell Noah I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Thank you, Miss Lane.” Edward’s relief was palpable.
I hesitated, my hand on the doorknob.
‘Edward, is… is Mr. Thornton at the estate?” The question slipped out before I could stop myself.
He hesitated before answering.
2/4
18:31 Fri, Jan 30
Chapter 100
:
“No, Miss Lane. After attending to Noah this morning, Mr. Thornton received an urgent call from the office and had to leave.”
Relief loosened the knot in my chest.
“I’ll be there in thirty minutes.”
แร 80
The drive to Long Island was surprisingly smooth, as if the universe had cleared a path for me.
When I pulled up to the Thornton estate, Edward was already waiting at the entrance.
I hurried out of the car and met him at the steps. “How is Noah? Has his fever gone down at all?” I asked, already moving quickly toward
the door.
Edward matched my pace as we headed inside. “His temperature has dropped slightly, but he’s still not himself.”
As we walked, I suddenly felt a chill at the back of my neck–that unmistakable sensation of being watched.
I turned quickly, looking up toward the second–floor landing.
For a moment, I thought I saw a shadow move behind the window of the attic room, but it vanished so quickly I couldn’t be certain.
“Is there someone else here, Edward? In the attic?”
Edward’s expression flickered momentarily. “Just the regular household staff, Miss Lane. I assure you, Mr. Thornton is not on the
premises.”
I nodded, unconvinced but unwilling to press the issue. Noah was my priority now.
We arrived at Noah’s art room, and Edward gently pushed the door open.
‘He’s been in here since breakfast,” he whispered before stepping back to let me enter alone.
The room was dimmer than usual, with only a slice of sunlight cutting through partially drawn curtains.
Noah sat in the corner, his small back to the door, shoulders hunched in a posture of defeat that no four–year–old should ever embody.
“Noah?” I called softly.
His little body tensed, but he didn’t turn around.
I moved closer, kneeling beside him but not touching him, respecting his space.
I said gently. “I heard you weren’t feeling well. I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner.”
3/4
18:31 Fri, Jan 30
Chapter 100
Noah remained motionless, his back to me, shoulders rigid.
I had disappeared from his life without explanation, just when we were starting to build trust.
His rejection now was both punishment and self–protection.
I’d hurt him.
The weight of my mistake crashed down on me as I watched his small shoulders rise and fall with each breath.
I turned to Edward, keeping my voice low.
“Would it be alright if I took Noah away?”
Edward’s eyes widened in shock.
“Take him… away?” He looked from me to Noah and back again, clearly blindsided by my request.
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.
