Audrey’s POV:
“Audrey, it’s been a while.”
The familiar raspy voice made my heart skip a beat. “Jasper?”
“It’s me,‘ he replied, a hint of amusement in his tone.
“How are you holding up?”
“Not bad, all things considered,‘ I answered lightly.
“But you don’t usually call out of the blue like this. Is something wrong?”
* R. 23%2
‘Don’t worry,” he reassured me quickly.
“It’s actually good news. The research has made significant progress.”
A flicker of hope sparked inside me.
“Really?” I couldn’t keep the excitement from my voice. “That’s wonderful.
My voice softened with emotion. ‘I can’t thank you and Emma enough for all your hard work.”
Jasper, Emma and I are steadfast companions who have faced life and death together in London.
If it weren’t for the two of them fighting alongside me, I would have given up on life long ago and wouldn’t have persisted until now.
“If anyone deserves thanks, it’s you, Audrey, Jasper countered gently.
“You have bear so much alone while making sure we have everything we need for the research.”
I shook my head even though he couldn’t see me.
“Let’s not stand on ceremony between us. We’re way past that. Besides, you know I don’t have the brain to be stuck in a lab all day–I’d be more hindrance than help.
Switching to a more practical tone, I asked, “Is the research funding still sufficient? If you need more, just say the word.”
“The last transfer you sent hasn’t even been fully utilized,” Jasper assured he.
“We’re fine on that front. What I’m more concerned about is you. How’s the current medication working? Any adverse reactions to the anti- rejection regimen?”
I glanced at the prescription bottles lined up on my coffee table.
“Nothing out of the ordinary, I still have enough medication to last another month or two.”
O
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Chapter 128
Jasper said. “Well, I’ll have Emma bring it over to you then.”
“That’s really not necessary,‘ I protested. “You could just mail it.”
Absolutely not,” Jasper insisted.
“Mailing is not very safe. Besides, his voice softened, “Emma misses you terribly. *
I smiled despite myself. ‘Fine. Tell her I miss her too.”
After we said our goodbyes, I tossed my phone aside and sank deeper into the couch, a heaviness settling over me.
Being here had almost made me forget the weight I’d carried in London.
The toxin in my system still wasn’t fully neutralized, despite years of treatment.
My fingers unconsciously traced the surgical scar hidden beneath my blouse.
I would probably never carry a child of my own.
My feelings were a complicated mess.
The afternoon.
23%
My phone alarm reminded me it was time to pick up Noah.
I grabbed my keys and headed out, the cool afternoon air helping to clear my head.
As I pulled into the kindergarten’s parking lot, I spotted a familiar black Bentley already parked near the entrance.
Caspar waited here.
When he noticed my arrival, he straightened up and walked over as I parked.
“Sorry,” I said, stepping out of my car. “Am I late?”
‘No,‘ Caspar replied, checking his watch. ‘I’m early. Board meeting finished sooner than expected.*
I nodded, trying not to think about how natural this felt–the two of us going to pick up Noah together, like any normal couple with their child.
I kept my eyes focused on the kindergarten entrance, too aware of Caspar standing beside me.
After this morning’s embrace, I wasn’t sure how to act around him.
But Caspar seemed perfectly at ease, his demeanor as composed and unruffled as ever.
I felt the tension in my shoulders ease slightly.
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Chapter 128
Whatever that moment had meant to him, he clearly wasn’t going to mak
I noticed a small group of parents doing double–takes in our direction.
One woman nudged another, whispering behind her hand while stealing g
A few pulled out their phones, angling them in our direction with poor att
I think you’ve been recognized, I murmured to Caspar. “Maybe you shoul
Caspar turned to me, one eyebrow raised.
‘Afraid to be seen with me in the tabloids, Audrey?
I glanced at the cluster of parents who were now nudging each other and
Hardly,‘ I sighed.
I’m afraid we’ll create a human traffic jam when they all rush over to int
I gestured discreetly toward a particularly eager looking father who was a
“That man looks ready to hand you his business card and pitch his startu
Caspar’s mouth quirked up at the corner, seemingly satisfied with my ans
Then he turned and walked back to his Bentley, sliding into the driver’s s
Just as he closed the car door, the kindergarten’s entrance opened, and ch
I spotted Noah immediately, his small hand held by a male instructor.
When Noah saw me, his face lit up with a brilliant smile, and he broke fr
“Audrey!”
I knelt down to his level, arms outstretched, ready to receive his enthusia
Noah crashed into my arms, his small body warm against mine as I hugg
“Hello there, the instructor said, approaching us with a friendly smile.
He was tall, with kind eyes and an easy manner.
“I’m Daniel Harrison, one of Noah’s instructors. And you are…?”
“I’m Audrey Lane,‘ I replied, rising to my feet while keeping one hand or
When Daniel’s expectant expression made it clear he was waiting for me
21:51 Sat, Feb 7
Chapter 128
Whatever that moment had meant to him, he clearly wasn’t going to make things awkward between us. I could breathe again.
I noticed a small group of parents doing double–takes in our direction.
One woman nudged another, whispering behind her hand while stealing glances at Caspar.
A few pulled out their phones, angling them in our direction with poor attempts at subtlety.
‘I think you’ve been recognized, I murmured to Caspar. “Maybe you should wait in the car? To avoid creating a scene?*
Caspar turned to me, one eyebrow raised.
༥ ༣ 23%–
‘Afraid to be seen with me in the tabloids, Audrey?”
I glanced at the cluster of parents who were now nudging each other and straightening their designer outfits, clearly preparing to approach.
“Hardly,” I sighed.
“I’m afraid we’ll create a human traffic jam when they all rush over to introduce themselves to the great Caspar Thornton.”
I gestured discreetly toward a particularly cager–looking father who was already taking steps in our direction.
“That man looks ready to hand you his business card and pitch his startupidea on the spot.”
Caspar’s mouth quirked up at the corner, seemingly satisfied with my answer.
Then he turned and walked back to his Bentley, sliding into the driver’s seat with effortless grace.
Just as he closed the car door, the kindergarten’s entrance opened, and children began streaming out.
I spotted Noah immediately, his small hand held by a male instructor.
When Noah saw me, his face lit up with a brilliant smile, and he broke free running toward me.
‘Audrey!”
I knelt down to his level, arms outstretched, ready to receive his enthusiastic greeting.
Noah crashed into my arms, his small body warm against mine as I hugged him close.
“Hello there,” the instructor said, approaching us with a friendly smile.
He was tall, with kind eyes and an easy manner.
‘I’m Daniel Harrison, one of Noah’s instructors. And you are…?”
‘I’m Audrey Lane,‘ I replied, rising to my feet while keeping one hand on Noah’s shoulder.
When Daniel’s expectant expression made it clear he was waiting for me to explain my relationship to Noah, I hesitated.
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Chapter 128
For a moment, I didn’t know how to describe my relationship with Noah.
“I’m Noah’s art instructor, I finally said, settling for the simplest explanation.
Daniel tilted his head slightly. “That’s interesting. I thought you might be
Before he could finish, Caspar emerged from the Bentley.
He gave Daniel a curt nod.
“We should get going,” he said, his voice clipped.
Noah was already heading toward the car, looking back at me expectantly.
“Could I get your number? To follow up about Noah’s development? I said quickly to Daniel, fumbling in my purse for a business card.
Daniel smiled, handing me his card. ‘Of course. Feel free to call anytime.
As we walked to the car, I tucked the card into my pocket, already thinking of questions about Noah’s social interactions with the other
children.
I completely missed the tight set of Caspar’s jaw and the cool, assessing glance he directed back at Daniel over his shoulder.
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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.
