Chapter 123
Daisy’s POV:
After Audery spoke, the room fell into silence.
Everyone’s expressions transformed into masks of sympathy and concern.
Especially my mother, whose eyes revealed a mix of shock and heartache after hearing this answer.
Noah Thornton, the silent child, suddenly put down his fork with a clatter and announced in a clear voice.
“I and Daddy are Audrey’s family.”
The shock around the table was palpable.
Every head turned toward the little boy who had barely made a sound throughout the entire meal.
I gripped my napkin tightly, knuckles turning white.
But what truly twisted the knife was Caspar’s response. He said nothing to contradict Noah, offered no defense–just gave him a tender,
affectionate look.
Clara, ever the peacemaker, smiled warmly.
“I also count as Audrey’s family, right? We’ve known each other for so long
“Of course,” Audrey replied softly, her face lighting up. “You’ve always been my closest friend.”
I fought the urge to roll my eyes.
What was so special about her anyway? A mediocre artist with a sob story. Nothing more.
“You should stay longer, Audrey,” Clara pleaded, grabbing her hands like they were in some cheesy friendship movie.
‘I haven’t even had the chance to show you around properly. There’s so much more to see!”
Audrey put on what I could only describe as a practiced expression of regret.
“I wish I could, Clara. Perhaps another time?”
I watched their little performance with growing irritation.
When lunch finally concluded and Caspar and Audrey stood to leave the dining room, they hurried back to the hotel to pack their luggage.
They were flying back to New York that afternoon.
Clara and Finley accompanied them to the door.
After they left, I couldn’t help but begin to complain,
1/4
24%
11 Thu Fels
Chapter 123
244
No wonder Audrey’s a
an orphan. It’s not surprising she has no manners. Factually heard her criticizing Finley in our house who does she think
the fe
My father’s voice cut through the room. His face had transformed into pure disapproval.
palsy My
You’ve gone too far, Ethan added, his tone glacial
I couldn’t believe it.
My own father and brother were yelling at me because of Audrey?
What’s so special about Audrey anyway? I demanded, feeling my voice crack slightly. “Why is everyone defending her?
Ffhan looked at me like I was a stranger.
she’s a guest in our home and Clara’s good friend. Regardless of what you think, you shouldn’t speak about her that way
116 paused before continuing. And being an orphan is not something to mock. That was incredibly callous of you, Daisy.
I realized I’d gone too far, trying to explain myself.
I was just standing up for Finley, I insisted, softening my voice. “I felt bad for him, that’s all.”
Audrey was just being protective, Ethan countered, still not taking my side.
It’s natural for her to defend Clara. Besides, Finley did make a mistake, and Audrey was trying to help them reconcile quickly.”
I felt tears welling up in my eyes before I could stop them.
This
is wasn’t
fair. Even when I was showing vulnerability, they were still criticizing me.
This had never happened before. Normally, the moment I showed the slightest hint of unhappiness, everyone would rush to make me feel
better.
So that’s it? Some stranger walks in and suddenly I’m the villain in my own family?”
Enought
Father’s
voice thundered. “Go to your room, Daisy. We ll discuss this later.
1 fed the dining room, tears blurring my vision as I ran upstairs.
In the privacy of my bedroom, I finally let the tears flow freely
Why was everyone so enchanted by that woman!
A gentle knock at my door proceded my mothers entrancs.
the eat bestilte in un the bed, het hand softly stroking my hair.
sweetheart, no bite is saying that. We love you. But what you want was wind, and you need on rognize that
11:21 Thu, Feb 5 ERE
Chapter 123
“But she-
‘Shh, Mother hushed me. ‘I know you have feelings for Caspar, but that’s no reason to attack Audrey,”
She squeezed my shoulder gently.
“Why don’t you try to get along with her? Didn’t you mention you liked Liard’s paintings?”
Even my mother was taking Audrey’s side now?
‘I actually got her contact information,” Mother contínued, completely oblivious to my inner turmoil.
‘Next time you want an art piece, we could commission her directly.”
I nodded mechanically, but inside I was seething with jealousy.
Thank God Audrey was leaving today.
If she stayed any longer, I was certain she’d steal every bit of attention and affection that had always been rightfully mine.
1
I stood at Caspar’s private airfield at 3:00 PM with my family, watching as his sleek jet was being prepared for departure.
The Thornton party emerged from the luxury SUV that had just pulled up to the tarmac.
“Thank you all for coming to our wedding,” Clara said, embracing each of them.
As the others exchanged pleasantries against the backdrop of the idling jet engines, I noticed Audrey pull Clara aside near the wing of the
aircraft.
They spoke in hushed tones, but I edged closer, pretending to admire the plane while straining to hear.
‘Remember what I told you,” Audrey was saying. “Don’t let anyone pressure you into anything you’re not ready for.”
24%
Clara nodded, smiling.
‘I won’t. Finley’s been incredibly understanding since our… incident.”
Audrey turned to Finley with a stern expression.
‘And you – if I hear you’ve hurt her or embarrassed her again, I’ll fly back from wherever I am just to have a word with you.”
Finley raised his hands in mock surrender, but his eyes were serious. “I promise to take better care of her.”
I felt relieved after confirming that Audrey wasn’t speaking ill of me.
My moment of relief evaporated instantly as I watched Caspar guide Audrey toward the plane. Noah walked between them, one tiny hand in Audrey’s, the other in his father’s.
3/4
11:21 Thu, Feb5 EAU:
Chapter 123
They looked every bit the perfect family as they ascended the stairs to the private jet.
I clenched my jaw so hard my teeth ached. This wasn’t over.
As long as there wasn’t a ring on her finger, I still had a chance.
24%
Caspar Thornton was the most eligible bachelor in America, and men like him didn’t settle for ordinary women like Audrey Lane, no matter how many paintings she could create.
As the jet’s door closed behind them, I mentally began planning my New York trip.
Caspar Thornton would be mine. I just needed the right opportunity.
Comments
user2511185465
i love Noah!!
i wish Audrey would open her heart yi Caspar. i think Noah s her baby
3 days ago
13
SHARE
4/4
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.
