Chapter 127
Audrey’s POV:
I blinked rapidly, composing myself with a small inhale as Noah finally disappeared into his classroom.
The tears that had threatened to spill remained trapped behind my eyelids through sheer willpower.
What was wrong with me? I wasn’t Noah’s mother.
But the overwhelming emotion washed over me as I watched him take this milestone step.
‘I should get going,” I said, turning away from Caspar. “I have some work waiting at home.”
Before I could take a single step, I felt his hand grasp my wrist, firm but gentle.
In one fluid motion, he pulled me toward him, enveloping me in an unexpected embrace.
I froze, my body tensing against his chest.
His cologne wrapped around me as his arms formed a cage I wasn’t sure I wanted to escape from.
“What’s holding you back, Audrey? His voice was gentle, almost vulnerable
“I can feel your hesitation, but I don’t understand it.”
I remained silent, unable to articulate the jumble of fears inside me.
“Whatever it is,” he continued, his fingers lightly tracing circles on my back, you can tell me. No matter what, I can solve it.”
“The only person who decides if you stay or go is you, Audrey. Your feelings. Nothing else.”
His gaze held mine with such intensity that I couldn’t look away.
When had it happened? When had Caspar Thornton slipped past my defenges and into my heart?
I couldn’t pinpoint the moment, but I knew with sudden clarity that he was already there.
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‘Listen to me. Follow your heart. Don’t let anyone else’s expectations or circumstances decide for you. he continued, “Just choose what you
want.”
His words were like a seductive whisper, crumbling the walls I’d so carefully constructed.
Yet the fears remained, pressing against my chest like physical weights.
The memory of betrayal, of loss, of darkness threatened to swallow me whole.
He was Caspar Thornton, for God’s sake.
He deserved someone unburdened by ghosts, someone who hadn’t been broken and hastily glued back together.
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21:50 Sat, Feb 7 7
Chapter 127
My past clung to me like a shadow, whispering that I shouldn’t have expected more.
Caspar’s coaxing voice continued.
‘Take one step toward me, Audrey. Just one. I’ll take the other ninety–nine
The sincerity and vulnerability in his eyes made my heart tremble.
And believe me when I say I have both the feelings and the means to make this work.”
As I looked into his eyes, I realized I couldn’t hold on any longer.
I was tired of running. Tired of letting fear dictate my choices.
If I continued avoiding every possibility of pain, I’d also avoid every possibility of joy.
Maybe this would end badly. Maybe it wouldn’t.
But at least I have to give myself one chance.
Lost in my thoughts, I hadn’t realized how long I’d been silent.
Caspar’s arms loosened around me, and he took a step back, his expression shifting from hope to resignation.
“I apologize,” he said quietly, his hands falling to his sides.
“I’m pushing too hard. That’s always been my problem. The vulnerability in his voice caught me off guard.
This wasn’t the commanding CEO who ruled boardrooms, but a man afraid he’d overstepped.
“I’ll wait,” he continued. “However long it takes for you to accept what’s between us.
“No,” I said, the word escaping before I could second–guess myself. “You have always done a great job.”
His eyes found mine, confusion and cautious hope mingling in their depths
Without allowing myself to overthink, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him in a quick, deliberate embrace.
It lasted half a second – barely enough time for him to register what was happening – before I pulled away, my cheeks burning.
Caspar stood frozen.
For once, he was caught completely off guard.
‘1-1 need to g–go,” I stammered, taking advantage of his momentary stillness. I have some… um… things to take care of.
I turned and walked away, my heart hammering against my ribs.
My hands trembled slightly as I fumbled for my car keys, trying to appear more composed than I felt.
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Chapter 127
Something made me glance back over my shoulder.
Caspar hadn’t moved an inch from where I’d left him.
The corner of his mouth had lifted in a smile I’d never seen before.
I felt my heart kick against my ribs, its rhythm suddenly erratic.
Get it together, Audrey, I scolded myself as I slid behind the wheel and started the engine with slightly trembling hands.
I pulled away from the curb faster than necessary, catching one last glimpse of him in my rearview mirror.
This is what happens when you let yourself get distracted by a handsome face, I thought ruefully.
I quickly faced forward again, pretending my heart hadn’t just skipped a beat.
The drive home passed in a blur, my mind replaying that half–second embrace over and over again.
Once inside my apartment, I kicked off my shoes and collapsed onto my couch, pressing my hands against my warm cheeks.
“Swooning over a man like some lovesick teenager? You’re pathetic.” I groaned, burying my face in a throw pillow.
After everything I’d been through, after all the walls I’d built, one look from Caspar Thornton had me completely undone.
The sudden ring of my phone startled me.
I reached for it, expecting Clara or possibly even Caspar himself.
Instead, an international number flashed on the screen–a London area code.
“Hello?” I said tentatively.
A raspy male voice came through the line.
Audrey, It’s been a while.”
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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.
