Chapter 180
“I’ve experienced what it’s like to be loved by them, to be a Cole. And
I’m sorry you didn’t get that opportunity.”
Inwardly, I remained detached, analyzing Daisy’s performance,
I recognized her tactics–the public apology designed to make herself look magnanimous while subtly emphasizing that she had
experienced what I hadn’t.
If I called her out now, I’d look petty and resentful.
I wouldn’t play into her hands, but I wouldn’t expose her either.
“That’s very kind of you, Daisy,” I said, my voice gentle but firm.
“But you have nothing to apologize for. The only people to blame are
those who orchestrated the kidnapping in the first place.”
I reached for my water glass, taking a deliberate sip before
continuing.
“What happened shaped all of our lives in ways none of us could
control. Assigning blame now would serve no purpose.”
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Daisy lowered her eyes, her fingers delicately tracing the rim of her
wine glass.
“There’s something else I should apologize for,” she said softly.
“I’ve been… inappropriate with Caspar in the past.”
She glanced up, her expression a perfect blend of remorse and
sacrifice.
“I want you to know that I won’t compete with you for him.”
I had to suppress a laugh.
The way she phrased it–as if Caspar were some prize she was
graciously conceding to me.
It was like watching someone magnanimously offer to give away
something they’d never owned.
“That’s very considerate, Daisy,” I said smoothly, “but one can’t really compete for something that was never in competition to begin with.”
I smiled politely. “Mr. Thornton has always been very focused.”
The slightest flush crept up Daisy’s neck as my meaning registered–1
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wasn’t accepting her “concession” because there had never been
anything for her to concede.
Caspar’s lips curled into the faintest hint of a smile.
“Indeed,” he said, his deep voice resonating with quiet amusement.
“Audrey has always been my only choice.”
U
His casual agreement with my assessment was more devastating than
any direct rejection could have been.
The dining room fell silent again.
Even William, who had been ready to defend his sister moments ago,
seemed to recognize that further discussion would only deepen
Daisy’s embarrassment.
Daisy cleared her throat, quickly pivoting to a new topic.
“Audrey,” she said, her voice soft with what appeared to be genuine
curiosity, “are you planning to move back in with Mom and Dad?
They’ve been waiting for you to come home for so long.”
1
I didn’t answer immediately.
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My eyes flickered to Sara and Robert’s faces, both alight with barely
concealed hope.
The naked yearning in their expressions made something in my chest
tighten uncomfortably.
I looked away, studying the pattern on my plate.
The silence stretched.
I could feel everyone’s attention on me, waiting.
“I’m… not used to having so many relatives suddenly,” I finally said,
choosing my words carefully.
“I think I’d prefer to maintain my current living situation for now.”
Sara’s face fell, though she tried to hide it behind a quick sip of water.
Robert reached for her hand, squeezing it gently.
1
“Audrey,” Robert said, his voice hesitant, “I have to ask. Do you blame
us for not finding you sooner?”
I met his gaze directly. “No,” I said truthfully.
“I’ve built a life for myself–it may not be the life I would have had
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with you, but it’s mine. I’m not ready to change everything overnight.”
“We understand,” Robert said, though the disappointment in his eyes belied his words.
“We don’t want to pressure you. Just know that our door is always
open, whenever you’re ready.”
Sara nodded, blinking rapidly to hold back tears.
“Thank you for understanding,” I said softly, and meant it.
