Chapter 26
Audrey’s POV:
I sat on the edge of the bed, my palms slick with nervous sweat.
My mind kept drifting back to that night in London–the ajar door, the dim lighting in that unfamiliar room, his deep voice and my ridiculous attempt at playing it cool.
I had mistaken a New York financial mogul for a male escort and slept with him.
When he finds out, there’ll be hell to pay. I couldn’t stop myself from imagining him raising a gun, coldly pointing it at me.
The thought sent a chill down my spine.
Fortunately, a phone ring saved me from my spiraling thoughts.
I grabbed the vibrating phone from the nightstand. The screen displayed: Grandma Margaret.
Caspar noticed the incoming call, pressed his lips together slightly, and politely turned away, giving me privacy.
I took a deep breath and answered.
“Audrey, sweetheart, are you coming home today?” Her voice was as gentle
as
always.
My throat tightened as I remembered the lie I’d told her about “working
out
of
to keep her from worrying.
“Yes, Grandma. I’m just wrapping things up here. I’ll be back this afternoon.” Ite
After hanging up, the weight in my chest felt even heavier.
to keep my voice relaxed.
Every minute I spent in the same space as Caspar felt like walking a tightrop
over razor blades.
“I’m feeling much better. I’m ready to be discharged,” I said, looking up at Caspar by the window.
Noah’s eyes lit up immediately at those words. To a kid, hospitals were always awful places.
The nurse making rounds overheard and checked my chart. “Recovery looks good. You can start the discharge process this afternoon.”
Caspar gave a slight nod. “I’ll drive you home.”
“No need,” I looked at him. “Someone’s coming to pick me up.”
His gaze swept over me, but his voice became softer. “These past few days, besides Noah and me, no one else has visited.”
The words hit like a nail driven into my heart.
I looked away and texted Clara my location.
She immediately replied. “On my way.”
1/4
3:17 pm P PмM.
Chapter 26
When Clara pushed through the door, Caspar finally took Noah’s hand and left.
The door closed. The air finally felt breathable again.
“Jesus, Audrey!” Clara threw her bag on the chair and hugged me, then immediately let go. “A car accident this serious and you didn’t tell me? Don’t I count
as a friend anymore?”
‘Don’t be like that,” I grabbed her hands. ‘You’re the first person I contacted.”
She softened immediately, her eyes drifting toward the door that had just closed. “Who were those two? Father and son? Both pretty easy on the eyes.”
“A student’s parent. I tried to sound casual.
She raised an eyebrow. “A parent made a special trip to visit you?”
I smiled helplessly. “Don’t be nosy. I get nervous just looking at him.”
Clara’s eyes widened. “There’s actually someone who scares you? Now that’s something.”
I lowered my voice and quickly explained: “Remember what I told you about that night in London… when I accidentally wandered into the wrong hotel
room?”
“You mean when you were drunk and mistook the guy for a gigolo?” Clara nodded.
“Exactly. That man was him–Caspar Thornton.”
Clara’s expression shifted from confusion to shock to complete disbelief. “Wait… Thornton… you mean ‘King C‘?‘
I nodded.
Clara covered her mouth, taking a moment to find her voice. “Holy shit, Audrey… you “Seems like he doesn’t know yet…”
“That’s why I’m a nervous wreck around him.” I sighed. “Help me pack this stuff up.”
with Caspar Thornton?” She gave me a “good luck with that‘ look.
Clara nodded silently and began gathering the items from my nightstand and some clean clothes.
She worked quickly, but kept glancing at me like she was reassessing my chances of survival.
When we were processing the discharge paperwork, the receptionist tapped her keyboard a few times and looked up. All medical expenses have been paid in full by Mr. Thornton.”
I paused for two seconds. “Could you print the itemized bill? I’ll reimburse him.”
Back at my Upper East Side apartment, I pulled open the curtains to let the sunlight stream in.
Clara sat on my bed, looking at me with a serious expression.
‘So, what’s your game plan?” she asked bluntly. “If he finds out the truth…”
2/4
3:17 pm P P MM.
Chapter 26
I sighed and leaned against the headboard. ‘I have no clue.“.
“The way I see it,” Clara crossed her arms, “with Caspar Thornton’s resources and connections, if he wants to investigate something, he’ll find out eventually. Maybe come clean now?”
“It’s not like I haven’t thought about it,” I rubbed my temples,
“But every time I make eye contact with him, I just… chicken out. You haven’t seen those eyes of his–like he can see right through you.”
Clara frowned. “The longer you wait, the worse it’ll get.”
“I know,” I nodded. “I just need to find the right moment.”
After Clara left, I sat by the window and exhaled deeply.
I pulled out my phone and texted Caspar: Thank you for your help. I’ll transfer the expenses shortly. Then I opened my banking app and sent the exact
amount.
The screen showed “Success,” and I felt like I’d completed some small ritual of redemption.
My finger hovered over the screen for a moment before I sent another message: I’ll be back at the gallery tomorrow. You can bring Noah by. There are some things I feel I must discuss with you in person.
After sending it, I stared at the message, resolving to come clean tomorrow.
However, by nightfall, I still hadn’t received any reply.
The next day, I returned to Luminous Gallery.
I carried my toolbox toward Noah’s dedicated art room and pushed open the door–empty.
There were no fine brushes laid out on the table as usual, and his little notebook covered in star stickers was nowhere to be seen.
Cold air drifted down from the AC vent.
I opened my conversation with Caspar on my phone.
Our chat still ended with the messages I’d sent the day before.
I sent a tentative message: Is Noah not coming today?
My latte had started out steaming hot, but as the minutes dragged on, it cooled to lukewarm in my hands.
Still no response from Caspar.
An ominous feeling crept over me.
Did something happen to Noah? I debated whether I should risk visiting the Thornton estate directly.
Just as I was about to pack up and head out, my phone chimed.
3/4
3:17 pm P PM M
Chapter 26
It was Caspar’s reply, but only a few cold, brief words:
4 PM, Pine & Ink Café.
No explanation, no pleasantries. This left me feeling uneasy, not knowing what awaited me.
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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.
