Chapter 41
Audrey’s POV:
‘Did we… did we…?”
I was so nervous I could barely form a complete sentence.
My eyes locked on Caspar, my heart hammering like it was about to burst from my chest.
Caspar raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth curling slightly. “What do you think?‘
My face went ghost white, feeling like my entire world was crashing down.
Last night’s memories were nothing but broken fragments–I got wasted, said things I shouldn’t have, and then… God, I didn’t even dare think about what
came next.
Seeing my deer–in–headlights expression, a barely perceptible glint of amusement flickered in Caspar’s eyes.
He stood there, seemingly enjoying my mortification and panic.
Those few seconds of silence felt like an eternity to me.
When he was satisfied that I’d experienced enough terror, Caspar finally threw me a bone with his explanation.
“Relax. The housekeeper changed your clothes. I just brought you to the guest room and left.”
Relief flooded through me instantly, feeling like my soul had returned to my body, though the embarrassment remained at full throttle.
“Thank you for taking care of me last night, Mr. Thornton.”
I forced out a smile, trying to salvage what little dignity I had left. “And about what I said last night-”
My apology was cut short by the sound of light, quick footsteps.
Noah appeared in the doorway, and seeing me awake, his eyes immediately lit up.
His small body shot toward the bed, and his little hand gently touched my cheek with concern as he looked me over.
I felt his pure worry, and warmth flooded my heart.
“I’m fine, Noah, just a little tired,” I smiled, taking his small hand in mine. “Thank you for caring about me.”
Caspar cleared his throat. “It’s getting late. Noah’s already had breakfast, and he’s waiting for you to take him to the gallery.”
Noah immediately nodded, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
I glanced at the bedside clock–8:45 AM already.
A wave of guilt and embarrassment washed over me.
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3:19 pm P Pмм.
Chapter 41
“Sorry, Noah, for making you wait so long,”
I quickly got out of bed. “Give me five minutes to get dressed, and we’ll head out right away.”
I’ve had Edward prepare breakfast, Caspar said. “There are fresh toiletries in the bathroom, and your clothes have been washed and dried.”
I rushed into the bathroom, getting ready at lightning speed.
Ten minutes later, I appeared fully dressed in the foyer, where Edward had already prepared Noah’s little backpack and my bag.
I didn’t dare meet Caspar’s eyes, just mumbled a quick thanks, took Noah’s hand, and rushed out without breakfast.
It wasn’t until we arrived at Luminous Gallery that I felt like I could actually breathe again.
The familiar environment of the gallery finally allowed my frayed nerves to relax.
Just then, Noah pulled out a carefully wrapped sandwich and a juice box from his little backpack and handed them to me.
“Eat breakfast,” he said softly, his eyes full of concern.
I was blown away by his thoughtfulness.
Looking at his expectant expression, my heart melted instantly.
“Thank you, Noah,” I crouched down to his eye level, my voice trembling slightly with emotion. “You’re absolutely an angel baby.”
Noah smiled shyly, his eyes crinkling into little crescents.
After class ended, I walked out of the gallery holding Noah’s hand.
Edward was already waiting by the entrance, ready to take Noah
home.
Noah grabbed my hand as usual, his eyes full of hope.
I crouched down, meeting his gaze at eye level. “Noah, sweetheart, a brave little boy needs to learn independence. You can’t always rely on others.”
Noah looked at me, a flash of disappointment crossing his eyes, but he still nodded as if he understood.
Though he didn’t speak, the reluctance in his expression nearly broke my heart.
I was about to say something more to comfort him when I suddenly noticed a familiar figure standing not far away–Sienna.
I quickly turned to Edward. “Edward, please take Noah and go ahead.”
Edward immediately understood my intention, smoothly taking Noah’s hand and leaving before Sienna could approach.
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:19 pm PPM M
Chapter 41
Once Noah and Edward’s figures disappeared around the corner, Sienna came strutting over in her designer suit and heels, slightly out of breath.
I turned to face Sienna. ‘What do you want?”
She looked towards the direction where Noah’s car had disappeared, a flash of frustration in her eyes, but she quickly pulled herself together.
I came to pick you up, Audrey.” Sienna’s face immediately broke into a friendly smile, as if we were best buddies.
I couldn’t help but admire her acting skills internally–just moments ago she looked devastated, and now she was like a completely different person.
‘Is that so?” I responded coolly. “I thought you’d be more interested in getting close to Noah and his father.”
Sienna’s smile faltered for a split second before recovering. “I just wanted to apologize for my inappropriate comments at the charity gala.”
“Caspar and Noah have already moved past that,” I said calmly, hinting that she should stop pursuing this. “If there’s nothing else, I have work to do.”
I turned to leave, and Sienna’s mask finally cracked completely.
“Who the hell do you think you are?” she suddenly raised her voice, her tone dripping with resentment.
“What gives you the right to act all high and mighty? I’m the Bailey family heiress now, and one word from me could leave you with nothing!”
I turned around, smirking at her. “So what are you waiting for then?”
“You!” Sienna practically hissed the word through gritted teeth. “Why did you get to steal my wonderful first half of life, making me suffer endlessly, and now you’re still working against me?”
‘I stole your first half of life?” I laughed coldly. “Sienna, wasn’t I a victim too?”
“A victim?” she shrieked with laughter. “You were Grandma’s golden child, got the best education, and now you’ve latched onto the Thornton family. And me? I grew up in a family where just surviving was a struggle, going through hell.”
Her eyes burned with years of accumulated hatred. “You owe me, Audrey Lane, and you’ll never be able to pay it back in this lifetime!”
With that, Sienna stormed off angrily, her heels clicking harshly against the pavement.
I stood there, watching her retreating figure, a complex mix of emotions churning inside me.
Once upon a time, when I first learned I wasn’t the Bailey family’s biological daughter, I felt guilty toward Sienna and the entire Bailey family.
Until that incident happened—to force me into signing a contract marriage, the Bailey family threatened me using my newborn child.
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But after I went through with everything, they told me my baby had died.
I never believed it. How could a healthy baby just die for no reason?
The phone’s vibration jolted me back to reality.
I glanced down at the screen–it was a text from Clara. That’s when I remembered I still had plans with her today.
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.
