Audrey’s POV:
I stood in the center of the Bailey family’s living room, my stance firm despite the turmoil inside me.
“I want to know how my child died, I repeated, my voice steadier than I felt.
George’s face tightened, his jaw working as if chewing on words he didn’t want to release. Audrey. Why do you keep clinging to the past? The child is long gone–what good does it do to revisit this?”
Eleanor wouldn’t meet my eyes. Her fingers fidgeted with the pearl necklace at her throat, twisting and untwisting as if trying to strangle the truth before it escaped.
“I just want the truth,” I said, keeping my voice level. “Nothing more.”
“The truth is on the death certificate,‘ George snapped, his impatience breaking through. “Early birth complications. The child couldn’t survive–end of story.”
“If that’s the case,” I said, stepping closer, “then why wasn’t I allowed to see my baby? Not even once? Why the rush to cremate before I was even fully
conscious?”
George’s nostrils flared. “You were in no condition to make decisions. We did what was best.”
“Best for whom?” My voice finally cracked, betraying the emotion I’d tried to contain. “Best for a grieving mother who needed to hold her child at least once? Or best for the Bailey family’s convenience?”
Eleanor’s eyes darted to George, a silent exchange that spoke volumes.
“Stop with these silent conversations right in front of me!” I snapped, slamming my hand on the table.
“If you have nothing to hide, why do you always avoid this topic? Why do you exchange these nervous looks every time I mention my child?”
The sound of my palm hitting the glass made Eleanor flinch. George’s face darkened.
I didn’t back down. “Medical certificates can be manipulated when enough money is involved.”
“That’s absurd!” George exploded, his hands balling into fists at his sides. “You’re letting your imagination run wild with these conspiracy theories. We did everything by the book. Everything!”
I stared at him, feeling the last of my patience evaporate.
“Fine,” I said, my voice dangerously quiet. “Then you can enjoy watching the Bailey group crumble.*
Without another word, I turned and walked away.
When I reached my room, I closed the door and leaned against it, finally allowing the tears to come.
My gaze drifted to the canvas on the far wall–my ‘Lost Starscape painting. The swirling cosmic blues and purples contained all the grief and longing 1 couldn’t express in words.
1/3
Chapter 57
Each brushstroke contained fragments of my pain, transformed into something hauntingly beautiful.
Margaret had always been the only one in this family who truly cared for me. She deserved peace of mind, not anxiety over my future.
With a deep breath, I picked up my phone and sent a message to Samuel.
I just found out George & Eleanor tried to get more money from you. I had NOTHING to do with it & only learned about it tonight. I never thought about getting anything from you.
Just so you know, I didn’t enter this marriage willingly either. If you want a divorce, I won’t complicate things at all. I only have one small request. Could you meet Margaret with me just once? Play along as my husband briefly, so she can have peace of mind.
I pressed send and placed the phone down, my hand trembling slightly. I wasn’t expecting much, but I had to try.
The response came faster than I expected, appearing on my screen within minutes:
Your request is denied. Our business will be conducted through legal channels only. Do not contact me directly again.
I stared at the screen, feeling the contempt radiating through those terse words. Each character seemed infused with his disgust at having to interact with
me at all.
My cheeks burned with a mixture of embarrassment and anger. again.
“Fine,” I muttered, throwing my phone onto the bed. “Don’t help. See if I care.”
The walls of my room suddenly felt suffocating.
I yanked open my nightstand drawer and grabbed my emergency pack of cigarettes. I snatched my lighter and headed for the balcony, sliding the glass door open with more force than necessary.
The cool evening air hit my face as I stepped out.
I tapped a cigarette from the pack and lit it, inhaling deeply.
The smoke filled my lungs, and I held it there for a moment before exhaling toward the Manhattan skyline.
“Screw you, Samuel West,” I whispered to the twinkling city lights. “Screw all of you.”
The cigarette wasn’t helping as much as I’d hoped.
I pulled out my phone and dialed Finley’s number. He picked up on the second ring.
“Hey Fin,” I said, exhaling smoke away from the phone.
‘Audrey! What’s this? The busiest person I know is actually calling me?” His voice had that familiar warmth that always made me feel better.
“Need to drink away some demons tonight,” I said bluntly. “You free?*
“Always free for you, darling,” he replied without hesitation.
“Get Clara too,” I said, flicking ash over the railing. I could use both my best friends tonight.”
2/3
Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon
Chapter 58
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.
