Chapter 391
Audrey’s POV
I stood at the hotel entrance, watching Astrid’s red sports car fade into the night. The cool evening air felt good against my skin after hours inside. I waved one last time, though I doubted she could still see me.
Taking a deep breath, I turned to head back inside when I heard a familiar voice.
‘Evelyn!”
About twenty yards away, Blake sat in his wheelchair under a streetlight, Michael standing behind him ready to push.
I frowned and stepped back. “What are you doing here so late?”
‘I needed to find you.” A flicker of hurt crossed Blake’s face at my retreat. “There’s something we should discuss.”
“If this is about Rachel, save it. I’ve said everything I need to say. We’ll handle it in court.”
“It’s not about Rachel.” He gestured for Michael to stop advancing. “It’s about my grandfather.”
My guard lowered instantly at the mention of William. “Is he okay?”
“He’s fine.” Blake exhaled slowly. “But he saw the livestream today. With his confusion lately, he can’t tell the difference between you and Rachel anymore.”
‘He thinks you’re twins. And he wants to see you.”
“Now?” I finally asked.
Blake nodded. “You know he doesn’t have much time left. He’s trying to make the most of every day.”
I pulled out my phone to call Adrian. I’d only come down to see Astrid off, and now I needed to let him know I’d be visiting William. Emma might wait up
otherwise.
“Audrey.” Blake’s voice dropped. “There’s something else you should know.”
I looked up, phone in hand.
“He wants to see both of you. Together. You and Rachel.
I frowned. “You expect me to play sisters with Rachel?”
Blake didn’t answer, but his silence was confirmation enough.
I couldn’t help but laugh. How absurd this whole situation had become. I’m literally pretending to be my twin sister after faking my own death. Rachel’s masquerading as me to an old man who once loved me like family. And now I’m supposed to act like we’re sisters who care about each other?
The world really is one giant performance. I don’t mind being Evelyn – I owe her my life. But pretending to love Rachel? After everything she’s done?
‘No,’ I said firmly. “I won’t do it.”
“But William means so much to you,” he pressed. “It’s just an act for a little while.”
“Yes, William matters to me.” I crossed my arms. “But you’re missing something important here. Rachel is already playing me to him. If she does her job well
convinces him you two are happy, that I’m with you – that’s enough.”
1/2
I’m just the long-lost sister in this scenario. My presence won’t matter to him. He didn’t even recognize me last time,”
“There’s no reason for me to join this charade.”
I pocketed my phone and turned toward the hotel entrance.
“Mrs. Knox, please. Michael’s frustrated voice followed me. “How can you be so heartless? After everything Mr. William Parker did for you?”
‘He treated you like family! Now that he’s dying, you won’t even pretend with Miss Hayes for an hour to make him happy?”
‘He wasted his kindness on you!”
Blake said something to quiet him, but I didn’t turn back.
What do they know about my grief for William? Nothing.
The thought of him dying tears me apart more than anyone could understand. But I can’t stand there with Rachel pretending to be someone I’m not. I wouldn’t be able to keep my emotions in check. The old man would see right through me.
If an illusion makes his final days peaceful, so be it. Better than the heartbreak of the truth.
I entered the elevator, took a steadying breath, and returned to my room.
“Mommy! Emma bounded toward me the moment I walked in, arms outstretched. “You came back!”
