Chapter 10
Nathan’s brow furrowed as he listened to Charles’s words. His face was a portrait of impatience as he flicked ash from his cigarette.
“It’s only because you plastered her photos all over Sheysea University and threatened my sister to leave discreetly that we can even find my sister now.”
The sparse bamboo shadows swayed with the wind. Strands of hair obscured Audrey’s eyes, masking the emotions swirling in their dark depths.
Audrey gripped her phone, feeling a tightness around her eyes. So, that was why Nathan had posted her photos all over Sheysea University. He had used her to threaten Amelia.
How absurd.
“What exactly are you trying to say?” Nathan asked, his voice laced with irritation.
Charles extinguished his cigarette and leaned in closer to Nathan. “Even though you swore nothing happened that night with Audrey, it’s still a lingering issue for my sister, right? Deep down, you’re not sure either, are you?”
The darkness in Nathan’s eyes deepened Charles‘ words hit a nerve. He asked, “So, what now?”
Charles sneered, “I bet Audrey will call Anne soon, begging for mercy. When she does, you should lure Audrey out, and use whatever drug she used on you, on her. Isn’t Hugo fond of Audrey? This could be a perfect setup for him.
“As long as Hugo confirms Audrey’s innocence, my sister will have nothing to worry about. Even if something did happen between you and Audrey that night, won’t Hugo owe you one once gets what he wants from Audrey?
“By then, even if the divorce was a tactical retreat, Audrey would lose all dignity for being with another man if she approached you again, wouldn’t she? It’s the perfect chance to be rid of her once and for all.”
Charles smiled as he watched Nathan’s expression. He probed, “Nathan, you don’t still have feelings for Audrey, do you?”
“Are you done speaking nonsense?” Nathan spat, tugging at his collar.
“Just listen to me! Look. The last time you followed my plan and posted Audrey’s photos, my sister stayed with you. This time, do as I say, and I guarantee my sister will accept your proposal.”
At that moment, Nathan’s phone rang.
He pulled it out from his pocket and answered it with utmost tenderness as he walked towards the hospital building. He spoke into the phone, “Hey, sweetie, you’re awake? I haven’t left. I’m having a smoke with Charles downstairs. I’ll be right up!”
Chapter 10
Watching Nathan’s hurried departure, Audrey no longer had the strength to follow him and explam.
She deleted the familiar phone number on her screen, and fucked the phone back into her jacket pocket. She sat on the bench quietly, wrapped in het scarf.
A chill slowly crept up her legs from her ankles.
Her fists, still tucked in her pockets, unclenched slowly. Eventually, she took out her phone again and dialed Nathan’s number. She clung to a sliver of hope in his
“What is it…” Nathan said coldly in a lowered voice
Speaking softly, Audrey began, “I’ve seen Anne. She came to Sheysea because Adam wanted contact details for my maternal grandfather’s family for his wedding gift and house. Anne didn’t know and didn’t want to give it to them. They ended up on that ‘Looking For Family‘ show”
She continued, “The show invited Aunt Anne to Sheysea. She wanted to speak with you at the airport and got pushed into the crowd, accidentally bumping into Amella. You can verify this with airport security and the team from the show.”
“You’re asking for mercy for your former foster mother?” Nathan queried.
“The incident was purely accidental. I hope you…”
“Getting into bed with me was an ‘accident‘, Pushing Amelia down the stairs was an ‘accident‘. Audrey, your ‘accidents‘ seem to occur often!” Nathan interrupted coldly.
His tone was impatient as he continued, “Tomorrow night, 7:00 pm, Jacinda Hotel. Explain yourself in person, or I’ll ensure your foster mother rots in jail. You know me–I always mean what I say.”
As the dial tone faded, Audrey was left feeling lost and uncertain.
She beg
began to doubt whether she truly understood Nathan. She even questioned if Nathan’s invitation to meet at the Jacinda Hotel really was for her to explain or if it was a ploy to drug her.
Nathan was infamous in Sheysea for his ways, but he had always been good to her. His kindness and her love for him made her view Nathan through a biased lens, clouding her judgment.
Her phone vibrated, pulling her back to the moment.
She answered the call. It was Hugo.
“Hey Audrey, I talked to my sister. Amelia’s doing fine, so don’t worry too much. As long as she’s okay, I doubt Nathan will be too harsh on Aunt Anne.”
When Audrey didn’t respond, Hugo asked, “Hello? Audrey?”
She said, “Thank you. That’s very kind of you.”
“About what I said at the police station today … I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it,” Hugo apologized.
“I know. Will you be Anne’s lawyer?” she asked, her voice heavy with exhaustion.
Chapter 10
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“Of course. Aunt Anne looked after me. I would represent her even if you hadn’t asked. Get some rest. Anne will be fine. I’ll talk to Nathan.”
After the call, Audrey tried to stand up but failed twice.
She finally managed to get up, leaning on the cold backrest of the bench. The chill breeze tousled her long hair.
She stared at the long cobblestone path of the hospital garden before leaving slowly.
The next day, Audrey was woken up 8:30 am by the constant ringing of her phone.
She unplugged the charger and answered the phone. It was an unknown number.
She was about to put the phone down when it rang again. Noticing Amelia’s name on the screen Audrey became alert. She sat up in bed and answered the call.
Amelia said on the other end, “Audrey, Hannah told me you came to the hospital last night.”
“Are you feeling better?” Audrey asked.
“I’m okay. Hannah says the aunt who pushed me wasn’t a hater but a relative of yours.”
“She was my foster mother before I went to live with the Franklin family,” Audrey candidly admitted Anne’s relation to her. She explained, “At the airport, she was only trying to get to Nathan and didn’t mean to push you. Someone pushed her.”
“I know, I’ve seen the video. Audrey, I didn’t call to blame you. I wanted to ask… have you and Nathan really gotten divorced?” Amelia spoke slowly.
“Yes.”
After a brief silence, Amelia sighed. She sounded like she wanted to have a heart–to–heart talk.
“But Audrey, I’m scared. I love Nathan and want to be with him, but I’m afraid he might remember what you two had someday.”
