Chapter 8
When they met again, Nathan was 17, and Audrey was just 12.
The girl who had been stabbed twice while saving Nathan sat propped up on the hospital bed.
Once again, she rejected the arrangements made by the Lambert family.
The frail girl spoke earnestly and calmly, “Those who aren’t expected to achieve much should stay away from the lives of others and focus on bettering themselves. That way, they won’t harbor a unrealistic expectations. Please, I’m asking you and the Lambert family to stay out of my life.
any
The intense frustration that once weighed heavily on Ryan’s heart seemed to ease gradually with the girl’s serene words.
At the time, he secretly went against the Lambert family’s wishes. He misled the Franklin family into believing that if they raised Audrey under the guise of repaying a debt, the Lambert family would support the Franklin family.
This was the only time Ryan ever interfered in Audrey’s life.
Since then, he started paying close attention to the girl who was determined to “better herself“. He watched as the once dirty and frail girl began to shine brightly.
In her second year of junior high, she was selected by Sheysea University’s Mathematical Olympiad team. She became the record holder for getting full marks in every test.
In her first International Mathematical Olympiad, she won a gold medal. She became Sheysea’s most famous prodigy.
He knew about every advancement, achievement, and award she received. He watched every one of her shining moments.
That included the passionate and flamboyant love between Audrey and Nathan.
Ryan lowered his gaze, staring at the faint, flickering glow on his fingertips. His breath misted in the cold air, concealing his expression.
Audrey returned to her room with the bottle of water.
As she took a sip, she noticed her phone on the bed vibrating urgently.
She screwed the cap back on the bottle and picked up the phone. Hugo was calling her. She hadn’t changed her number yet and hesitated to accept the call.
The screen went dark. There were four missed calls.
A moment later, the screen lit up again. She answered, placing the phone to her ear, “Hello…” Hugo spoke urgently, “Something’s happened, Audrey. Anne pushed Amelia and Nathan down the stairs at the airport. Nathan doesn’t remember Anne and he’s planning to sue her for attempted
murder. Anne is already at the Fulford Road police station.”
Audrey’s mind buzzed. She wondered, “Why is Anne in Sheysea? Even if she is, with her timid nature, why would she push Amelia?”
“How is … how is Amella?” she asked.
“We don’t know the details yet. Nathan has asked my sister to attend to her. They’re still examining her. Stay at home. I’ll pick you up.”
Audrey’s heart raced. Controlling the tremor in her voice, she said calmly, “There’s no need to get me. I’ll go to the police station to see Aunt Anne first,”
Hugo disagreed, “I’ll pick you up and we’ll visit Amelia at the hospital. Nathan has lost his memory. It’s best if he doesn’t learn about your connection to Aunt Anne, If he misunderstands, he won’t show her any mercy. I’m calling you, hoping you won’t get involved…”
Before Hugo could finish, Audrey hung up the phone. She got changed quickly and headed out. No matter what, she had to see Anne first to understand what happened.
The news that Anne had pushed Amelia down the stairs at the airport had already hit the trending searches. The airport was surrounded by anti–fans,
In the taxi, Audrey scrolled through the video messages. The shaky videos showed Amelia in a scuffle with both fans and anti–fans. Their movements were rough and intense.
Following Amelia’s commands, several bodyguards tried to pull them apart and diffuse the situation.
With a tense expression, Nathan protected Amelia, who was wearing a mask and sunglasses. Together, they retreated backward slowly.
The camera only caught a fleeting glimpse of half of Anne’s face. She was circled in red in the footage for easier identification.
Anne, sweating profusely and looking disheveled and frightened, seemed to struggle to move forward. She was calling out Nathan’s name, desperately trying to catch his attention in the crowd.
In a fleeting moment when Anne’s entire face was captured on camera, her body suddenly lunged forward. She collided with Nathan, who was protecting Amelia.
Amelia stumbled and fell to the ground. Amidst the screams of the crowd, Nathan and Amelia
tumbled down the stairs.
The viral video ended there.
Someone had clearly pushed Anne.
Realizing Audrey’s determination to meet Anne, Hugo turned the car around and waited for her outside the police station.
As Audrey stepped out of the car, Hugo extinguished his cigarette with the tip of his shoe and stepped forward to stop her.
“You and Nathan are already tangled up ko ang wa guardian to you.
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Andrey pushed Hugo’s hand away, the end, “the doors papiers are dispost. Derry would share Amelia?
Anne and the fame involved in the bettert were detained
Audrey hadn’t seen Anne in almost eis months, the stand up abruptly, heart streaming dieven fier pala face as soon as she saw Audrey.
“sit down!” a police officer commanded.
Frightened, Anne sat down. Her gaze was fixed on Audrey
and cried.
After a brief conversation with the police, Audrey approached Anne. She burst into te Audrey, I didn’t hurt anyone! Someone pushed me! I told the police I’m not a bad person
Audrey grasped Anne’s handcuffed hands and comforted, “I know, I’ve seen the video. Don’t be
afraid, Anne. Tell me, what brought you to the airport?
* arrived in Sheysea a week ago. The Lambert family came looking for me, asking for your mother” contact details for Adam’s marriage. I told them your mother had passed away, so they asked for your aternal grandparents‘ contact. They claimed Adam was their grandson and they had to give them wedding gift. I refused.
“A few days ago, Wayne called, threatening to expose you and Adam on a show if I didn’t give them the contact details. He said he’d ruin your reputation ”
Anne’s eyes brimmed with tears as she continued, “I learned you were in Sheysea. I saw that photo. I’ve been so worried but I was too scared to call.
“Then, someone from that show, “Looking For Family‘ contacted me. They bombarded me with questions and offered a ticket to Sheysea to be a guest on the show. I thought I could finally stand up for you on air, and maybe even catch a glimpse of you and Nathan.”
Audrey’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of the show.
Wiping away her tears, Anne continued, “I brought photos of you and Nathan spending holidays in the town every year. With Nathan’s memory gone, I thought the photos could help him remember
you
“When I saw him at the airport, I just wanted to show him the photos. I didn’t mean to harm anyone! I would never hurt anyone! You have to believe me, Audrey!”
Little did Anne know, although Nathan had lost his memory, she had urged Audrey to hasten their wedding plans.
