Chapter 19: Remaining Time Is Too Long?

Audrey’s POV

I stood motionless, watching Rebecca and Thalia approaching me step by step. My teeth dug into my lower lip as I tried to steady myself. The evening had already drained so much of my energy, and now my stomach felt like it was being twisted by invisible

hands.

hist standing here with my spine straight took almost all the strength I had left. How could I possibly defend myself against these

Twol

Everything seemed to slow down. I caught Blake’s movement from the corner of my eye–a half–step in my direction, an aborted gesture of protection that died the moment Laurel’s voice cut through the tension.

“Thalia, Rebecca!” Her breathy cry was perfectly timed, perfectly phed. I watched as she pressed one manicured hand to her stomach, her gown highlighting her dramatic swoon. “Oh… it hurts.

Blake’s attention shifted instantly as he turned to Laurel. The concere in his eyes was so palpable and unfamiliar alright? Where does it hurt? Should I call a doctor?”

to me. “Are you

The scene burned into my vision, but I had no time to process the pan it caused. Rebecca and Thalia were already in front of me, their faces twisted with fury. Rebecca grabbed both my hands, pinning them down, while Thalia raised her palm high above her head and slapped on my face with a sharp crack.

It somehow cut through all the noise of the ballroom. The entire hall fell into an unnatural silence. I could see the guests starting to whisper and point, their words lost in the buzzing that had taken over my mind.

I watched as Blake’s body suddenly went rigid. And in that same instant, Laurel – who had been playing the delicate invalid just seconds ago – rushed forward with surprising agility.

she positioned herself between us. “We’re all family here- can’t wa

burst into laughter against her words, as her presence between us was just another calculated move – while pretending to

no need for that! She needs to learn her place in

hand again, and gasps and shrieks erupted from the crowd below. Ignoring the searing pain in my stomach,

it pulled both Rebecca and Laurel off balance as they gripped my arms. In that chaotic

horrified cry could have won heran

next few moments blurred together. Blake shoved me aside with enough force to send me stumbling into one of the ballrooms marble pillars. The Impact sent shockwaves of pain through my abdomen, but I couldn’t look

Laurel away, his touch so gentle it made my heart ache. The

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19: Remaining Time Is Too

light of dawn filterling through the windows of the Mayo Chale was overly intense. Every beam felt like a needle behind my eyes as I struggled to consciousness. The familiar antiseptic smell red with something else expensive cologne Not Blakes

the mommy eyes fluttered open, he pressed the call button.

my throat fell taw. The

lames moved closer to my bed, teaching mat to grasp by hand tightly.

to pull my hand away from his, but his grip was firm. My silence

breath, but his brows remained deeply

illness, what

find a chance to get close to Blake, build a good

to you, I felt…” He paused, looking at me intently. “You’re

into

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