My Stand-In Groom Is A Secret Tycoon by Lydia Pierce

After everyone else left, Audrey finally thanked Eric, "Eric, I really owe you a lot for today."

Once students at Castle Park High School in Riverdale, the two of them actually didn't share a particularly deep bond.

This time, she had no other choice but to message him.

Before Eric could speak, Audrey added with a smile, "If you hadn't arrived in time, the surgery might have faced unknown risks. Since you've spent so much time, let me treat you to dinner."

Eric's smile deepened at her words.

"Given our relationship, a thank you would be too much, but don't think you can skip the dinner. You didn't show up for my graduation party back then, but you can't escape this time.' As he spoke, he moved closer to Audrey and put his arm around her shoulder naturally. Back then, he and Audrey were both in the student union and were quite close because of frequent interactions.

Many people had mistaken them for dating. But at his graduation party, Audrey did not show up.

Years later, Eric didn't want to ask about the reason, but this time, he didn't want to let her go again.

Audrey subtly avoided his hand reaching for her shoulder, and she chuckled along. "What would you like to eat?"

Feeling the emptiness in his hand, Eric paused for a moment before regaining his composure. "To be honest, I don't have much of an appetite. How about I take you home first?"

Audrey was slightly taken aback.

"I can see you're not in the best of spirits, probably too worried earlier. Now that the surgery was successful, you can take it easy," Eric explained thoughtfully.

Audrey was left in a daze, wondering, 'Was it that obvious? Would the Harpers suspect something?'

Eric pushed up the glasses on his nose bridge, his tone more curious. "May I ask the relationship between you and the patient today?"

During the surgery, Eric noticed the skeletal similarities between Jessica and Audrey. Recalling the rumors recently, he couldn't help but speculate about their relationship.

expression changed at his question, but she quickly came up with an excuse.

was not afraid to admit she was a Harper, but she was not sure if they wanted her as their

the subject. "I heard you ended things with Dominic, and I didn't believe it at first until I saw all this

Audrey's expression stiffened.

Eric's world was only about academics and reports, never expecting he'd be interested in her gossip. 'And the incident had just

came to personal matters, Audrey, though feeling a bit awkward, still nodded honestly. "Yes, we've already

I

look at her seriously. Under the dim streetlights, a gentle breeze tousled his hair, revealing his deep,

tinged with a hint of authenticity in his focused gaze that

knew that I'd ended things with Dominic, but

Eric was instantly stunned. His voice even raised in pitch, a stark contrast to his

"Yes," Audrey admitted.

sighed, "Looks like I'm always a step too

to several missed years with

words didn't signify much affection for her but were

pure excitement of adolescence for her. Even his eyes showed no trace of emotion, something

really curious about what kind of person could marry Castle Park's campus belle. Why not introduce him

to see what remarkable qualities

afraid Eric might say something misleading in front of Alistair, so she casually

less. "Alright, but you can't refuse me from driving

had personally asked him for help and

the initiative to chat with Audrey about some amusing anecdotes from organizing activities together in high

of reminiscing were always engaging, and

they arrived at her apartment

Audrey was about to unbuckle her