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.

question, but she quickly came up with an excuse.

was not afraid to admit she was a Harper, but she was not sure if

lie. But he didn't press the issue, instead tactfully changing the subject. "I heard you ended things with Dominic, and I didn't believe it at first until I

Audrey's expression stiffened.

academics and reports, never expecting he'd be interested in her gossip. 'And the incident had just happened a few days ago. Hadn't he been abroad before that?' she

a bit awkward, still

I

to look at her seriously. Under the

of authenticity in his focused gaze that was

gave a bright smile. "Eric, you knew that I'd ended things with Dominic, but did you not know

raised

"Yes," Audrey admitted.

sighed, "Looks like I'm always a step

then, a moment of hesitation led to several missed years with

signify much affection for her but were more about regret

longer had the pure excitement of adolescence for her. Even his eyes showed no trace

what kind of person

see what remarkable qualities the man who eloped with

might say something misleading in front of Alistair, so

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

asked him

Eric took the initiative to chat with Audrey about some amusing

reminiscing were always engaging, and Audrey laughed

long, they arrived at

Audrey was about to unbuckle