Chapter 63 Audrey

It was nearly midnight as I lay in my bed, tears silently streaming down my face. The events of the day kept replaying in my mind like a horrible movie I couldn't turn off, and sleep eluded me. Linda's cruel laughter, the snip of scissors, the feeling of being exposed and humiliated in front of everyone....

I shuddered, pulling my blanket tighter around me. It was like a nightmare. It certainly would have been easier if it had actually been one.

Suddenly, a soft knock on my door made me jump. I froze, wondering if I had imagined it at first, but then another knock came-slightly louder this time.

I hesitated, unsure of whether to answer or not. What if it was Linda and her friends again? But when another knock came, I quietly climbed out of bed and padded to the door to peer through the peephole. I was met with a familiar face on the other end.

"Miss Thatcher?" Charles, Edwin's assistant, called out. "Are you in there?"

I chewed my lip as I debated whether to open the door or pretend I was sleeping, but I knew that if Edwin had sent his Beta to come and talk to me, that I likely couldn't refuse whatever it was.

Just.. just a moment, I finally said, wiping my mascara-streaked face and trying to smooth down my ruffled hair. I opened the door a c**k, peering out cautiously.

Charles met my gaze, his expression somber. "I apologize for the late hour, but I need you to come with me."

"Come with you?" I repeated, confused. "Where? Why?"

"I can't say much here," Charles replied, glancing down the hallway. "But it's important. If you wouldn't mind, please get dressed and meet me outside in five minutes"

I bit my lip, considering "Is it about... what happened today?"

Charles nodded. "In a way, yes. I promise, it's nothing bad. You'll understand soon."

After a moment, I nodded, "Okay. I'll be right there."

I quickly pulled my hair back into a bun, threw on some jeans and a sweater and cleaned the mascara from my face, then slipped out of my room, Charles was waiting by a sleek black car when I made my way outside, and he opened the door for me as I approached.

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"Where are we going?" I asked as I got in.

"You'll see," was all he said as he started the engine and pulled away from the curb.

We drove in silence through the quiet streets of the city. I watched as familiar buildings gave way to the downtown area, then eventually to a more secluded spot by the river. Pulling into a spot, Charles parked the car and turned to me.

there," he said, nodding toward

was all

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as I neared, “Audrey," he said softly. "Please, sit

of feet between us-just in case anyone else was spying on us. I couldn't handle it if

I asked, gesturing around

His jaw clenched as though the thought physically pained him. "I'm so sorry, Audrey. What they did

saw the aftermath," Edwin explained. "He told me everything. I couldn't just... I

if I'm okay right now,

normal, Audrey. What you went through was traumatic." We sat in silence for a moment after that, the only sound that of the gentle lapping of the river against the docks. I didn't know what to say, or where

what it was. Pulling out the soft white blouse, black skirt, and red cardigan, I breathed, "Edwin, this

it looked like, so I went and got you

at the outfit and then at him, stunned by his thoughtfulness. "I...

open late Edwin admitted with a small smile. "It was the least I

ran my hand over the soft fabric of the new blouse. "This is

I promise you, Audrey, Linda and her friends will receive the utmost punishment for their crimes. What she did was not only cruel but a violation of the

cheeks. Edwin noticed immediately and slipped a handkerchief out of his pocket, handing it to me. I took it gratefully and dabbed at my tears, although it did

us and pulling me close. For a moment, I stiffened-but then I couldn't help myself. I ressed my head on his shoulder, allowing myself to be

moments.

so weak as a human," I whispered. "They were so strong, and I couldn't do anything

I heard a low growl rumble in his chest.

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Chapter 63

like that for a while, neither of us speaking. Finally, I pulled

don't need

fashion show?" I asked, suddenly remembering that whole

expression hardened at the mention of it. "I'm handling it. We're reviewing all the scoring criteria and the judges" notes. Your win was fair and square,

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