Chapter 119 Audrey

For the next two weeks, I threw myself into my work. The days blurred together, my mind solely focused on one thing. winning this competition.

But despite my best efforts, Edwin lingered in the back of my mind every step of the way. I didn't see or hear from him again, and I wasn't sure if I was relieved or disappointed.

Being close to him that night he drove me home had made my heart feel more at case than I wanted to admit. He had seemed almost... desperate when he asked me to listen to him. The memory of his voice, low and urgent, kept replaying in my mind. "Audrey, please. Things aren't... they're not what they seem."

"I don't know, Tina." I sighed, rubbing my eyes as I sat across from her outside our favorite cafe. "He says it's complicated, and I want to believe him..."

Tina stirred her latte absently, the spoon clinking against the sides of the cup. "I understand. But even if it's complicated, he shouldn't have slept with you, Audrey. Especially not twice."

I winced at her words, the sting of truth cutting through my lovestruck haze. "I know, I know. It's just... you didn't see him that night. He looked so.. torn

"Torn between you and his betrothed?" Tina raised a skeptical eyebrow at me. "That's not exactly a point in his favor, now, is

I sighed again as I sipped my coffee. Tina was right, of course. He could have at least talked to me, told me the truth when he had the chance. But then again....

My hand drified to the spot where my silver streak of hair normally was, right behind my ear. I had dyed it just last night, not wanting the silver roots to show for fear of being ostracized even more at work. Silver Star...

"Maybe we're both hiding things," I muttered.

Tina scoffed. "You can't seriously compare the color of your hair to the fact that he's engaged."

"I know it's not the same," I said, dropping my hand. "It's just... everything feels so complicated right now."

"That's because you're making it complicated," Tina said, her voice softening. "Look, I know you have feelings for him. And, hell, maybe he has feelings for you as well. But he hurt you. He lied to you. It should be a no-brainer at this point."

I nodded, knowing she was right. He had hurt me. Badly. Worse than I wanted to admit.

"Let's talk about something else," I said suddenly, needing a change of subject. "How are things going with you?"

Tina's face lit up, a smile replacing her concerned frown. "Actually, I have some news. I have my first real date with a girl coining up soon."

“Tina! That's amazing!" I reached across the table to squeeze her hand, feeling genuinely happy for her. "I'm so proud of you. Tell me everything."

She blushed, looking both excited and nervous. "Her name is Emma. We met at the bookstore where I've been working this summer. She's smart, funny, and gorgeous. This is... it's a big step for me. This is the first time I'm really accepting my sexuality enough to go on a date with another woman."

you feeling

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Chapter 119

Terrified. A little bit of everything." Tina laughed. "But

yet?" I asked gently, knowing this was a sensitive topic. Tina's parents, according to her,

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head. "No, I'm not ready to tell them. But... maybe someday. Once I've prepared myself in the event of... You

her parents might disown her. It was a tough pill to

ready, I'll be right by your side if you want me there. No matter what happens, you've got me in your corner. And Avis, Betty, and Gavin." Tina

I'm glad to have you," I replied with a grin. "Now, tell me more

softened. "Well, she has long blonde hair, and she loves fantasy novels,

was pounding as I carefully arranged my four outfits on the provided mannequins. Each piece had been painstakingly crafted over the course of countless

that everything was absolutely perfect. My fingers trembled slightly, but I quelled my anxiety. Today, I would win this competition-I was

of it

hadn't seen Linda working on her designs even once. Whenever I walked past her desk, she was scrolling social media or online shopping-never actually

my eyes scanning my four outfits one last time to ensure that everything was

in charcoal gray with subtle gold

dress in pale gold-a nod to the harvest

Cycle dress, after all; so a collection entirely based around werewolf symbolism

soon, hopefully, I would be going to

covered my mannequins with

best woman win," Linda said as she sauntered past, pushing

beneath a sheet.

passed. So she did have

the toilet, I quickly washed my hands, smoothed down my shirt, and hurried

asked as I

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Chapter 119

shrugged one shoulder, checking her nails.

rolled my eyes,

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