Chapter 123
Audrey’s POV
Rachel Hayes… she was your friend, right? I remember you and Astrid mentioning her in college.
James’s question broke the comfortable silence between us. He frowned slightly as he watched me put away the jewelry box he’d given me as a ‘divorce gift.”
I slipped the box into my purse and pushed my hands into my coat pockets, adopting a casual stance that belied the immediate tension 1 felt at hearing Rachel’s name, “She was one of my closest
friends.”
“During college, I actually met Astrid through her, I added, allowing a hint of a smile.
James raised an eyebrow. “Was she a student at our university? I don’t think I ever saw her around.”
The question wasn’t surprising. During college, James and I had been close closer than I now felt comfortable acknowledging. We’d nearly dated before life pulled us in different directions. He’d heard me mention Rachel countless times, yet never actually met her.
“She didn’t attend college due to family reasons,” I said with a sigh. “She rarely visited campus.”
James watched me, clearly sensing there was more to the story. The memories were already pulling me back, whether I wanted to go there or not.
I still remembered Rachel’s face when she first explained why she couldn’t attend college. We sat at a café near my dorm, rain tapping against the windows.
“I was born from my mother’s affair, Rachel said, tracing patterns on the table. “For me, my mom divorced her husband and married my father.”
Her voice remained steady, but her eyes revealed her pain.
“After my father died, mom’s ex–husband took her back to give my sister a complete family. I ended up with my grandparents.”
1–listened, shocked and unsure what to say.
“Mom always felt she owed my sister everything,” Rachel continued. “When my sister failed her college entrance exams, she threw a fit… so Mom switched our scores.
My coffee sat untouched as I listened.
“My sister went to her dream university while I got stuck with her scores at some no–name school. Mom said this was what we owed my sister.”
1/4
#Chapter123
The resignation in her voice cut deeper than anger would have.
The memories shifted to another evening at The Underground, Rachel grabbed a bottle from the be drinking directly from It
“I always thought I was Mom’s precious baby,” she said. “That day I realized my sister was the one who mattered.”
Her makeup smeared slightly, eyes too bright. I was so depressed that year. Drank daily, missed the next entrance exam, never got back on track.”
She looked at me, suddenly focused despite the alcohol. “That’s why I envy you, Audrey. You grew up with nothing, but you still get to chase your dreams.”
I felt guilty guilty for having chances Rachel deserved but never got.
“Audrey, I know you love jewelry design, Rachel said, brightening. “Someday, let’s make jewelry
together…”
Even years later, those memories made my heart ache.
“Audrey.”
James’s voice yanked me back to reality. I blinked, disoriented.
“So you and Rachel Hayes… were very close?” He studied me intently.
I raised an eyebrow questioningly.
“Don’t misunderstand,” he quickly added. “Your designs are excellent and will be popular. If you’re using her name, there could be copyright issues…”
He spread his hands. “It could get complicated.”
I paused briefly before offering a tight smile. “There won’t be any.”
Four years ago, Rachel became comatose after an accident, and her family disappeared abroad with
her.
In truth, I hoped Rachel’s family would see my designs under her name. Something to show someone still remembered her.
After four years, is Rachel doing well? Has she woken up, or is she…
Blake’s POV
2/4
spici 120
“Audrey…”
Morning light speared through my eyelids. I groaned, shielding my eyes from the assault. My head throbbed with a serious hangover.
“What time is it…” I patted around for my phone.
Reality seeped in slowly. The courthouse. The cameras. Audrey walking away without looking back. Our divorce.
“Audrey Sinclair…” I called again, fully aware of the emptiness that would answer.
9:17 AM. Later than I should be awake. No urgent messages, no missed calls. Somehow the world kept spinning without my supervision.
I sat up, making my head pound worse. This mansion felt hollow, eerily quiet without her presence.
I grabbed my phone and called Michael.
“Bring hangover soup to Lunar Mansion,” I ordered without greeting.
After a pause, Michael responded, “Sir, you went back to Lunar Mansion last night?”
“Is that a problem?” I snapped.
“No, not at all,” he quickly answered. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Your phone was. unreachable.”
My frown deepened. “Looking for me about what?”
“It’s important.”
Yesterday, Audrey and I had divorced under the watchful eyes of the entire internet. This mansion was one of many properties I owned. I’d rarely stayed here during our marriage, avoiding Audrey whenever possible. Yet since she moved out, I found myself returning frequently.
When I was hungover before, Audrey would wake me on time with warm soup ready. She moved through the house efficiently, knowing exactly when to speak and when to leave me alone. Now only my voice echoed back at me.
After a moment, Michael spoke again. “Do you remember those design drafts you personally reviewed, the ones you particularly liked?”
I
I sat up straighter. “I do.”
“Original Studio responded, Michael said. “The designer just started today. They’ll need time for the
3/4
Chapter 123
detailed proposal, but they’ve submitted more of this designer’s work.”
I shifted, suddenly alert despite my hangover. “And?”
“I think you should look at them immediately. Something in his voice made me pay attention.
“Also…” he hesitated, “the designer’s name… I’m not sure if it’s a coincidence.”
I took a deep breath, impatient. “Just say it. What’s wrong with the name?”
Brief silence. “The designer’s name is Rachel Hayes.”
My hand froze mid–motion. “Rachel Hayes?”
“Yes,” Michael confirmed. “The same name as Miss Rose’s half–sister who had died four years ago.”
Parker Group had always been involved in jewelry, but design innovation had been lacking. Recently, I’d established a new jewelry company with Laurel to attract grassroots designers. One submission from Original Studio immediately caught my eye. With the family drama and divorce proceedings, I’d almost forgotten about it.
When I was blind years ago, Rachel Hayes and Laurel Rose had cared for me. During those dark days, Rachel mentioned wanting to start a jewelry company with her sister. The dream supposedly died
with her accident.
“I suspect they might know your connection to the jewelry company,” Michael continued, “and are testing you with Miss Rose’s sister’s name.”
He paused before asking, “Regarding this Rachel Hayes, would you like me to investigate?”
Chapter Comments
LIKE
