Chapter 130
Astrid emerged pushing a cake with lit candles, leading everyone in song.
“Audrey, happy birthday!”
My eyes filled with tears. After college, I’d married Blake and lost touch with these friends. Now they were here, crammed into my rented apartment to celebrate.
“Look, she’s crying!” Astrid teased.
“Yes, you all moved me to tears, I admitted.
My college classmates, design course friends – faces I hadn’t seen in years all smiled warmly.
“Don’t cry,” said a college friend, squeezing my arm. “When you graduated and went straight into marriage, we thought it was a waste. You could’ve done amazing things with jewelry design.”
She handed me a tissue. “We saw the divorce news yesterday.”
Today uni
celebrating your birthday and your rebirth! Another friend raised her glass.
“Yes!” I nodded through tears.
–
The party buzzed around me. Astrid had planned everything food, drinks, music, games. It felt like our carefree college days again.
James approached with a gift box. “Happy birthday.”
I suddenly understood his behavior.
“Astrid asked me to irritate you today… but I didn’t know how,” he admitted sheepishly. “Maybe I
went too far earlier. Sorry.”
“I’ve been planning this gift for a while. Hope you like it.”
“Thank you, James!” I smiled, taking the box.
Later, we moved to a KTV venue Astrid had booked. Glasses clinked, songs filled the air, and laughter bounced off the walls.
Astrid grabbed a mic, looking gleeful. “Blake Parker rented a bar for his divorce, so our Audrey gets to party too!”
She swa
She swayed slightly. “We’ve booked this room, and we’re not leaving until we’re wasted!”
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Chapter 130
Her tipsy enthusiasm made me smile. It had been too long since I’d felt this happy.
We partied until dawn, when everyone finally headed home with promises to meet again soon.
Back in my apartment, I sank onto the sofa, still buzzing from the celebration. The simple gifts from my friends meant more than any expensive jewelry Blake hall given me.
I scrolled through my contacts until I found one I hadn’t used in years: Rachel Hayes.”
I typed: Rachel, if only you were here today, it would have been perfect.
I hit send without expecting a reply. Rachel had been gone for four years, but reaching out to her memory felt right on this night of new beginnings.
Laurel’s POV
I watched Blake’s car disappear down the driveway, the cold evening air barely registering.
Rachel Hayes. Why would Blake ask about her lately?
I walked into the living room, keeping my steps measured despite my boiling anger. My father stood as I entered.
I removed my coat, frowning. “Where’s mom?”
He said, “She went to the hospital to see Rachel.”
Fury surged through me. I threw my coat to the floor. “What’s she visiting her for?”
My voice echoed in the high–ceilinged room. That bastard child should have died a long time ago!”
I stormed to my room and slammed the door. Once alone, I went straight to my dresser and opened the bottom drawer.
Under layers of scarves lay Rachel’s old phone. I took it out, caressing it as I looked out the window. My relationship with Rachel was terrible. That bastard child didn’t deserve to be my sister. She didn’t deserve to speak to me. How could I know which friends she had, which ones knew her secrets? Besides Audrey…
Rachel, don’t blame me… I just love Blake too much. For my happiness, you
grave.
should rest well in your
The screen lit up with notifications. Most were old, but one had just arrived. From Audrey Sinclair: Rachel, if only you were here today, it would have been perfect.
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A cruel smile curved my lips. Audrey, don’t worry. Rachel Hayes will soon be gone for good!
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