Morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains of Audrey's room, but she had already been awake for a while. Her mind kept replaying the scene she met yesterday. She overheard Nathan agreeing to pursue her.
Audrey still wasn't sure how to feel about it. Confused. Nervous. Curious.
Before she could think further, her phone buzzed on the bedside table.
Nathan.
Her heart skipped slightly before she answered.
"Hello?"
"Good morning, Audrey," Nathan's calm voice came through the phone.
"Morning".
There was a brief pause before he continued.
"My Dad is celebrating his 80th birthday tonight," he said. "There will be a small gathering, and I'd like you to come with me."
Audrey blinked in surprise.
"With you?"
"Yes".
She sat up slowly.
"Nathan... I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"It is," he replied calmly. "You don't have to worry about anything. I'll be there with you".
Audrey hesitated. Part of her wanted to refuse. Entering into Nathan's world felt dangerous, especially with Damien involved.
But Nathan had saved her.
More than once.
"I'll come with you", she finally said.
Nathan smiled slightly on the other end.
I'll send a car for you this evening.
Later that afternoon, Audrey decided to visit a boutique to find something suitable for the party.
The boutique was elegant, filled with luxurious dresses displayed under soft lighting. Audrey walked slowly through the racks, touching the fabrics thoughtfully.
Her eyes landed on a beautiful black evening dress.
Elegant. Simple. Perfect.
"I'd like to try this one," she told the sales assistant.
The assistant smiled politely and reached for it.
But suddenly another voice spoke behind her.
"I want that one".
Audrey froze.
She turned slowly.
Serene.
Serene stood there with a smug smile on her face, dressed in expensive designer clothes, clearly enjoying the moment.
The assistant looked between them nervously.
"I'm sorry miss," she said to Serene politely. "She selected it first".
Serene laughed softly.
"Do you know who I am?"
The assistant hesitated.
Serene crossed her arms confidently.
"I'm Damian Cruz woman".
GHer voice carried through the boutique.
Several customers turned to look.
Audrey felt the familiar knot of tension tighten in her chest.
Serene walked closer, her eyes full of mockery.
"You really don't learn, do you Audrey?"
Audrey said nothing.
Serene turned back to the assistant.
"I'll take the dress."
The assistant looked uncomfortable.
"Miss... she already-"
Serene pulled out her phone and waved it casually.
"I'm sure Damien would be very disappointed if this boutique disrespected me."
The room fell silent.
The assistant slowly handed the dress to Serene.
Audrey watched quietly.
Serene smiled triumphantly.
"Oh, and bring me everything else she was looking at", she added.
A few minutes later, Serene walked out of the boutique carrying several bags.
Before leaving, she leaned closer to Audrey and whispered softly.
"You should learn your place."
By the time Audrey returned home, something unexpected had already started spreading online.
Photos of Serene leaving the boutique were circulating across social media.
Headlines quickly followed.
"Damian's official Girlfriend spotted shopping."
Then another rumor appeared.
"Actress Audrey Myers reportedly the side chick"
Audrey stared at her phone in disbelief.
Her name was trending.
Her chest tightened.
Across the city, Nathan sat in his office reviewing documents when his assistant entered quickly.
"Sir... you need to see this"
Nathan looked up
The assistant handed him a tablet.
Nathan's expression darkened as he read the headlines.
His jaw clenched.
Side chick?
He immediately stood.
"Where did this happen?" he asked coldly.
"At Laverna boutique, Sir".
Nathan grabbed his coat.
"Cancel my meetings."
Less than thirty minutes later, several luxury cars stopped in front of the boutique.
The manager rushed forward nervously.
"M-Mr. Nathan---"
Nathan didn't even look at him.
His voice was calm but dangerously cold.
"I saw the footage."
The manager's face turned pale.
"You allowed a customer to be publicly humiliated in your store".
"Sir, we didn't mean--"
Nathan finally looked at him.
"And the customer you humiliated," he continued quietly, "was the woman who will attend my father's birthday tonight with me."
The manager's eye widened.
Nathan straightened his cuff calmly.
"Close this boutique."
The manager froze.
"Sir...?"
"Effective immediately"
Within minutes, staffs were instructed to shut the doors.
Outside, people gathered in confusion.
Inside the car, Nathan picked his phone and called Audrey.
When she answered, her voice sounded quieter than usual.
"Nathan?"
His voice softened slightly.
"Are you okay?"
Audrey hesitated.
"I'm fine."
Nathan knew she was lying and his chest tightened in pain.
"I'll see you tonight", he said calmly.
And this time, his tone carried something stronger than protection.
Possession.