Chapter 76 The next morning, David arrived early at the Darling familyâs home.
Meanwhile, Audrey had been up before dawn, knowing David would be coming over for breakfast.
She sat at her vanity, applying a flawless makeup look, then went to her wardrobe to pick out a red, low-cut spaghetti strap dress. She styled her hair in a chic updo, finishing the look with sparkling jewelry. She looked radiant.
"Miss Darling, you are gorgeous! Honestly, youâre the most beautiful woman Iâve ever seen. If you joined the entertainment industry, youâd leave all the actresses in the dust," Skylar gushed, unable to hold back her admiration.
"Youâre just saying that to flatter me," Audrey teased with a playful smile.
"Itâs not flattery, itâs the truth. Youâre stunning-like a fairy," Skylar said, almost pleading with her eyes for Audrey to believe her.
"Do you think Iâm prettier, or is Danielle prettier?" Audrey asked casually, her tone just the right amount of pointed.
Skylar, instantly understanding Audreyâs question, didnât hesitate. "Thereâs no comparison! How could she even come close? You were raised in the Darling family, sheâs from some small town.
"Youâre miles ahead of her in everything- academics, talent, and letâs not even talk about looks. Youâre a rare beauty, like a rose. Sheâs just a plain little flower."
Audrey basked in the compliments, feeling her confidence grow. "Then why does David like Danielle so much?"
A hint of jealousy crept into Audreyâs voice.
"She must have used some trick to catch Mr. Charringtonâs eye. But I know that one day, Mr. Charrington will realize how amazing you are and change his mind. "If I were him, Iâd pick you up in a heartbeat. Look at you today-youâre radiant. Once you go downstairs, I guarantee youâll outshine Danielle," Skylar said, her admiration genuine.
"You really know how to flatter me. Here, take this diamond bracelet," Audrey said, handing over the sparkling piece of jewelry.
Skylarâs face lit up with excitement. She knew that her flattery had worked, and it seemed like it was going to pay off. Sheâd have to keep putting Danielle down to keep Audrey happy.
"Miss Darling, this is too much, I canât accept it," Skylar hesitated, though her eyes sparkled with desire.
"Take it. If you keep working hard, there will be more where that came from," Audrey said, fully aware of Skylarâs longing look.
"Thank you, Miss Darling. Iâll make sure to do everything you ask," Skylar said, her gratitude clear.
"Good."
Just then, Sarah knocked softly on the door. "Miss Audrey Darling, Mr. Charrington is here. Miss Danielle Darling hasnât gotten up yet, and Mr. and Mrs. are still asleep. Would you like to go downstairs and greet Mr. Charrington?" Sarah asked.
She was a little confused. After all, wasnât it Danielle who was supposed to greet him?
As soon as Audrey heard that, her face lit up. She quickly made her way to the vanity to freshen up her makeup, making sure every detail was perfect before heading out.
David had arrived early because he couldnât wait to see Danielle. He knew she wouldnât be awake yet, but just being near her-even if she wasnât up yet- made him feel closer to her.
Audrey rushed downstairs, and when she walked into the living room, she saw the man she had been thinking about sitting on the sofa. His perfectly tailored suit and his cool, aloof aura made him look almost too good to be true.
"David, youâre here early! Danielle usually sleeps in. How about I make you some coffee while we wait for her?" Audrey said softly, flashing him a sweet smile.
"No need," David responded curtly.
"Okay... then what would you like to eat? I can have the kitchen whip something up for you," Audrey offered, her voice warm.
"No, whatever Danielle has, Iâll have. Iâm just waiting for her," David said, his tone firm.
Audrey blinked in surprise at his reply but quickly masked her shock, shifting to a more patient tone. "Well, since Danielle wonât be up for a while, how about a stroll in the garden? There are a lot of new plants, and we could pick some for your grandparents.
"Grandma will be out of the hospital soon, and Iâm sure sheâd love to see the flowers..."
"I donât like walking," David interrupted, his voice a bit sharper now. "The gardenâs so peaceful in the morning, and if there are any pretty flowers, we could bring them to Danielle," Audrey said, her voice hopeful.
"Can I just have a little peace?" Davidâs patience was wearing thin. His tone made it clear he wasnât in the mood for Audreyâs company.
Audreyâs eyes filled with tears, and she spoke in a soft, almost hurt voice. "Iâll leave you alone then, David."
But just as she turned to walk away, her high heels caught on the floor, and she lost her balance, stumbling right into him.
David didnât have time to react. The next thing he knew, Audrey had fallen on top of him, sending them both crashing onto the sofa.
A cold wave seemed to ripple through David as he quickly shoved Audrey off and stood up, stepping back to put some distance between them. "Have some respect. Donât lean on me like that."
Audrey lingered in the air around him, still intoxicated by his scent. She didnât expect him to be this cold, and it stung.
Her eyes, full of hurt, met his. "David, I swear, I didnât mean to. I just twisted my ankle. I know you like Danielle, and I wasnât trying to... do anything.
Besides, someone like Danielle wouldnât even care about this-sheâs above stuff like that."
Her words were a mix of explanation and a subtle attempt to drag Danielle into this. If Danielle were upset over something so small, it would show she wasnât as sophisticated as people thought.
As Audrey spoke, she took a small step closer to David.
Seeing her move again, Davidâs face hardened, his eyes turning colder, and he instinctively stepped back.
"First of all, we are not so close. Second, I donât want you anywhere near me. So please, stay away."
His words were sharp, colder than ice. His gaze was just as harsh. Audreyâs face paled, her hands clenched into fists.
"David, I love you. Iâve loved you since we were kids. Danielle doesnât love you like I do. Why canât you just see me? Weâve known each other forever..."
Not A Small Town Girl (Danielle and David)
ï¤Chapter 75 Her voice trembled, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She looked vulnerable and desperate, the kind of woman pleading for the one thing she wanted most.
Skylar cleared his throat loudly from across the room, trying to give Audrey a hint.
Audrey turned her head at the sound and froze when she saw Danielle walking down the stairs. Panic gripped her as she wondered how much Danielle had heard.
"Danielle, please donât get the wrong idea. Thereâs nothing between David and me. David doesnât just care about your looks. He might love you..."
Audrey said.