My Stand-In Groom Is A Secret Tycoon (Audrey)

Alistair had highlighted Audrey's strengths, hoping to ease Evelyn's concerns about her background. But instead, his words only made her worry even more.

With a sigh, Alistair explained, "Mom, Audrey and I are both adults. There's no question of forcing anyone. We're together because we want to be."

Evelyn still looked unconvinced and exclaimed, "No way! You're clueless when it comes to romance. I should come over and meet her myself. I can't risk losing such an amazing daughter!" Rubbing his temples, Alistair tried to persuade her. "Mom, we just got married. Our relationship's still new, and I don't want to overwhelm her. Maybe come later?"

Evelyn huffed, looking a bit miffed. "Do I seem that scary? I'm not some mean mother."

"Of course not," Alistair replied, softening his tone and reassuring her patiently. After much convincing, he finally got her to hold off on visiting.

Audrey, who had overheard their conversation, felt her heart sink outside the door. She turned away quietly and left without a sound.

Just as she walked off, Alistair seemed to sense something and glanced toward the door.

After a brief pause, Alistair stood up and opened the study door, only to find the hallway empty. Shaking his head, he returned to his work.

Back in her room, Audrey drank the milk alone, hugging a pillow by the window, her thoughts a mess.

'This whole marriage has been part of my plan from the start, so why am I even thinking about feelings? After all, I don't care about Alistair, do I?' Audrey thought.

Audrey tried to convince herself, but a small part of her couldn't help feeling disappointed.

The next morning, Audrey left for work before Alistair woke up, clearly avoiding him.

At the office, Emily noticed that Audrey didn't seem quite herself. Just two hours into the workday, Audrey was already on her second cup of coffee.

Even makeup couldn't entirely hide the exhaustion on Audrey's face, like she hadn't slept at all.

After a moment's hesitation, Emily asked, "Audrey, are you feeling okay? The project's already signed. Today's work isn't too important, so if you're tired, you could head home to rest." Audrey glanced at her and suddenly motioned for her to come closer, pointing to the chair across from her. "Emily, come here. Let's chat for a bit."

Audrey felt like she'd go crazy if she kept everything bottled up inside. She just needed someone to talk to.noveldrama

"Sure, Audrey, what's on your mind?" Emily asked, settling into the chair.

"I have a friend..." Audrey started, choosing her words carefully. "She just got married out of nowhere, to someone who has a kid. Do you think her husband could've married her for love?" Emily had no idea about the so-called friends. And these were the very things Audrey was going through.

Emily didn't even need to think twice. She shook her head firmly. "No way!"

With absolute confidence, Emily said, "Audrey, I haven't dated myself, but from all the family gossip I've heard, your friend's husband is clearly just looking for a free babysitter. Love's got nothing to do with it." Audrey stayed silent, but as harsh as it sounded, Emily's words made sense.

Unaware of Audrey's reaction, Emily continued, "You should really talk some sense into your friend. If she rushes into marriage for love, she needs to get out before she's in too deep. "Being a stepmom is tough. Kids are sensitive, and if anything goes wrong, everyone will turn on the stepmom."

There was also a stigma against stepmoms, where people expected the worst from them. No matter how much they did right, one small mistake, and they'd never be forgiven.

And if it was not your own kid, even if you raised them right, there was no guarantee they'd be close to you in the end. It's a thankless job.

Hearing Emily's words only darkened Audrey's mood. She nodded vaguely, saying, "I'll talk to her."

Soon enough, lunchtime rolled around. Emily knocked on her office door, asking, "Audrey, it's lunch. Should I order something for you?"

Audrey wasn't hungry at all. She planned to just grab a quick bite at the cafeteria and was about to decline.

But suddenly, a familiar voice called out from the door. "Audrey!"

Looking up, Audrey saw Eliza standing there, holding an elegant lunch box.

Completely ignoring the tension in the room, Eliza said with a smile, "Dominic brought me lunch today. He overdid it, though. I can't finish it all on my own. Let's share, Audrey!" Hearing this, Audrey felt her stomach churn just hearing that.