Chapter 12

"No, I can't leave," Audrey insisted, her voice trembling. "I might go blind or even die before we reach the airport. Josh, I'm so close now. They're getting married tomorrow, and Duncan promised to hear me out. I still have a chance."

Josh ran his fingers through his hair, exasperated. "And then what? Will he call off the wedding? Leave Heather at the altar?"

"That's not the point," Audrey whispered, her voice barely audible. "I just can't bear him hating me. I don't want to die with that burden. He may not love me anymore, but I can't let him hate me."

Her devotion was unwavering, a love so deep she'd sacrifice everything for it.

"Audrey, please," Josh pleaded, his heart breaking. "Can't you think of yourself for once? You're not made of stone. You're flesh and blood, with feelings that matter."

Tears rolled down Audrey's cheeks. "Just give me tonight. After I explain, whether he forgives me or not, I'll go with you. Duncan and Heather are perfect for each other. I won't interfere after the wedding."

It was the biggest compromise she could offer. The last thing she wanted was to hurt Josh.

As midnight approached, Audrey found herself outside Duncan's penthouse, her hand hovering over the doorbell. When he opened the door, she realized with a pang that his face was now just a blur to her failing eyes.

This would be the last time she'd ever see him.

She stumbled towards him, nearly tripping over the coffee table. Duncan watched impassively, making no move to help.

"Well?" he said coldly. "Isn't this what you've been waiting for?"

Audrey stood before him, wringing her hands. "Duncan, I never meant to leave you. I was sick – really sick. I went abroad for treatment because I didn't want to burden you, especially with the company struggling."

"And marrying Josh?" Duncan's voice was like ice.

"It was for the visa, nothing more. He was my doctor, my legal guardian..."

"Save it," Duncan cut her off. "Do you expect me to believe this soap opera?"

Audrey's voice broke. "You still don't trust me, do you? Duncan, I don't know about any video, but it's not true. I swear on my life, you're the only man I've ever been with. If I'm lying, may God strike me dead."

She stared at him desperately, trying to memorize a face she could barely see. All she had left was the coldness in his voice.

Duncan said nothing. What was there to say?

They sat in silence as the night bled into dawn.

When the maid brought in Duncan's tuxedo, Audrey rose shakily. She ran her fingers over the crisp fabric, lingering on the bow tie. "You'll look so handsome," she murmured, smiling through her tears.

If only I could see it, she thought. If only it was me you were marrying. But that dream is gone forever. We were never meant to be.