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TWENTY-FOUR (3): Unexpected Meeting
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2024-11-14 16:46:02Just as Annabelle was about to take a deep breath and relax, Andre reappeared with two mocktails in hand, his expression one of feigned innocence.
"Here we go," he said, setting the drinks down in front of her. "I thought you might need a little something after that... torturous exchange."
Annabelle raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were going to save me."
He smirked, the glint in his eye mischievous. "Oh, I was, but I changed my mind. You see, I had to sacrifice you to her. She’s obviously really into me, and I had no choice but to let you face her alone to save myself. But you survived, didn’t you?"
For a moment, Annabelle stared at him, not quite understanding. And then, the meaning of his words hit her. Her lips parted in a surprised laugh, the sound bubbling out of her before she could stop it. Andre’s mischievous grin was contagious, and before she knew it, the weight of the day seemed to lift, if only for a moment.
As the laugh
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When they returned, Dominic had just finished setting their plates on the coffee table. The slight tension in his face eased when he noticed Lila carrying Winnie, and when the little girl sleepily murmured, "Daddy," he seemed to visibly relax, his lips curving into a quick, grateful smile aimed at Lila. Dominic reached out, gently lifting Winnie from Lila’s arms and setting her on his lap.Aaron, far too focused on the movie to pay attention to dinner, darted toward the DVD player. He expertly removed the disc from its plastic case and popped it into the player, moving with the kind of confidence that showed he’d done it a hundred times. As he nestled himself between Lila and Dominic, he seemed to barely contain his excitement, his small frame practically vibrating with it.As the opening scenes of The Waiting Place began to play, Aaron leaned over to Lila, whispering, "You’re so gonna enjoy this."Winnie, who was now wide awake, shushed him im
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Her phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. She glanced at it absently—it was a message from one of the servants, asking if she wanted tea before bed. She quickly sent a polite decline. Tea wouldn’t fix the turmoil in her chest. Instead, she sent Lila a short text, telling her she might come and see her this weekend. Right now, Sea’s Edge seemed more inviting than ever.She sat down at the small vanity by the window, staring at the moonlit reflection of the garden outside. Her mind wandered again to Andre. What was it about him? She hadn’t intended to let the kiss happen. She was confused and unsure of her own emotions. But then, his presence had been so consuming, so undeniable. And now she was left trying to piece together what that kiss meant. Why had she let it happen? Why had she felt so drawn to him? Her thoughts were spiraling. She knew she shouldn’t have kissed him. She didn’t even know him, not really. He was just another complica
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They found a nearby bench, surrounded by hanging plants and soft sunlight streaming through the glass roof, and settled down. Annabelle felt her tension begin to ease. It wasn’t as if she was unaware of the dangerous position she was in—she couldn’t forget for a second that Andre had the power to crush her family with the flick of his wrist. But for now, in this quiet space, she allowed herself to pretend she lived a much more normal life. She forgot about her father’s frantic desperation and the threat Andre posed. In the bubble of their easy banter, the power dynamics seemed to blur, leaving just two people talking in a quiet garden.The hours seemed to slip by as they talked— business, the weather, small things that made her forget the weight of her responsibilities. Annabelle found herself surprisingly at ease with him.It wasn’t long before she realized that she was enjoying his company. There was an undeniable chemistry between them, something that made her feel
