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106. Pride and Fear

Author: Clara Joel
last update Last Updated: 2024-06-15 23:43:11

Katie sat frozen, her eyes wide as Andrew took his seat across from his father. He was dressed impeccably in a brown suit, his usually tousled blonde hair styled into elegant curls. The sight of him made her stomach churn, and she felt a sudden urge for the ground to open up and swallow her whole.

Andrew's initial shock at seeing Katie was evident, but he quickly composed himself, shooting her a smirk that made her feel even more uneasy. She stared down at her plate, unable to meet his gaze. Sebastian, sensing the tension, leaned towards Katie and asked quietly, "Are you alright?"

Katie nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, I'm fine, Dad." But her hands were sweating, Lilian noticed the tension and asked if she was sure, she stammered out another unconvincing reassurance.

Andrew cleared his throat loudly, drawing everyone's attention. "Isn't it obvious that she has stage fright," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "She's trying to hide her shame. This is probably her first time at a
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