Just as Audrey entered Diamond Gardens, she noticed that all the lights in the luxurious white mansion were switched on. She assumed her siblings and parents were all present. Instead of driving into the garage, she parked the car in front of the front door and handed the keys to a servant, instructing him to park it in the garage.
With the door swung open, a wave of warmth and the mingled aromas of baking bread and simmering stew washed over her. In the living room, bathed in the soft glow of the electric fireplace, Celine sprawled languidly on a plush sofa, a spoon poised mid-air above a bowl of melting vanilla ice cream. Her striped shorts and matching blazer screamed casual elegance, causing her to look relaxed and beautiful as always.
Celine's expression shifted as she spotted Audrey, the ice cream forgotten in her hand. A faint crease appeared between her brows, and she set the bowl down with a barely audible thud. 'So, you convinced him, then?' she drawled, her voice laced with a hint of amusement. 'Is that why you look like you just swallowed the sun?'
Instead of her usual retort, Audrey's face lit up with an attractive smile. Her eyes sparkled with an undeniable warmth, and she held her head a little higher, radiating love.
Felix, descending the stairs in rumpled jeans and a t-shirt, caught sight of her radiant expression and his eyes widened. He reached out, taking her hand in his. 'Did you do more than just convince him to be your escort?' he teased, his voice laced with playful curiosity.
Audrey shook her head, her cheeks flushing a faint pink. 'No, of course not.'
Felix's eyebrows shot up. 'Then how come you look like you're walking on sunshine?'
'Big brother, will you stop it!' Audrey was embarrassed and annoyed.
Felix chuckled, squeezing her hand gently. 'Okay, okay, I know you didn't do anything out of the ordinary. I was just teasing you.'
Audrey frowned. 'But your expression suggests that you don't believe me,' she said sadly, observing Felix's serious face.
'Big brother Felix, Audrey even shopped for him,' Celine chuckled, glancing at the shopping bags Audrey was carrying.
Audrey's hand instinctively tightened around the bags. 'Yeah, I had to shop for him. Instead of going straight home, I entered a shopping mall, wandered around for a bit, and ended up getting a random suit for Daniel… What's wrong with that?' she stammered, her voice betraying a hint of defensiveness.
Felix's grin widened. 'Are you two getting married soon?' Felix teased, his eyes twinkling.
Celine's laughter erupted, a forced attempt to ease the tension that hung heavy in the air. 'Big brother Felix, don't tease Audrey!' she scolded, but her own eyes held a flicker of curiosity.
Audrey chose not to say more. She hurried upstairs, the bags bumping softly against her leg with each step. Reaching her room, she gently placed them on the couch, a bittersweet feeling settling upon her like a shroud. Audrey sought solace in the bathroom, the steam gently enveloping her as she sank into the warm embrace of the tub. The water, like a comforting hand, washed away the day's stresses, leaving behind a sense of calm. Emerging, she slipped into a comfortable outfit, the soft fabric a welcome caress against her skin, offering a quiet comfort that resonated deeper than words.
A notification from Daniel buzzed on her phone, shattering the quietude. She quickly unlocked the screen, a warm smile blooming on her face as she read his endearing message. Her reply flowed effortlessly, her fingers tapping out a response filled with affection.
With a sigh that spoke volumes of contentment, Audrey pushed open the bedroom door. The aroma of a delectable dinner greeted her as she descended the stairs.
'Dinner's ready, Madam Audrey,' the maid said politely.
Audrey simply nodded, a small smile still playing on her lips. It hinted at a secret happiness hidden deep inside. She walked gracefully towards the grand dining table, feeling a sense of warmth as she saw her family and the delicious food. When she took a bite of the pineapple rice, the explosion of flavour mirrored the joy blossoming in her heart.