Chapter 2

Audrey's POV:

The plane touched down at JFK with a gentle thud, and I rubbed my aching temples.

Ten hours in the air had left me completely wiped out, but the physical exhaustion was nothing compared to the mental preparation I needed for what lay ahead.

I'm the adopted daughter of the Bailey family.

Four years ago, they sacrificed me to protect their precious biological daughter, forcing me to take her place in a contract marriage.

The mysterious groom never showed his face during the proceedings.

Everyone whispered he must be old and ugly, some reclusive eccentric with money but no looks.

The perfect person to dump the adopted daughter on when their biological princess Sienna got cold feet.

Fortunately, he never contacted me after the wedding.

Strange arrangement? Yes. But I welcomed the freedom.

I built a new life, far from the Bailey family drama, never expecting he'd suddenly demand to meet just as our contract was nearing its end.

I dragged my suitcase through the airport, New York's air hitting me, familiar yet foreign.

A loud wolf whistle caught my attention.

"Welcome back, New York's sexiest artist!"

I spun around to see my best friend Clara Willow leaning against her flashy red convertible, her blonde hair catching the sunlight like spun gold.

Designer sunglasses covered half her face, but couldn't hide that million-dollar smile.

"Clara!" I was surprised, practically sprinting toward her. "How do you know I'm returning today?"

Clara threw her arms wide for a bear hug.

"Please, you think I'd let my bestie take some sketchy cab home? Grandma Margaret spilled the beans."

She grabbed my luggage and tossed it in the trunk like a pro.

"Whoa! London didn't turn you into some stuffy British socialite!"

Clara laughed, giving me the once-over with those sharp eyes of hers.

"But you've got this whole new boss-lady vibe going on."

"Had to level up," I said, buckling my seatbelt. "How else am I gonna handle the upcoming 'family reunion from hell'?"

At the mention of the Bailey family, the easy atmosphere in the car suddenly turned heavy.

Clara's smile vanished, replaced by a look of concern.

She started the engine, her eyes fixed on the road ahead.

"You know, I've always wanted to ask you," she hesitated, "what really happened four years ago? Suddenly... you just vanished. Cut off all contact and disappeared without a trace."

I turned to watch the New York cityscape blur past the window, feeling that familiar ache in my chest.

The Bailey mansion had once been my safe harbor. It held all the joys and sorrows of my growing years.

But everything changed when the biological Bailey child, Sienna, returned five years ago.

I had sworn I would never set foot in the Bailey house again.

But Margaret—my aging grandmother—was the one person I couldn't cut from my heart.

She was the only one in the Bailey family who truly cared for me.

When I heard her health was rapidly declining, I knew I had to return, despite everything that had happened.

Besides, I still haven't found the answer from four years ago, and the Bailey family still owes me an explanation.

"I'll tell you when the time comes," I said quietly, "but not right now, okay? I need to... take care of some things first."

Clara nodded and reached over to squeeze my hand. "Whenever you're ready, I'll be here. But are you sure about staying at the Bailey house? My apartment door is always open."

"Thanks, Clara." I managed a small smile. "But there are some things I need to finish there."

When the car pulled up in front of the Bailey residence, I felt my throat tighten.

The familiar Upper East Side apartment building still gleamed with its usual polish, much like its inhabitants—all surface and shine.

"Want me to come up with you?" Clara asked with concern. "I could pretend there's an emergency and rescue you if things get unbearable."

I shook my head and gave her a grateful smile. "Believe I can handle it now." I hugged her tightly. "Once I'm settled, let's catch up properly."

"Deal," Clara said with a grin. "You owe me a Michelin-starred dinner and all the London gossip."

"Of course," I said with a laugh, "including my absurd experiences."

Clara's eyes lit up. "Oh? So London has more to offer than just fog and rain."

"You'll see," I winked, grabbing my luggage. "Thanks, Clara. Really."

Clara was the only friend who remained firmly by my side after Sienna came back.

"Don't get all sentimental on me," she waved dismissively, though her eyes sparkled with genuine concern. "Remember, if you need anything—anything at all—just call."

I nodded and turned to face the towering apartment building.

Each step brought me closer to my past, closer to the memories and people I'd tried so hard to escape.

But this time, I wasn't the girl who had fled in panic.

Taking a deep breath, I pressed the doorbell, my heart racing.

Within seconds, a familiar figure appeared at the door—Grandmother Margaret still carried herself with that same elegant poise, though her silver hair had grown whiter since I'd left.

"Audrey, my darling girl!" She opened her arms wide, tears glistening in her eyes.

I dropped my luggage and rushed into her embrace, breathing in her familiar scent.

"Grandma," I said, my voice catching, "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too, sweetheart." She said with a choked voice and rubbed my back gently.

"Perfect timing—we were just about to start dinner. Come along, they're all waiting."

I took a deep breath and followed her toward the dining room, each step feeling like I was marching into battle.

The Bailey family's dining room was as elegant as ever, with fine china and silver candlesticks arranged on the long mahogany table, and classical paintings gracing the walls.

As we entered, my foster mom Eleanor and sister Sienna were chatting and laughing.

But the moment they looked up and saw me, their smiles vanished instantly, as if someone had flipped a switch.

The air in the room seemed to crystallize.

After a brief silence.

Then, just as quickly, Sienna's face lit up with an artificial brightness.

She jumped to her feet, arms outstretched as she rushed toward me.

"Audrey! Oh my God, you're finally home!" she exclaimed, voice dripping with exaggerated enthusiasm.

When Sienna wanted to come over and hug me, I casually shifted my weight and took a half-step back.

The subtle movement was enough to leave her arms grasping at empty air.

For a split second, Sienna's face froze, her perfect smile faltering at the edges.