Our Story Had Ended Long Ago

His shout snapped every head toward me."That's really Audrey Ave?""No way. Shouldn't she look like some kind of country bumpkin by now?"I heard it all. Every word. And I got why they were so thrown off.In their heads, three years in the countryside should've turned me into some worn-out, hopeless mess.But instead?I stood there in a chic midi dress and a soft knit cardigan, a camera casually slung around my neck. My hair was smooth, my skin glowed, and even my nails were polished in the perfect nude shade.Country bumpkin? Not even close.Lex's gaze finally landed on me, surprise flickering across his face."Audrey Ave," he said, his voice distant—nothing like the soft tone he always used with Ivana.There was a time when that used to wreck me, when I'd cry and beg for answers.Not anymore."Mr. Hamilton," I said, shifting the grocery basket to my other hand, polite and composed.Lex's brows pinched slightly. "It's only been three years. Is there a need to be so forma

He walked over, staring at me for what felt like forever before finally speaking."Audrey, enough is enough."***After the party ended, I stood by the roadside, arms crossed, waiting for my ride.Lex's car pulled up. He rolled down the window, face ice-cold. "Get in."I shook my head. "No need. My husband's on his way."His laugh was sharp, mocking. "Audrey, how long are you gonna keep this up? Lying to everyone else is one thing, but fooling me? Come on."Who in Rivandia doesn't know you were so obsessed with me you'd rather die than let me go? A woman like you—who'd actually want to marry you?"Get in the car, and I'll forget you snuck back here."His tone turned sharper with every word, irritation clear as day. When I didn't budge, his brows pulled tight, and that familiar look of disgust flickered across his face. "Don't tell me you're really someone's sugar baby now. Who'd be desperate enough to keep you around?"I tilted my head, smiling faintly. "Mr. Hamilton, did you

The birthday banquet finally ended.Joshua went to get the car, leaving me to wait by the door.Out of nowhere, Lex appeared, grabbing my wrist and pulling me into a quiet corner.He glared at me, teeth gritted, voice low and furious. "You did this on purpose, didn't you? You and Uncle Joshua—this is all just an act! You're trying to get back at me!"I stared back at him calmly. "You're overthinking it. If it were an act, I wouldn't have brought him here."Lex knew I had a point. His parents' messy divorce had put a strain between the two sides of the family for years. If it weren't for me, Joshua wouldn't have come here at all.Besides, Grandpa Hubert had always treated me like family. No matter what, I wouldn't deceive him.Lex knew all of that. He was just too angry to think straight.He let out a cold laugh. "So this is revenge, huh? You're doing all of this to get back at me for sending you to the countryside because of Ivana."Audrey, I told you before—if you just behave

That day, Joshua wore me out in bed.Lex hadn't shown up since.The next time I saw him was at a panel discussion. He looked thinner—hollow, even—with Ivana glued to his side. I gave them a quick, polite nod and went to find my seat.As I walked away, I could feel his gaze trailing after me.During the intermission, Ivana cornered me."Audrey, since you're married to Lex's uncle now, could you stop chasing him? Seriously, quit looking for chances to get close to him." She paused, throwing in a dramatic sigh. "Do you even know what he's been through? He practically threw his life away for you!"I lifted my head, meeting her stare. She still had that holier-than-thou vibe, and it grated."Miss Schit," I said flatly, "whatever Lex chooses to do has nothing to do with me. And just so we're clear, I'm here because the event organizers invited me. Believe it or not, I don't have the pull to influence government decisions."This panel was put together by a government department, and i