Replacing his murdered bride

POV: Audrey 

    My mom was going to hear from me today. I’d had enough of the reckless, self-serving decisions she made to protect her so-called reputation.

    Dad’s company scandal was clearly the result of her selfishness and her obsession with always appearing high-class in society. She could chase her luxury lifestyle all she wanted, but selling Jimmie off to Mr. Royales? That was the line she wasn’t crossing.

    Jimmie wasn’t going to slave for any man—least of all for that cold beast. Of all the billionaires in Edinburgh, she picked him—enigamtic, ruthless and feared.

    The thought made my foot slam down harder on the accelerator, my car racing like a freed bird toward the Royals Hotel, where the party was happening. My phone wouldn’t stop buzzing, and I knew it was her calling. But I wasn’t giving in to her tantrums today.

    When I pulled up there, she was at the entrance pacing frantically. Even from here, I could feel the storm radiating off her. I walked up to her without an ounce of urgency.

    “Audrey.”

    “What are you doing here?” she snapped, like I had no right to be in her precious environment. Her eyes pierced straight through me.

    Jimmie and I were her only children. Growing up, she’d never liked me. I was the wild kid who hated books, threw tantrums, and acted on emotions. Jimmie was the opposite: calm, brilliant, obedient. Even when she didn’t like something, she smiled and complied.

That’s exactly why my mom chose her for this marriage—because she knew Jimmie wouldn’t refuse her. But I wasn’t going to let her walk down that aisle.

    “Where’s Jimmie?” My voice shook.

    “You need to leave, Audrey,” she whispered, gripping my arm hard.

    “Not until I see her.” I yanked my hand free.

    “She’s busy right now. I can pass along your message.”

    “Mom, I know you hate seeing my face, but I’m not leaving until I see Jimmie.”

    “Do you want to cause a scene here?” Her face tightened.

    “Huh?”

    “Why must you make everything about you?”

    “Mom!” I yelled, but she didn’t flinch.

    “You’d better leave, or I’ll call security,” she threatened, shoving at my arm.

    “I’m not leaving. That’s final.” My grip locked around her wrist.

    “Audrey! For the love of God, just leave. Jimmie wouldn’t be happy about this,” she pleaded, knowing damn well I wouldn’t give in.

    “I don’t care,” I shot back. “I’m not leaving without seeing her.”

    “Audrey, just try to—”

    She was cut off by my dad’s voice.

    “What’s going on here?”

    His forehead was creased tight and fists were clenched. Knowing his temper, I treaded carefully with my words.

    “Megan,” he said, his voice like steel. “What do you think you’re doing?”

    We both let go of each other instantly. My mom avoided his gaze. A cold shiver ran down my spine.

    My dad was dangerous when he was angry.

    “She wants to see Jimmie,” my mom said flatly.

    “And?”

    “You know Audrey—she has a knack for ruining things. That’s what she’s here for.”

    “Oh my God, Mom!” Tears burned in my eyes, but she ignored me.

    “I’ve been trying to get her to wait because Jimmie is busy prepping for her wedding, but she’s being stubborn,” she added, rolling her eyes.

    “Honestly, I’m starting to get pissed.”

    “So you’re both just standing here arguing?” my dad asked.

    “But you know how she—”

    “Enough, Megan.” His eyes shut for a second, like he was holding back an explosion. After a deep breath, he dropped the bomb.

“Jimmie’s missing.”

    “What?” My mom and I said in unison.

    “She’s been gone for over an hour. She was supposed to appear before the guests, but she hasn’t shown up…”

    I didn’t wait for him to finish. I bolted.

    I had to find her. If anything happened to Jimmie, I’d never forgive my mom.

    I sprinted to the VIP elevator—if she was anywhere, it’d be in a private suite. But I needed an access card.

    Heart pounding, I ran back to my mom, yanked her purse from her arm, and dumped its contents onto the tiled floor. A flash of gold caught my eye: a card labeled VIP. I snatched it and darted back to the elevator.

    The doors dinged open, and I rushed into the first room I saw. It was empty—and unnervingly cold, like I’d stepped into a place meant for the dead. My throat tightened as I stepped inside.

    “Jimmie…” My voice echoed back at me.

    I fumbled along the wall for a switch but accidentally pressed a button on a remote. The lights flickered on. However, my relief lasted only a second when I saw it.

    A trail of blood, leading to the bathroom.

    My stomach knotted and sweat rolled down my temples despite the icy air. My hands trembled and with a pang of fear, I followed the trail

    When I stepped into the bathroom, my hope shattered.

    Jimmie's body lay in the bathtub drowned in a bloody pool of water and her cold face visible.

    Shock and grief hit me all at once, and my legs gave way. I collapsed onto the wet floor, numb.