Not A Small-Town Girl

But deep down, she wondered if that was true. ’What if Belle grows older and feels the absence of a father more acutely? What if...

Ruby shook her head, her resolve hardening. After rescuing Mom, we’ll leave. There’s no need to linger in this city or near... him.

Back on Moreno University campus, Toby, who had been humiliated in front of everyone, simmered with anger. His face was dark as he plotted ways to get back at Danielle.

Unaware of his brewing resentment, Danielle had already returned to her dorm. A message from David popped up on her phone.

David: [I’m outside your school. Brought you something delicious.]

Danielle: [Give me a minute. Just need to wash up.] After a quick rinse and a change of clothes, Danielle made her way to the campus gates.

Outside the gates, Audrey, who had just finished class, spotted David’s car parked by the curb. Her face lit up with excitement.

Turning to her friends, she said, "You guys go on ahead. Someone’s waiting for me."

Her friends, noticing the luxury car, teased her. "Is it your fiancé, Audrey? Wow, he must really miss you to show up like this!"

"So romantic. We’re so jealous of how much he loves you!"

Audrey blushed, her tone coy. "Don’t be silly. You guys go ahead!"

Meanwhile, David sat in the car, scrolling through his phone, waiting for Danielle. His thoughts were filled with her-just a few days apart, and he missed her terribly.

"A knock on the car window snapped him out of his thoughts.

David lowered the window, only to be greeted by a suffocating wave of overly sweet perfume.

"David! You’re here!" Audrey greeted him with an overly bright smile, her voice deliberately soft and sweet.

David’s expression darkened immediately. Without a word, he began to roll the window back up.

Audrey, undeterred, persisted. "David, it’s so hot outside. Can I sit in the car with you?"

Nathan, seated in the driver’s seat, had to stifle a laugh. Audrey’s tenacity was almost impressive-she seemed completely unfazed by her previous humiliations.