Chapter 35
That night, Duncan led Lucy upstairs, and she willingly followed. After spending the day with him, Lucy felt as though she had hit the jackpot. Despite Duncan’s prematurely white hair, it did not detract from his good looks. In fact, she couldn’t think of a single man in the city who could match Duncan’s combination of handsomeness and wealth.
Audrey had been truly lucky. To have Duncan’s love, even in death, was more than anyone could ask for.
As Lucy lay beside Duncan, she listened to him recount memories of a past she didn’t know. Duncan had completely convinced himself that she was Audrey.
Lucy had seen photos of Audrey before. They did look somewhat alike, but Audrey possessed a beauty that was both elegant and playful–an intriguing contradiction that was undeniably stunning. Lucy knew she couldn’t compete with Audrey’s natural grace, but she also knew how to play her cards right.
If possible, Lucy hoped this man would never wake up from his delusion. If she could stay in Audrey’s place and enjoy a life of luxury, she would gladly play along forever.
Duncan pulled Lucy close and kissed her forehead. “Audrey promise me you’ll never leave again. I’ll take care of
you,
I swear.”
This wasn’t the first time Lucy had heard a man beg her to stay. Her ex had said similar things countless times. But there was something different about Duncan’s words something she couldn’t quite explain.
Still, in Duncan’s arms, Lucy felt a peace she hadn’t experienced in a long time. She could imagine living like this forever. Duncan, even with his troubled mind, had a charm that could make any woman fall for him.
Meanwhile, Seamus, Duncan’s father, had been worried ever since watching his son leave for the supermarket that morning. He had followed him partway but was called back to the office by his secretary. With Duncan in this state, someone had to look after the business. Seamus knew he couldn’t afford to let the company fall apart, as it was Duncan and Audrey’s legacy. Preserving it was one of the few things he could still do for his son, knowing it might be the last connection Duncan had to Audrey.
After a busy day, Seamus finally returned home to check on Duncan. The housekeeper informed him that Duncan had brought home a woman and had even called her Audrey
The realization hit him hard. Duncan hadn’t just forgotten that Audrey was gone; he was seeing Audrey in everyone. Seamus had planned to throw the woman out and take Duncan to see a psychiatrist immediately.
But when Seamus quietly entered Duncan’s room, he saw his son peacefully sleeping, holding the woman tightly. For a moment, Seamus hesitated. If this woman could somehow ease Duncan’s pain over losing Audrey, maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing. Perhaps living in a dream would bring Duncan more happiness than facing the harsh. reality of Audrey’s death.
Lucy had heard Seamus’s footsteps and quickly pretended to be asleep. To her surprise, the middle–aged man only stood at the doorway, silently watching for a moment before leaving without a word.
That was all the approval she needed. The fact that he hadn’t thrown her out meant he was allowing her to stay by Duncan’s side.
Looking at Seamus, Lucy realized he was likely Duncan’s father. They shared a striking resemblance. She snuggled even closer to Duncan, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. This was the life she wanted.
The next morning, Duncan woke up and saw Lucy sleeping peacefully beside him, a soft smile on her face. That smile–it was the same smile Audrey used to have, full of happiness and contentment. Duncan smiled back, his heart swelling with emotion.
Chapter 15
+25 BONUS
This was all he needed. He had been so busy with work before, but starting now, he would dedicate all his time to being with her forever and always, In this life and the nex
Duncan couldn’t tear his eyes away from Lucy as he watched her sleep, lost in the memory of his beloved Audrey.
