Not A Small Town Girl (Danielle and David) novel Chapter 76

Chapter 76

The next morning, David arrived early at the Darling family’s home.

Meanwhile, Audrey had been up before dawn, knowing David would be coming over for breakfast.

She sat at her vanity, applying a flawless makeup look, then went to her wardrobe to pick out a red, low-cut spaghetti strap dress. She styled her hair in a chic updo, finishing the look with sparkling jewelry. She looked radiant.

"Miss Darling, you are gorgeous! Honestly, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. If you joined the entertainment industry, you’d leave all the actresses in the dust," Skylar gushed, unable to hold back her admiration.

"You’re just saying that to flatter me," Audrey teased with a playful smile.

"It’s not flattery, it’s the truth. You’re stunning-like a fairy," Skylar said, almost pleading with her eyes for Audrey to believe her.

"Do you think I’m prettier, or is Danielle prettier?" Audrey asked casually, her tone just the right amount of pointed.

Skylar, instantly understanding Audrey’s question, didn’t hesitate. "There’s no comparison! How could she even come close? You were raised in the Darling family, she’s from some small town.

"You’re miles ahead of her in everything- academics, talent, and let’s not even talk about looks. You’re a rare beauty, like a rose. She’s just a plain little flower."

Audrey basked in the compliments, feeling her confidence grow. "Then why does David like Danielle so much?"

A hint of jealousy crept into Audrey’s voice.

"She must have used some trick to catch Mr. Charrington’s eye. But I know that one day, Mr. Charrington will realize how amazing you are and change his mind. "If I were him, I’d pick you up in a heartbeat. Look at you today-you’re radiant. Once you go downstairs, I guarantee you’ll outshine Danielle," Skylar said, her admiration genuine.

"You really know how to flatter me. Here, take this diamond bracelet," Audrey said, handing over the sparkling piece of jewelry.

Skylar’s face lit up with excitement. She knew that her flattery had worked, and it seemed like it was going to pay off. She’d have to keep putting Danielle down to keep Audrey happy.

"Miss Darling, this is too much, I can’t accept it," Skylar hesitated, though her eyes sparkled with desire.

"Take it. If you keep working hard, there will be more where that came from," Audrey said, fully aware of Skylar’s longing look.

"Thank you, Miss Darling. I’ll make sure to do everything you ask," Skylar said, her gratitude clear.

"Good."

Just then, Sarah knocked softly on the door. "Miss Audrey Darling, Mr. Charrington is here. Miss Danielle Darling hasn’t gotten up yet, and Mr. and Mrs. are still asleep. Would you like to go downstairs and greet Mr. Charrington?" Sarah asked.

She was a little confused. After all, wasn’t it Danielle who was supposed to greet him?

As soon as Audrey heard that, her face lit up. She quickly made her way to the vanity to freshen up her makeup, making sure every detail was perfect before heading out.

David had arrived early because he couldn’t wait to see Danielle. He knew she wouldn’t be awake yet, but just being near her-even if she wasn’t up yet- made him feel closer to her.

Audrey rushed downstairs, and when she walked into the living room, she saw the man she had been thinking about sitting on the sofa. His perfectly tailored suit and his cool, aloof aura made him look almost too good to be true.

Audrey lingered in the air around him, still

intoxicated by his scent. She didn’t expect him to be this cold, and it stung.

Her eyes, full of hurt, met his. "David, I swear, I didn’t mean to. I just twisted my ankle. I know you like Danielle, and I wasn’t trying to... do anything. Besides, someone like Danielle wouldn’t even care about this-she’s above stuff like that."

Her words were a mix of explanation and a subtle attempt to drag Danielle into this. If Danielle were upset over something so small, it would show she wasn’t as sophisticated as people thought.

As Audrey spoke, she took a small step closer to David.

Seeing her move again, David’s face hardened, his eyes turning colder, and he instinctively stepped back.

"First of all, we are not so close. Second, I don’t want you anywhere near me. So please, stay away."

His words were sharp, colder than ice. His gaze was just as harsh. Audrey’s face paled, her hands clenched into fists.

"David, I love you. I’ve loved you since we were kids. Danielle doesn’t love you like I do. Why can’t you just see me? We’ve known each other forever..."

Her voice trembled, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She looked vulnerable and desperate, the kind of woman pleading for the one thing she wanted most.

Skylar cleared his throat loudly from across the room, trying to give Audrey a hint.

Audrey turned her head at the sound and froze when she saw Danielle walking down the stairs. Panic gripped her as she wondered how much Danielle had heard.

"Danielle, please don’t get the wrong idea. There’s nothing between David and me. David doesn’t just care about your looks. He might love you..." Audrey said.