I Slept with My Boss and Ran Away

Grandma Sterling didn’t say much. Knowing Stella’s nature, if she found out anything, she would blurt it out immediately. Stella couldn’t keep a secret.

From the first time Audrey returned, Grandma Sterling knew she wasn’t Meredith. She recognized people not by their faces but by their essence. Faces could be changed, but essence couldn’t. When Grandma Sterling touched Audrey’s hand, she knew. Skin could change, but bones were different. She had often held Meredith’s hand and knew its feel well.

Initially, Grandma Sterling was suspicious of Audrey’s intentions. She kept quiet and observed her closely. Audrey didn’t seem to have any ill intentions and treated Little Lucky well. But Grandma Sterling couldn’t understand why Audrey didn’t want to live a good life with Terrence despite the immense wealth of being Mrs. Sterling.

Grandma Sterling decided it was time to meet Audrey and ask her directly. She dismissed Stella with a few words, asking her to take Little Lucky out to play instead of staying home all the time.

After they left, Grandma Sterling called Audrey with a kind smile, “Meredith, I miss you. Can you come to Ravenwood for dinner? Just the two of us.”

That last sentence was meant to ease Audrey’s concerns. It was hard for Audrey to refuse Grandma Sterling’s request, so she agreed.

Audrey thought that since she was leaving tomorrow, having dinner with Grandma wouldn’t hurt. “Sure, Grandma, I’ll be there soon,” Audrey replied.

After the call, Grandma Sterling asked the kitchen to prepare dinner at home for her and Audrey.

Not long after, Audrey arrived with gifts in hand. “Meredith, you’re here,” Grandma Sterling greeted warmly. “Why did you bring gifts? There’s no need for that.”

“It’s just a little something I picked up on the way,” Audrey smiled as she set down the gifts. “Where’s Rowan?”

“Her grandmother took her out to play,” Grandma Sterling said, leading Audrey to the dining room. “Today it’s just us two having dinner at home. They usually don’t let me eat out, saying it’s not sanitary and bad for my stomach.”

“Alright, if you like it, I’ll join you,” Audrey said as she sat down.

Grandma Sterling never talked about Meredith in front of Audrey because she knew this wasn’t Meredith and talking about the past wouldn’t change that.

After some casual conversation during dinner, Grandma Sterling brought up a topic: “Meredith, Rowan is quite lonely by herself. You and Terrence are still young; when do you plan to have another child so Rowan can have a sibling?”

Audrey was taken aback by this suggestion for a second child but understood it was common in wealthy families to want many children. “There’s no rush,” she replied.

“Don’t lie to me,” Grandma Sterling said sharply, her eyes piercing through Audrey as if seeing into her soul.

Audrey smiled awkwardly, “Grandma, I…”All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Grandma Sterling placed a piece of meat on Audrey’s plate and said, “Eat more meat; take care of yourself. Since last year, Terrence has been almost lifeless until you came back and brought some spirit back into him. Once something starts, keep moving forward; don’t stop or hesitate. My grandson is handsome, devoted, and loyal; you won’t regret it.”

Grandma Sterling was encouraging Audrey to live well with Terrence. Feeling guilty, Audrey sensed that Grandma might be hinting at something deeper with her words.

“He’s doing well,” Audrey forced a smile.

Grandma Sterling patted Audrey’s hand gently and said, “Whether you’re Meredith from the past or someone else, live your life well; you won’t be mistreated.”

Hearing this made Audrey’s heart skip a beat: “Grandma, I…”

Grandma Sterling calmly patted her hand again to reassure her.

“At my age, what haven’t I seen?” Grandma said. “You and Terrence are having issues lately? Every couple has their challenges. Given Terrence’s deep affection for Meredith, even if he discovers something one day, he’ll convince himself otherwise. You don’t need to worry about it. People prefer accepting lies over facing death because everyone needs something to hope for.”