Chapter 27
IMANI’S POV
My eyes followed her through the crowd.
Audrey Hamilton.
Her hair was longer than I remembered. Wavy brunette sitting just below her shoulders, and her body looked almost the same, slender… perfect. The gold gown she wore matched the glimmer of the chandelier.
Her smile glowed in a soft hue, radiating to the people who surrounded her.
So many eyes stared at her like she was the centre of attention… just like in Hamilton High.
I didn’t realize I’d been staring until Dwight spoke beside me.
“Imani?”
I tilted my head slightly, feigning curiosity. “Who is she?”
He adjusted his glasses, “That’s the Princess of New York.”
“The what?”
He chuckled. “That’s what the press calls her. Audrey Hamilton. Only child and sole heir of the Hamilton Empire.” He swirled the champagne in his glass.
“Is that so?” I mused.
He nodded, taking a sip of the champagne, “She’s the most sought-after woman in New York… a little birdie told me her family holds half of New York by the balls.”
I let out a low hum, my lips curving faintly. “How fascinating.”
Dwight grinned. “It’s smart to have her at arm’s length, but have her there regardless.”
“Is that a warning?” I asked.
He smiled, but his eyes were knowing. “Depends on how you use the coin. Heads or tails.”
I gave a small laugh, keeping my eyes on Audrey. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Something about watching her still made my stomach churn.
A waiter passed by, and Dwight caught a flute of champagne from the tray. “Excuse me for a moment,” he said, “Old friend.” He nudged his head slightly to the right, a man waving at him.
He leaned in, lowering his voice with that teasing smirk of his. “Can you survive the rest of the night before I return?”
I rolled my eyes, hiding a smile. “I’d have died of boredom before then .”
“How devastating.”He laughed, “I won’t take long.” And then he disappeared into the crowd.
I exhaled quietly and turned my attention back to her, my chest tightening.
Then, suddenly, I felt someone’s presence beside me.
“What were you doing with him?”
That voice, threaded with arrogance and brewing anger, I couldn’t mistake. None other could irk me as much.
I turned slowly. He stood close enough for me to hear him, but safe enough for no one to jump to conclusions.
“With who?” I cocked my head to the side slightly.
“Don’t fucking play dumb with me.” He spat, his voice low.
Why did he care if I was around Damien? Had they really fallen out?
I took a sip of my champagne, “Whoever I choose to be with, how is it any of your concern?”
“It is my fucking concern if you plan on turning my prestigious event into an opportunity to whore yourself around!” He sneered, his eyes blazing with fury.
I laughed, but there was no humor to be found, “Prestigious isn't the word I’d use for this sham of an event.”
He moved a step closer, his fists balled up beside him, “Get the fuck out of here. Now.”
“Until Dwight leaves, I’m going nowhere,” I stated, my voice even. “It would be impolite to leave without him, but you wouldn’t know that considering you have no manners.”
I saw his jaw tick, but he gave a tight smile, “Watch your fucking mouth.”
I raised my chin, “I’ll say and do whatever I choose. And there’s nothing you can do.”
His nostrils flared, but before he could respond, a voice interrupted us.
“Oh, there you are.” Her voice called out, smooth, without blemish.
Just as I had remembered it.
Her hand slipped around Cody’s arm effortlessly, her fingers resting on his sleeve like they belonged there.
Like they belonged together.
My heart grew heavy as I watched them.
She smiled up at him, “I was wondering where you’d gone.”
Cody’s expression shifted instantly. The fake smile the public had grown to adore took centre stage, but his shoulders were stiff. “Just handling something.”
“Something?” Audrey glanced at me, curiosity in her gaze. “Oh, you must be Imani.”
There was a warmth in her voice, one I was never privy to. “I’m Audrey Hamilton.” She extended her hand gracefully.
I stared at it for a brief moment, before taking her hand, a tight smile lacing my lips.
Her lips curved. “It’s so nice to meet you, Imani. I've just returned to the country. Cody didn’t even know I was coming.” She laughed lightly, leaning into him. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”
My smile didn’t falter, but my jaw tightened. “Must have been a wonderful surprise.”
Cody’s eyes flicked to me briefly, something unreadable passing through them.
Audrey continued, “I’ve been gone far too long, and I’m hosting a small gathering this weekend. You should come.”
“That’s not necessary,” Cody said quickly, his voice low. “I’m sure she has other things to do.”
I met his gaze, my tone deliberate. “Actually, I don’t. I’d love to come.”
His teeth clenched as I spoke, and a smirk grew on my lips. “I just got into the US, so I’d love to go out more.”
Audrey’s face brightened. “Wonderful! I’d really appreciate it if you did. It’s always good to see new faces.”
She squeezed Cody’s arm gently, glancing up at him with a soft smile before turning back to me. “It means so much to me when people make time. I know everyone’s always so busy.”
She was still the same. So prim and proper, so kind to the public eye, her perfection rehearsed. I was one of the few who saw through her bullshit then.
“I’ll be there,” I said.
Cody’s jaw twitched. “We’ll see.”
Her laughter rang out again, light and disarming. “You two sound like you already know each other.”
I smiled faintly. “Something like that.”
“Well,” she said, releasing Cody’s arm to touch my hand lightly, “I’m so glad we met. It’ll be lovely having you there.”
The warmth in her touch burned. Ignited parts of me that never seemed to die.
Each day was a reminder of it.
As she turned away, still linked with Cody, the photographers flashed around them.
So they were still together? I almost laughed out loud.
How could I have thought that he liked me? How could I have been so gullible? So naive?
Of course, they would never leave each other; not then, and apparently not now.
Beneath all her grace and composure, Audrey Hamilton was still the same girl I had once known.
No matter how much time had passed, some things never changed.
She didn’t fool me then, and she wouldn't fool me now.
Now? I would have the upper hand.