I Slept with My Boss and Ran Away

Grandma Sterling felt distressed whenever she thought of Meredith. She took another sip of her drink, and because she was sad, she drank too much. Audrey helped Grandma Sterling back to her room to rest. Pete cleaned up the dining table while Spencer sat in the living room smoking.

Pete nagged, “Dad, your health isn’t good; you shouldn’t smoke. You’ll start coughing again, and when sis scolds you later, I won’t defend you.”

“You kid, now you’re telling me what to do?” Spencer replied. “Finish washing the dishes and mop the floor.”

The Flack family’s children were not spoiled. Because Audrey had been in poor health with a heart condition, Pete usually helped with the household chores. Washing clothes, cooking, mopping-Pete could do it all.

Pete didn’t dawdle and quickly finished all the chores. He glanced at the room where Audrey was still taking care of Grandma Sterling and then quietly said to Spencer, “Dad, now that the Sterling family is looking for us, I don’t think we can keep this under wraps any longer.”

“There are no secrets that time does not reveal,” Spencer said. “I believe Grandma Sterling is a reasonable person. We live our lives with a clear conscience; that’s what matters. But your sister might not be able to move on.”

Spencer didn’t inquire much about how Audrey had been living in the Sterling family for the past half year. She went there under the guise of being someone else’s wife, living someone else’s life. Any interactions or emotions that arose were beyond control.

Pete glanced at the room again; it seemed like Audrey was about to come out. Shortly after, Audrey emerged and gently closed the door behind her. Seeing Spencer and Pete in the living room, she said, “Dad, why aren’t you sleeping? What are you doing sitting here? Dad, your health isn’t good; why are you smoking again?”

“I just took a couple of puffs; I’ll put it out now.” Spencer extinguished his cigarette.

Pete said, “Meredith, Dad only listens to you. I told him not to smoke earlier, but he wouldn’t listen.”

Spencer gave Pete a light slap and pretended to be stern, “Go to bed; I need to talk to your sister.”

Pete walked away with a smile.

Audrey sat down and asked, “Dad, what do you want to talk about?”

“How are things with the Sterling family?” Spencer asked directly. “You’ve been living with them for over half a year; hasn’t anyone noticed? Is their brain not as sharp as Grandma’s?”

Audrey clasped her hands together and said, “We’ve always lived separately. He hasn’t noticed; otherwise, he would have kicked me out long ago. Maybe it’s because my heart is Meredith’s heart; sometimes even I can’t tell if I’m Audrey or Meredith. Their daughter Rowan always clings to me-that mother-daughter bond might be why he hasn’t suspected anything.”

Over the past half year, Audrey often dreamed of switching identities with Meredith. Perhaps because of her heart transplant, she would sometimes unconsciously mimic Meredith’s actions or behaviors.

Because of this, Audrey managed to stay undetected in the Sterling family for so long. After losing Meredith, Terrence’s personality changed drastically; he was more afraid of losing Meredith again and focused on repairing their relationship rather than suspecting anything else.

Seeing his daughter so exhausted, Spencer said tenderly, “If you’re unhappy, come back home.”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“But what about Terrence? What about Rowan?” Audrey was torn as she looked at Spencer. “Dad, sometimes I wish he would find out. But other times I’m scared because I owe this to Meredith. I promised her I’d help Terrence get back on his feet and start a new life.”

Spencer sighed, “I’m worried you’ll get too deep and won’t be able to come out of it.”

“Dad,” Audrey forced a smile. “Don’t worry about me; I’m fine. I’ll stay home for a few days this time and spend more time with you. You should go to bed early.”

Spencer didn’t say much more. “Take care tonight; Grandma is old and has been drinking while feeling sad. Make sure nothing happens.”

“Yes, I’ll keep an eye on her.” After Spencer went to rest, Audrey returned to the bedroom.

Grandma Sterling was sleeping soundly. Audrey lay down beside her and slept with her for the night.

Meanwhile, Terrence had arrived at Blue Ridge and checked into a hotel without informing Audrey or Grandma Sterling.

Terrence chose a hotel by the sea; standing by the floor-to-ceiling window allowed him to see the ocean.

The sea brought back memories for Terrence; whenever he saw it, he thought of Meredith.