When the Heart Remembers

Audrey showed up in a custom white designer gown, looking like some perfect little angel straight out of a rich CEO romance story.

Of course, my parents weren't gonna miss this chance to bask in her "high society" moment. Dressed to the nines in a suit and gown, they went with her to Strickland Enterprise's annual party.

People swarmed around Audrey, showering her with compliments.

"Audrey, you're so beautiful! No wonder Mr. Strickland is completely obsessed with you. And today, he's gonna propose in front of the whole company. You're seriously the luckiest girl ever!"

"Gosh, I'm so jealous. Once you become Mrs. Strickland, don't forget about us, okay?"

Standing there in the crowd while soaking in all the flattery, Audrey looked like she might float away. She immediately started acting as if she already owned the place.

"When I become Mrs. Strickland, I'll make sure my husband gives everyone a raise. Maybe even a few extra days off so we can all celebrate together!"

The crowd cheered even louder.

Soon, the event shifted into its main program.

Michael stood tall in the middle of the room while holding a glass of champagne, looking calm and unreadable. His perfectly tailored black suit made him look even sharper.

Maybe it was just me, but I swear he kept glancing my way, which made no sense.

I had on a mask, a cap, and the plainest clothes I owned. Even my own family hadn't noticed me, so there was no way he could've.

Amid cheers, Michael stepped onto the stage, his voice steady and cool.

"Last year, I got into an accident and lost my sight completely. I'd like to thank someone. Because of her careful care, I was able to recover so quickly.

"Thank you, Ms. Goodwin."

My heart pounded as I listened, trying to keep my face calm.

The spotlight landed straight on Audrey. She lifted her chin and gave a shy, blushing smile.

"I'm your nurse. Taking care of you was my duty."

Michael's lips curled into a smile—the kind that looked dangerous.

He glanced at Audrey. "I've prepared a very special surprise for you today. Do you mind coming up here?"

That was enough to make Audrey's grin stretch from ear to ear. She thought the proposal was about to happen.

"Of course not!"

She gathered up her white skirt and ran onto the stage, the crowd cheering her on.

My parents had tears in their eyes, already imagining themselves joining the rich and never worrying about money again.

The rest of the crowd was buzzing with envy.

"Wow, Audrey's so lucky. If I'd known, I would've tried to become Mr. Strickland's nurse, too. It's easy to get someone to fall for you if you're close to them. Now that she's got his attention, she's about to become a rich wife and live the dream!"

"Right? The Goodwins are about to skyrocket. Now their daughter's gonna marry the rich, powerful, and handsome Mr. Strickland. They really hit the jackpot."

But then, out of nowhere, a tall, broad woman with a hard, scary face stormed onto the stage.

She yanked Audrey by the hair.

"Mr. Strickland, is this the little tramp you were talking about? The one who climbed into my husband's bed at your party last time?"