Pauline's POV
She possessed an undeniable magnetism. Not the artificial perfection plastered across glossy pages, but something that stole the breath from my lungs. Audrey Howard radiated a beauty that seemed almost accidental in its power.
Her appearance was only part of the equation. The real magic lay in how she navigated conversations, wielding words like a surgeon's blade when necessary, yet maintaining a warmth that felt like basking in morning light.
I caught myself watching her intently, completely forgetting about my obnoxious cousin in that suspended moment.
Emerson's cocky expression wavered, and one of his companions released a nervous whistle, clearly trying to escape the mounting tension. Audrey, however, showed no signs of intimidation.
"What exactly are you doing here?"
Emerson released a frustrated breath. "It's nothing, Audrey," he grumbled under his breath. "We should leave."
