Not A Small-Town Girl
Chapter 72-3

When Howard and Vivian heard Audrey’s polite, yet distant tone, they felt a sense of relief. They’d worried Audrey might not accept Danielle and David’s relationship, but it seemed their fears had been unfounded.

Howard and Vivian responded, just as she always did.

David, however, didn’t pay much attention to Audrey. His gaze remained fixed on Danielle. "I’ll pick you up tomorrow and take you somewhere nice to eat," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately.

"I want to eat at home," Danielle replied.

"Oh, but I want to be with you," David said, his voice carrying a hint of playful stubbornness.

Vivian’s face lit up. "Well, then, I’ll have the chef make extra of your favorite dishes tomorrow. You can stay here, and David can keep you company."

David, who’d been feeling a little down, now smiled at the suggestion. "Are you sure? That’s too much trouble." "Don’t be silly, David. We’re family," Vivian said warmly, reassuring him.

"What would you like to eat, David? I’ll ask the chef to prepare it for you," Howard added kindly.

Noticing how much David cared for Danielle, Howard wanted to show him the same kindness.

David gave Danielle a soft, affectionate look. "I’m not picky. If Danielle likes it, I’ll like it."

Vivian couldn’t help but smile even more at his words. "Alright then, you’re always welcome to come over for dinner. We’re family now, so don’t be shy."

Turning to Danielle, she added, "You should bring David here more often for meals."

Danielle chuckled at how pleased David seemed with himself over simply getting a meal at her house. "Got it," she said with a smile, amused by his efforts to look like the victim just to get a dinner invitation. Meanwhile, Audrey stood off to the side, completely ignored by the group. Not a single person seemed to care about her presence, and it stung.

Time and time again, her family-her parents, her brothers-had dismissed her in favor of Danielle. The jealousy and resentment began to simmer in her chest.

Just then, the maid Sarah walked in, carrying a tray of freshly squeezed juices. "Good afternoon, everyone. Here’s some fresh juice for you all."

Audrey managed a small, almost imperceptible smile.

"Danielle, this watermelon juice is your favorite," Vivian said, handing it to her with a warm smile.

As Sarah moved to hand the juice to Danielle, Audrey quickly sidestepped and "accidentally" bumped into Sarah.

The collision knocked Sarah off balance, and the cups of juice flew toward Danielle. Sarah’s face went pale as she watched the juice heading straight for Danielle. If it splashed onto her clothes, it wouldn’t just upset Howard and Vivian- David, with how much he adored Danielle, would never forgive her.