Not A Small Town Girl (Danielle and David) novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29

"Audrey, Danielle is just a bit reserved. Don’t overthink it," Joseph said, his tone sharp.

"Exactly, Audrey. You’re overreacting," Vivian added, her voice calm and detached.

Audrey looked around at her family. Everyone seemed to be siding with Danielle, making it feel like she was the one in the wrong. She knew she couldn’t argue anymore. "I get it. I was overthinking. I’m sorry, Danielle."

"Danielle, Audrey was only trying to help. Don’t hold it against her," Sienna said, her expression soft and innocent as she glanced at Danielle.

Danielle didn’t miss the hidden undertone. Sienna wasn’t just defending Audrey-she was implying Danielle was too sensitive.

"I’ve barely said a word since I got here," Danielle said, her voice cool. "What exactly makes you think I’m holding a grudge?" "Joseph, you know that’s not what I meant." Sienna shot Joseph a helpless look, silently pleading for him to back her up.

Danielle simply watched her little performance, unimpressed.

"Enough, Sienna. Danielle’s not the type to hold grudges," Joseph said firmly, his frustration starting to show.

Just then, a servant appeared at the doorway. "Mr. and Mrs. Darling, Mr. Charrington has arrived."

A tall, commanding figure stepped into the room. David, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, exuded an effortless air of sophistication. His lips curved in a polite smile as he greeted Howard and Vivian with a nod.

"David, what brings you here? Come, have a seat," Howard said warmly, his face lighting up.

"I’m here to take Danielle out for dinner," David replied, his eyes twinkling as they found Danielle. Since David walked in, Audrey had been sneaking glances at him, envy twisting her thoughts. ’How can someone like him be with Danielle? Why did the engagement go to her? I’ve treated Howard and Vivian like my real parents, but they clearly don’t see me as their real daughter. Why do they favor her so much?’

Audrey’s gaze lingered on Danielle, jealousy clouding her mind.

"Done with work already?" Danielle asked with a small smile.

"There’s always time for dinner with you," David replied, his lips curling into a slight smirk.

Under his steady gaze, Danielle felt heat rush to her cheeks.

The Darling family watched the interaction with mixed reactions. Howard and Vivian exchanged amused smiles, while Joseph and Xavier stared daggers at David. ’He’s stealing our little sister right in front of us, they thought.

"Danielle, go enjoy your date with David. Don’t worry about us," Vivian said, her voice full of encouragement.

Sienna, on the other hand, could barely contain her jealousy. Ever since she arrived, the Darling family had treated her with polite indifference. But the moment Danielle appeared, all attention shifted to her, leaving Sienna feeling invisible-even Joseph barely acknowledged her anymore.

"We’ll head out now. I won’t stay out too late," Danielle said sweetly, looking at her family.

"Danielle, you’re ditching your brothers to have dinner with some random guy?" Xavier whined dramatically, putting on a pout.

"Stop it, Xavier. Let your sister go," Howard said, giving him a playful swat on the head.

"Dad! Ow! That hurt-and you messed up my hair!" Xavier complained, rubbing his head with an exaggerated grimace.

"I’ll have Danielle home early," David said smoothly, his tone carrying a hint of teasing confidence.

Joseph and Xavier shot him matching glares, their faces red with frustration.

Starlight Restaurant.