The Moment I Realized I Can't Lose You novel Chapter 24

Audrey spent the entire day in script readings with Julian and the cast, working until the sun went down.

Julian suggested a wrap dinner. "It’s the great Quill's first day back in action! We have to celebrate, and the drinks are on me!"

Julian was notoriously cheap. Hearing him volunteer to pay sent a wave of excitement through the crew.

Not wanting to ruin the vibe, Audrey smiled and agreed. "Very generous of you, Director."

Despite his reputation, Julian had booked a genuinely upscale restaurant for the night. The private dining room was packed with people laughing, toasting, and enjoying the high energy.

Amid the chaos, Audrey's phone vibrated a few times on the table. Engrossed in the lively conversation, she completely missed the subtle notifications.

At the exact same time, inside the cavernous silence of Judd Manor, Joaquin sat on the sofa, his eyes locked onto his phone resting on the coffee table.

Usually, whenever he texted her, she replied enthusiastically within three minutes. It had been ten minutes, and the screen remained stubbornly black.

An inexplicable irritation gnawed at him. He closed his eyes and leaned heavily against the cushions.

For the past year, rain or shine, she had always had a hot dinner waiting for him. Even when his business dinners dragged on until the early hours of the morning, she would be curled up on the couch under a blanket with hangover soup ready, waiting for him to come home.

Tonight, he had returned exhausted and starved from the hospital, only to be greeted by a dark, empty house. It was the first time she wasn't waiting for him, and she wasn't even answering his texts.

After a long moment, he picked up the phone and dialed her number.

The ringtone got drowned out in the private room. Audrey was sipping juice and passionately discussing supporting cast options with the casting director, entirely in her element.

It wasn't until a production assistant handed the phone to her that she noticed.

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