The Moment I Realized I Can't Lose You novel Chapter 5

Audrey forced a polite but tight smile, her eyes locking onto Rainey's perfectly crafted mask of affection. "It really has been a long time, my dear cousin."

The last time they saw each other was a decade ago, when Rainey dragged Audrey in to be a human guinea pig for her aunt's new laser scar removal clinic, specifically targeting the butterfly birthmark on Audrey's chest.

"Are you girls out shopping?" Rainey kept a possessive grip on Joaquin's arm, her eyes sweeping over Audrey in a blatantly judgmental up-and-down motion. "Audrey, this dress is far too high-fashion and sexy. It doesn't suit your... plain aesthetic at all. You're much better suited to something a bit more rustic and simple."

Rainey tilted her head up to look at the man towering beside her. "Don't you agree, Joaquin?"

Her tone and body language were so intimately domestic, you'd think she was the one who had exchanged vows with him.

Joaquin's gaze lingered on the smooth, flawless skin exposed by the gown's cut, and his brow furrowed. "It really doesn't suit you."

This woman was supposed to be sweet and obedient; she had no business dressing this provocatively.

"Excuse me, how does it not suit her? Audrey's body is flawless. Why shouldn't she wear something sexy?" Bianca sneered, throwing an arm around Audrey's shoulders. She gave Rainey a slow, mocking once-over. "Are you just saying that because you're built like a two-by-four? No chest, no curves, and drowning in jealousy?"

All the color drained from Rainey's face. Her fingers tightened around Joaquin's arm, her voice trembling as she spoke in a pathetic whisper. "Yes, I know I've lost a lot of weight this past year. No matter how hard I try... I just can't get my figure back... I know I don't look as good as Audrey..."

Her voice trailed off into a soft sob as she looked at Audrey with wide, victimized eyes. "But Audrey, I promise I wasn't jealous. I just genuinely thought the dress clashed with your vibe. I was just trying to be a helpful family and give you some honest advice..."

"Bravo, Rainey. I see those acting classes really paid off. The tears are right on cue!" Bianca rolled her eyes, scoffing loudly. "Whether you were giving 'advice' or just being a condescending bitch, we both know the truth!"

At that, Rainey started crying even harder.

Joaquin narrowed his eyes, saying nothing.

"Someone insults me right to my face, and my husband stands there and does absolutely nothing. So my friend stepped up to defend me. What exactly is the problem? My friend is speaking for me! Why would I tell her to stop?"

Her words sucked the air out of the room.

Bianca's jaw practically unhinged in shock. While Audrey had been a fiery, confident princess when they were kids, the deaths of her parents had slowly crushed her spirit, turning her quiet and insecure. Whenever someone bullied her in the past, she would just tug on Bianca's sleeve and whisper to let it go. This was the first time in over a decade that Audrey had stood tall, squared her shoulders, and fiercely fought back. And the person she was fighting was Joaquin Judd—the man she had secretly worshipped for years.

Clearly, Joaquin hadn't expected this either. His frown deepened, a flicker of genuine irritation breaking his stoic facade. "My mother was right. You are completely out of your mind today."

She was always so gentle, so accommodating, willing to put up with absolutely anything. But now...