Chapter 12

Caroline's eyes flew wide open, her heart leaping straight to her throat. Cold dread crawled down her spine as she jerked away from Bradley. Just as she was ready to respond to David, the latter's phone began to vibrate sharply. The ringtone shattered the silence of the night, each piercing note landing squarely against her chest. David answered, "Hello? Yes, I got it. I don't think she's in the lounge anymore. She might have gone somewhere else. I'll be right there." His voice faded with the sound of retreating footsteps. Only when Caroline was sure that David was gone did her strength give out. Like a deflated balloon, her knees buckled, and she slumped, bonelessly. Bradley lounged back in his chair, quietly watching her every reaction and expression. Her panic was like a prick to his heart, sharp and maddening. "Are you that afraid he might find out?" Bradley's gaze darkened, and his tone dropped lower. "So, you're unwilling to call off the engagement? Is it because you still h