#Chapter 224: The Charity Gala

Edwin The invitation on my desk felt like it was mocking me. It was a warm and sunny day, the type of day that was perfect for basking in the sunlight and enjoying some of the peace that came along with early summer. But right now, staring at that damn invitation, I felt chills running up my spine. Audrey, who was curled up like a cat in the armchair by the window, sketching dress designs on her tablet, glanced up at me and shot me an amused look. “You’ve been staring at that thing for ten minutes straight now, Edwin.” I felt the tips of my ears redden as I looked away. “We don’t have to go, you know. We could stay home. Or maybe even go to the estate for the weekend.” My mate raised her eyebrows at me. “Edwin, I know you don’t want to see your parents, but it’s just one night. In public.” I couldn’t help but sigh. Audrey was right, of course; the annual charity gala this weekend would be stuffed to the brim with attendees. My parents would be