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The tension in the house lingered as Catherine hung up the phone, her mind now fully grasping the gravity of the situation. A live stream. She wasn’t entirely out of touch with reality, but the implications of having every moment broadcasted were far more overwhelming than she’d anticipated.
As she finished packing her things in silence, the words Branden had spoken echoed in her mind. She had agreed to help Audrey, and she wouldn’t back out now. Despite her usual aversion to public attention, this was Audrey’s moment, and Catherine couldn’t let her down. But that didn’t mean she had to enjoy it.
She stepped out of her room just as Audrey was finishing with the toast—or rather, the stone-like toast. Audrey’s bright, albeit awkward smile, met her gaze as she stood near the kitchen counter.
“Kathy, you’re up! Let me get your things,” Audrey said, clearly trying to mask her own nervousness.
Catherine gave her a nonchalant nod, her expression still cool and detached. “Let’s just get this over with,” she muttered, though her words were barely audible.
Audrey flinched slightly but quickly covered it with a smile. “Yeah, it’s going to be fun, right?”
Catherine didn’t respond, instead grabbing her small bag and heading for the door. Audrey followed behind, hoping for some positive reinforcement. But Catherine wasn’t one for small talk or enthusiasm, not when there was so much else on her mind.
As they left for the studio, Catherine’s thoughts returned to Branden’s call. He was well-connected, no doubt, but there was something about his constant presence, his willingness to monitor her, that unsettled her. Catherine wasn’t one to like being under anyone’s watchful eye, but there was a strange comfort in the way he looked out for her—despite his smug attitude at times.
The drive to the studio was quick, but the ride felt like an eternity to Catherine. Her internal struggle weighed heavily on her, and yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Branden was right to worry. She had been so focused on her own world for so long, she’d never realized how exposed she would be on this show.
Upon arrival, Audrey quickly reassured her, as if reading Catherine’s discomfort. “Don’t worry, Kathy. Everything’s going to be fine. The crew’s really friendly. Just… try to smile a little. The cameras are rolling.”
Catherine merely nodded, her expression still unreadable. She followed Audrey inside, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. What Catherine didn’t know was that the live stream would present far more than a simple challenge—it would force her into the spotlight in ways she couldn’t yet comprehend. But one thing was for certain: Audrey was going to need her, and Catherine would remain by her side, no matter how uncomfortable it got.