Love in the Limelight (Astrid and Elio)
Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Astrid and Gracie left the restaurant after dinner, first as the night was starting to kick in They strolled down the sidewalk, belting out tunes and turning heads.

That's because Astrid's singing skills were a bit rough around the edges Her singing voice could be described as a painful wall

Just as Astrid was hitting her stride, her phone buzzed with a text. She checked it out

A message from an unknown number, ["Astrid, tomorrow night at 7. it's your engagement party with the young thaster of the Fortner family Time to pay back what you owe us!"]

Astrid's smile faze on her face Even without a signature, she knew this was from Sandra

After a moment of silence, Astrid replied, "What if I don't show up?]

Unknown number, Lucinda told me her favorite hovel is getting turned into a TV series I saw the cast list, and your name's on it if you don't show, I'll spill the beans about your underage pregnancy. Do you think they'd still want you as the lead?"]

Unknown number. I'm just saying, marrying into the Fortner family ain't a bad deal. It's a dream come true for many. I fought for this for your sake, you should thank me."]

Sandra raised her, hoping to cash in on her one day She wouldn't let Astrid out of her clutches easily.

Well, she could be in for a disappointment this time

Anyone who tried to mess with her had better be ready for a fight. Did Sandro really think she could bully Astrid into submission with threats? How nalve,

Gracie got home Astnd watched her go inside, then turned to head home

Herself.

The sky was overcast, like a storm was brewing. Just as Astrid reached her apartment complex, she saw a fire truck pull In. Before she could make out whose house was on fire, her neighbor came running over with

her dog

Seeing Astrid, she rushed over and gripped her hand tightly, crying out, "Thank God, Astild, you weren't home! As long as no one's hurt..."

Whatever she said next, Astrid didn't catch, She went around the building and saw her own apartment up in flames.

She had planned to go home and figure out who was messing with her, but now, everything the owned was toast.

As soon as her landlord saw her, he started yelling, "Officer, it's her! She rented my place and now it's on fire. She has to pay me!"

"I'm her neighbor, my place got damaged too. She has to payl❞

"And what about my emotional distress?"

People started crowding around Astrid angrily. Her neighbor stepped in, pulling Astrid behind her, "What's wrong with you all? The police haven't even figured out what caused the fire. Maybe it was arson. This girl's a victim too!"

But they didn't listen and just kept laying Into Astrid, "What about us? Look at her clothes, so cheap. Our area's getting gentrified, and she's clearly trying to lure the men here!"

"She's clearly up to no good!"

"She looks like a floozy!"

"Oh, I knew it! My husband can't keep his eyes off her when he sees her on the street!!