Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 2: Three Years Is Enough

Audrey’s POV

Something soft brushed against my cheek. Snow. My vision slowly cleared as my cat’s concerned blue eyes came into focus. My bathroom floor was cold beneath me, and the metallic taste in my mouth told me everything I needed to know about how long I’d been unconscious.

Through the window, I could see the afternoon sun shine on me – I must have been out for over an hour since returning from Mayo Clinic. Snow meowed softly, headbutting my hand. I tried to push myself up, but my arms gave way, sending me back onto the cold tiles.

The sharp click of leather shoes interrupted my second attempt to stand. Then his voice, cold and cutting:

“Stop playing victim here, Audrey Sinclair.”

I didn’t need to look up to know Blake was standing in my bathroom doorway, radiating that particular brand of contempt he reserved just for me.

I watched as Blake gracefully settled himself on the sofa, leaning back with studied casualness as his eyes fixed on my pale face. “Laurel’s career in the States is just taking off. If news of her visit to the obstetrics department gets out…”

“How is that my problem?” The bitter laugh that escaped me surprised even myself. My lips curved into a mocking smile. “As your legal wife who just lost our child, I have to maintain appearances for your Hollywood mistress?”

So that’s why he’d bothered to come here, leaving his precious Laurel behind. He was worried I might expose her hospital visit and damage her pristine image.

“Watch your mouth.” His voice turned to ice at my use of the word ‘mistress’. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

I stared directly at him, enunciating each word with deliberate clarity. “I’m saying if Laurel’s so concerned about her image, maybe she shouldn’t be playing mistress, shouldn’t be getting gynecological problems, and shouldn’t be visiting Mayo Clinic’s obstetrics department.”

Blake’s eyes narrowed dangerously, his fury dropping the room temperature several degrees. “When you married me, you knew Laurel was always in my heart. Yet you still used my coma to manipulate Grandfather into arranging our marriage.”

“How dare you call her a mistress?” he spat. “What right do you have?”

A bitter smile touched my lips. “You’re right. I was wrong back then.”

I met his gaze steadily. “Then let’s make it the last line I cross. Let’s get divorced.”

Something flickered in his eyes – surprise? Uncertainty? But his voice remained cold. “What game are you playing this time, Audrey?”

shook my head slowly. “No more games. I’m just…

ask for divorce.” His lips curled into a sneer. “What’s next? Running

The words came out stronger

disbelief. “Then why does

like a person rather than an inconvenience? But I

enough,

transformation was immediate – his entire demeanor changed as

feeling well,” he muttered,

course she isn’t.” The words slipped out before I

back, eyes flashing.

I’d left

was

But he was gone, the

sank onto the sofa, the divorce papers scattered where Blake had dropped them. My hand trembled slightly

signed my name, each stroke a goodbye to five years of one-sided love. Then I reached for my phone and dialed a familiar

I need your

is in LA?” Her playful tone came through

the

line went quiet for a moment. When she spoke again, her voice was gentle. “Come

“Astrid…”

Her tone was soft but firm.

at Snow, who was still curled up against me.

my place is always open

“Thanks, Astrid.”

packing an overnight bag. Maybe she was right – I didn’t

Blake’s POV

Later,

Four Seasons Los Angeles ballroom buzzed with the elite of the jewelry industry beneath me. From my vantage point on the second floor VIP section, their excited chatter melted into white noise as I closed my eyes, letting Michael

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