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?”

slowly. “No more games.

pregnancy, then you ask for divorce.” His lips curled into a sneer.

about you.” The words came out stronger than

tone showed his disbelief. “Then why does he always

one in your family who treated me like a person

years is enough,

could respond, his phone buzzed. The transformation was immediate

he muttered,

slipped out before I could stop

flashing. “What’s that supposed to

left

this later.” He was

nothing to discuss.” But he was gone, the door slamming

I sank onto the sofa, the divorce papers scattered where Blake had dropped them. My hand trembled slightly as I picked up a pen. Someone had to take the first step. Someone had to

of one-sided love. Then I reached for my phone and dialed a

I need your

you have any idea what time it is in LA?” Her playful tone came

the divorce

moment. When she spoke again, her voice was gentle. “Come stay

“Astrid…”

tone was soft but firm.

who was still curled up against me. “Can

know my place is always open for both of

“Thanks, Astrid.”

bag. Maybe she was right –

Blake’s POV

Week Later, 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

quarter projections show a 15% increase in…” Michael’s voice trailed