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?”

head slowly. “No

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

him about you.” The words came out stronger than

His tone showed his disbelief. “Then why does he always take

in your family who treated me like a person rather than an inconvenience? But I said none of that. Instead, I just

enough, don’t

could respond, his phone buzzed. The transformation was immediate – his entire demeanor changed as he

feeling well,” he

course she isn’t.” The words slipped

whirled back, eyes flashing. “What’s that supposed

divorce papers I’d left on the

He was already striding toward

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

where Blake had dropped them. My hand trembled slightly as I picked up a pen. Someone had to take the first step.

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

I need your

Her playful tone came through the phone, but quickly shifted when

signed the divorce

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

“Astrid…”

was soft

at Snow, who was still curled up against me. “Can I

know my place is always

“Thanks, Astrid.”

and started packing an overnight bag. Maybe she was right – I didn’t have to face

Blake’s POV

Week Later,

Four Seasons Los Angeles ballroom buzzed with the elite of the jewelry industry beneath me. From my vantage point on the second

show a 15%