Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 3: Would You Like to Dance with Me?

Blake’s POV

“Impossible.” The word came automatically. Audrey was supposed to be at home, resting from her convenient illness. Besides, she’d never –

The thought died as I followed Michael’s finger. There, in the center of the dance floor, was my wife.

The dress she wore was a deep, burning red, cut with the precision and elegance that marked the work of Europe’s finest couturiers. It hugged her figure in a way that made my throat go dry, the material flowing like liquid fire with each step of the waltz. Her dark hair was styled in elegant waves, framing a face that looked both familiar and foreign.

This wasn’t the carefully composed Mrs. Parker who tiptoed around my family’s mansion. This was a side of Audrey Sinclair I’d never seen before – confident, radiant, almost defiant.

She was leading her dance partner through the steps with practiced ease. An unknown man in a black suit, his dancing notably less polished than hers. My eyes narrowed at the sight of his hand resting just a bit too low on her back, and the polite smile playing on her lips. I stood up abruptly, and Michael was a bit stunned. “Sir – ”

I ignored him, already striding toward the stairs. The burning anger in my chest demanded immediate confrontation.

“Blake, darling!”

The sugary-sweet voice cut through my rising anger like a silk-wrapped knife. Laurel stood at the top of the grand staircase, a vision in white. She glided closer, her smile camera-perfect as always.

“Laurel? What brings you to LA?” I found myself asking, momentarily distracted from my intended confrontation.

that practiced mix of casualness and charm. “When I heard about tonight’s gala with all these jewelry designers and merchants, I simply had to come. I’m looking for some pieces

she glanced toward the dance floor. “And when I saw everyone dancing downstairs… I was just thinking how unfortunate it is not to

still moving gracefully with her unknown partner. The sight of her exposed neck as she

you like to dance with me?” Laurel’s hand

nodded, more out of habit than desire.

I noticed Audrey had switched partners again – now dancing with a man in a navy suit. James

one who’d helped her a lot and

familiarity, close enough now

Collins was

Audrey replied, her voice carrying a warmth I hadn’t heard in weeks. “Though jewelry design has taken a

talent was

closer, steering us within better hearing

carrying a delicate mix of concern and disdain. “Almost like she’s celebrating something. Though after what

The mention of the hospital brought back the image

Laurel’s voice softened with practiced concern.

together,” Laurel continued, lowering her eyes demurely. “That’s probably why she’s dancing with

nothing between us.” The words came out like ice, even as my

publicly, was she deliberately flaunting herself before me? The thought sent a surge of anger through my chest. The same woman who’d spent three years carefully guarding our secret was now dancing with abandon, drawing every eye in