Chapter 7: Maybe I Should Have Chosen James

Audrey’s POV

Mayo Clinic’s VIP wing was quiet the next morning, and the early glow of dawn stretched long shadows across the pristine floor. I lay in the hospital bed, trying not to think about the experimental drug coursing through my veins, when the image of Blake tenderly holding Laurel in his arms last night popped into my mind.

His gentleness with her was everything it had never been with me. Five years of wondering if he was capable of such tenderness, and now I knew the truth – he just never chose to be gentle with me.

I remembered standing there, James’s navy jacket still warm around my shoulders, as I almost forgot the pain brought by Blake’s impact while seeing his retreating figure.

I ignored curious whispers from passing guests filled the air and shared opinions with the group of senior jewelry designers.

After that, I received a call from Dr. Evans. The urgency in her voice, the promise of an experimental treatment… I still remembered gripping the column for support as I listened. And that was why I managed to end up here so hurriedly.

My thoughts were interrupted as Astrid burst into the room with her usual dramatic flair.

“Breakfast delivery!” She held up a paper bag from my favorite café. “And don’t you dare say you’re not hungry.”

“You didn’t have to…”

“Of course I had to.” She pulled up a chair, her expression turning serious. “Now, want to explain why you rushed back from LA in the middle of the night for some experimental treatment?”

I picked at the croissant she’d brought, avoiding her eyes. “The timing was crucial. It’s a new drug for repairing post-miscarriage uterine damage. Very limited supply, so I couldn’t wait.”

to do with a certain CEO

course not,” I smiled, deliberately changing the

for you. By the way, you got back pretty late last night… Must have been hard to get a flight

“Mm.”

“James contacted his friends at the airline. That’s how I managed to

know,” Astrid said softly. “He messaged me first thing this morning, asking me to take good care of you. Remember how he used to help you with all those

despite myself. “He

was head over heels for you. Still is, if you ask me.” She paused, watching me carefully. “You know, if you hadn’t met Blake, you might already be with James. Feeling regretful

here now, dying in a hospital bed, if I’d chosen differently?

a small bite of my croissant, my voice oddly detached. “Yes. Very regretful. Maybe I

of him, hadn’t clung to this hopeless marriage for three

late to regret now,

little time I had left, Astrid smiled encouragingly. “You still have a long

back the bitterness rising in my throat. “James is wonderful, it’s just that

door suddenly slammed

doorway, his expression thunderous.

through the

was on her feet instantly. “How dare you barge

“Tell me, Audrey. Since James is so wonderful,

you the time of day? Hell, even Laurel hightailed it to Europe on an overnight flight! If it hadn’t been for

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