Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 12: Pack Your Things and Leave

Audrey’s POV

The red traffic light glowed above St. Regis Hotel like a warning beacon, New York’s elite pouring into the hotel in an endless stream. William’s birthday celebration promised to be anything but the simple affair he’d requested when your grandson is CEO of Parker Group, “simple” becomes a relative term.

I stood at the crosswalk, clutching my carefully chosen gift. The pair in my abdomen had subsided to a dull ache, manageable. enough that Dr. Evans had reluctantly cleared me to attend.

A sleek black luxury car pulled up to the hotel entrance, drawing my attention. The valet rushed to open both doors simultaneously. and my heart clenched as Blake and Laurel emerged in perfect synchronization. Their matching outfits – her royal blue velvet gown and his bespoke suit of the same shade- caught the light of the setting sun. They looked like something out of a fashion magazine spread; the powerful CEO and his Hollywood princess.

“Isn’t that Laurel Rose?” A woman’s excited whisper carried across the street. “The actress who just got back from Europe?”

Yes, with Blake Parker!” Her companion replied. “It’s his grandfathers birthday he’s introducing her to the firmily.”

“I heard they’ve known each other for ages. They must be discussing marriage plans now.”

“Look at their matching

ing outfits – they’re so in love…”

So in love. The words echoed in my mind as I watched as Laurel gracefully slip her arm through Blake’s, his hand resting protectively at the small of her back. How many times had I dreamed of walking beside him like that? In three years of marriage, Blake and I had never worn matching anything. In public. I was always just another face in the crowd, a stranger he might nnd to in passing.

Was this marriage just your way of punishing me, Blake? The thought surfaced unbidden as I watched them disappear Three years of hiding, of tiptoeing around his moods, of being the perfect secret wife… and for what?

into the hotel.

in the

The screech of tires interrupted my thoughts. A red car Blake’s birthday gift to his sister two years ago – pulled up to entrance. Thalia Parker stepped out, an obviously high–ended dress on her body.

Her eyes found me immediately. “Well, if it isn’t my sister–in–law. Her voice dripped honey–coated venom. “Heard you lost the baby

recently?”

cruelty of her words hit harder than I expected. “How did you

concern. “You couldn’t even carry a Parker heir to term, and instead of facing consequences, you had

too

causing chaos in our

continued, clearly enjoying herself. And

felt my lips curve into

the one who complained,

about his

here.

you, I’d get

1/3

Pack Your Things and

over mas almost neprising Has de no old mothing shout or

free halfway to her han What do we mean? Are gros

you

shift from one to shock fut he

my

clearly thrown off balance by thy responce for once,

boy. The usual suspects were all here board members pretending to anjoy small

voice cut through my

James Collins making his way toward me

you again.” His smile was warm, genuine everything

my

partnership with Parker Group,” he explained with a self–deprecating laugh. “Drew the short straw to represent as at Mr Witham Parker’s birthday. You know my

as anxiety churned in my stomach. James didn’t know about my marriage to Blake – no one from our college days did. To them, I was still

about you?” he asked. “Are you here representing your

launched Rose Jewelry under Parker Group. With their backing. they Il be a major player in our

throat tightened slightly. A jewelry company named after Laurel could Blake be any more