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?”

hit harder than

blend of disdain and mock concern. “You couldn’t even carry a Parker heir to term, and instead of

too busy

chaos

herself. And you went crying to my brother

I felt my lips curve into a slight smile. “When did

who complained,

laughed. Of course Blake hadn’t told them about the night The Underground, about his rage when he found about his desperate attempt to… I pushed

here.

you, I’d get a divorce, pack my things

1/3

12 Pack Your Things and

almost neprising

perfectly manicured hand free halfway to her han What do we mean? Are gros atendy

you

said, watching her expression shift from one to shock fut he didn’t want us to Pharbel For been done with that damn title for a while

my

bock, clearly thrown off balance by thy

vision of tasteful opolence when I finally tered. If red with the Bind of praefied algae that only old money could boy. The usual suspects were all here board members pretending to anjoy small talk, socialites comparing iwelry, young heirs plotting their next scandal. Across the room, I could te take and Laurel holding

!” A familiar voice cut through my

recognized James Collins making

you again.” His smile was warm, genuine everything the Parker

my voice steady. “What brings

“Drew the short straw to represent as at Mr Witham Parker’s birthday.

churned in my stomach. James didn’t know about my marriage to Blake – no one from our

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

answer, he continued, “Did you hear? Mr. Parker just launched Rose Jewelry under Parker Group. With their backing. they Il be a major player in our industry

Laurel could Blake be