Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 19: Remaining Time Is Too Long?

Audrey’s POV

I stood motionless, watching Rebecca and Thalia approaching me step by step. My teeth dug into my lower lip as I tried to steady myself. The evening had already drained so much of my energy, and now my stomach felt like it was being twisted by invisible

hands.

hist standing here with my spine straight took almost all the strength I had left. How could I possibly defend myself against these

Twol

Everything seemed to slow down. I caught Blake’s movement from the corner of my eye–a half–step in my direction, an aborted gesture of protection that died the moment Laurel’s voice cut through the tension.

“Thalia, Rebecca!” Her breathy cry was perfectly timed, perfectly phed. I watched as she pressed one manicured hand to her stomach, her gown highlighting her dramatic swoon. “Oh… it hurts.

Blake’s attention shifted instantly as he turned to Laurel. The concere in his eyes was so palpable and unfamiliar alright? Where does it hurt? Should I call a doctor?”

to me. “Are you

The scene burned into my vision, but I had no time to process the pan it caused. Rebecca and Thalia were already in front of me, their faces twisted with fury. Rebecca grabbed both my hands, pinning them down, while Thalia raised her palm high above her head and slapped on my face with a sharp crack.

It somehow cut through all the noise of the ballroom. The entire hall fell into an unnatural silence. I could see the guests starting to whisper and point, their words lost in the buzzing that had taken over my mind.

I watched as Blake’s body suddenly went rigid. And in that same instant, Laurel – who had been playing the delicate invalid just seconds ago – rushed forward with surprising agility.

showed her false concern as she positioned herself

into laughter against her words, as her presence between us was just another calculated move – while pretending to mediate, she helped Rebecca hold

tightened further as she encouraged her daughter. “There’s no need for that! She needs to learn her place in

raise her hand again, and gasps and shrieks erupted from the crowd below. Ignoring the searing pain in my stomach, I summoned every ounce of

violent that it pulled both Rebecca and Laurel off balance as they gripped my arms. In that chaotic moment, Thalia’s slap landed

bleeding!” Rebecca’s horrified cry could have

Impact sent shockwaves of pain through my abdomen, but I couldn’t look away from the sight of him gathering Laurel into his arms, cradling her as if she were made

touch so gentle it made my heart ache. The last thing I say before darkness claimed me was James Collins running toward me, panic written

1/3

Time Is

my eyes as I struggled to consciousness. The familiar antiseptic smell red with something else expensive

watching for signs of waking because the mommy eyes fluttered open, he pressed the call button. Thank God.” he muttered, relief evident

speak, but my throat fell taw. The pain in my stomach

easy, lames moved closer to my bed, teaching mat to

instinctively trying to pull my hand away from his, but his grip

out a soft breath, but his brows remained deeply furrowed Even

what the

boss specifically asked me to find a chance to get close to Blake, build a good relationship for

did to you, I felt…” He paused, looking at me

lips into