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.

please!” Her voice showed her false concern as she positioned herself between us. “We’re all family here- can’t wa talk this

her words, as her presence between us was just another calculated move – while pretending to mediate, she

encouraged her daughter. “There’s no need for that! She needs to learn her place

and shrieks erupted from the crowd below. Ignoring the searing pain in my stomach, I summoned every ounce of strength I had left and wrenched my body

they gripped my arms. In that chaotic moment, Thalia’s slap landed squarely across Laurel’s face instead of mine. The next moment, a thin line of blood appeared at the corner

horrified cry could have won heran

to send me stumbling into one of the ballrooms marble pillars. The 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

blood. Through tears I didn’t remember shedding, I watched Blake carry Laurel away, his touch so gentle it made my heart ache. The last thing I say before darkness claimed me was James Collins running toward me,

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19: Remaining Time Is Too

my eyes as I struggled to consciousness. The familiar antiseptic smell red

eyes fluttered open, he pressed the call button. Thank God.” he muttered, relief evident in his voice. “You’ve been

throat fell taw. The

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

didn’t reply, instinctively trying to pull my hand away from his, but his grip was firm. My silence answered his

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

illness, what the Parkers

to find a

seeing what he did to you, I felt…” He paused, looking at me intently. “You’re making

my lips into a