Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Audrey’s POV

The evening air carried a hint of chill as Ethan and I reached my apartment complex. The exhaustion from our hospital encounter with Blake and Laurel still lingered. Just as we approached the entrance, my phone buzzed with Dr. Evans‘ name lighting up the screen.

Audrey.” Her voice carried an unusual tension. “Remember that patient who wanted to use the same experimental treatment as you?”

My fingers tightened around the phone. “Yes, what’s wrong?”

“This… lady. She’s here at Mayo Clinic and wants to meet with you…”

“I’m sorry, but I have an emergency to deal with.” I refused directly, my patience wearing thin at the mere thought of this mysterious collaboration proposal.

Dr. Evans‘ hesitation was audible through the phone. “Audrey, she’s quite…” She trailed off, clearly uncomfortable with the implied pressure from above.

“Look, I softened my tone, knowing this wasn’t her fault. “Just tell her I’m at the police station right now – my child is missing. The lie slipped out smoothly, born of desperation. “I’m sure someone of her… standing can understand that takes precedence.”

A beat of silence. She can have her lawyers reach out another time.” I added pointedly, “That was the original plan this morning, wasn’t it?”

“I…” Dr. Evans sighed, her voice showing her understanding and concern. “Yes, of course. I’ll let her know. And Audrey? I truly hope you find your… child. Don’t lose hope.”

my child, so I understood that she was trying to comfort me. “Thank you,” I managed, the

The excuse wasn’t entirely a lie – Snow was as close to a

at Ethan by my side, “Come

lamp. A hint of amusement played at the corners

to.”

“Is it wrong to tell a white lie to avoid people I don’t want

so easily, why didn’t you

question hit closer to home than I would have liked.

all over him. Why can’t you have someone new by

no point.” I shook

a playful challenge. “Maybe

cold laugh

his coma two years

God I wasn’t sure I believed in anymore. I’d seen every moment of his vulnerability, every

had bound me to him were exactly what made it impossible for him to love me. The closer I’d tried to be, the

if you won’t even try?”