Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 81

Audrey’s Pov

Mayo Clinics private rooms were designed to soothe with their muted colors and soft lighting. But watching Laurel’s theatrical performance from my chair. I felt anything but soothed. A strange calm settled over me instead the kind that comes with having nothing left to lose.

“Still playing the devoted patient?” I crossed my legs, studying her pristine appearance. ‘It’s been a month since your grand return from Europe. Blake still hasn’t finalized our divorce. My lips curved into a smile that seemed to catch her off guard. Performance not quite landing the way you hoped?

Three years of playing the perfect Mrs. Parker, swallowing every insult with a dignified smile, had taught me exactly how to make each word count. With death already marking my calendar, why bother with niceties?

The change in Laurel was instant. Color flooded her previously ashen cheeks as she dropped the fragile patient act. ‘You’re the one who missed the divorce appointment!” She pushed herself up, healthcare performance forgotten. ‘Iliding in hospitals to avoid signing papers, and now you dare mock me?”

“Hiding?” I kept my voice light. “Interesting theory. Though if Blake was truly eager to divorce me, he’d have rescheduled immediately. Yet this morning. let the implication hang.

Laurel’s perfectly manicured hands twisted in the sheets. “You won’t be Mrs. Parker much longer,” she hissed. ‘Blake will divorce you this week.”

She was right, of course. I’d overheard enough to know that Blake had already reserved the venue and cake for his proposal to Laurel. He would definitely seek me out for divorce this week. So I wanted to take this opportunity, while still legally married, to give myself some satisfaction. After all, I wouldn’t be around to enjoy the aftermath much longer.

“He’ll give me the most lavish proposal New York has ever seen!” Her eyes raked over me with calculated disdain. “Unlike your pathetic little wedding while he was in a coma.”

She leaned forward, her voice filled with malice. “That’s what happens when you force a man who doesn’t love you to marry you. Even carrying his child couldn’t save you – you lost that too, didn’t you?”

The jab about my lost child hit harder than I wanted to admit. For a moment, the hospital air felt thick with memories – blood on pristine tiles, Blake’s cold disbelief, a future crumbling like sand between my fingers.

Karma’s a bitch, I thought grimly. But with three months left to live, what was the point of playing nice?

I took a deep breath, not wanting to continue this topic.

cold smile formed on my lips as I looked at her vibrant, healthy appearance. “Sometimes actors get so deep into their roles, it becomes reality. Keep playing

yawned dismissively. “I’m just practicing my craft

you come here to apologize to me?” She pointed to the floor with

think.” I leaned back in my chair, amused by

you for sending him away. I was worried

–

tightened. “What do

I’ll make sure Blake releases

pulled out my phone, watching her widened eyes. “Want to hear

see? Your husband would do anything for

face as her own voice echoed back. Gone was the delicate invalid, replaced by something altogether more

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Chapter 81

me?” Each word trembled

Rose, I cut her off. A cold laugh escaped me. “What do you think Blake 4 reaction would be if he knew you’ve heen biking your lifnatt

you, she whispered, each word trembling with fury. You’re full of schemes. How

playback. “You crashed into me at the track, pushed

give that recording to Blake, I’ll make sure you pay even if it costs me

over me, threats had lost their power. “Keep your act if you want, but stay out of my way. Otherwise, this goes public.” I met her

us like a living thing. Finally, Laurel sank back

need my apology

she murmured, almost speaking through

back. Laurel was already repositioning her oxygen mask, transforming back into the perfect patient. The performance would have been impressive if it