Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 136

Audrey’s POV

The red dress hugged my body perfectly. Standing before the full–length mirror, I barely recognized myself. The ruby embellishments caught the light with every movement, making the dress seem

alive.

“Audrey Sinclair, I’m talking to you! Are you deaf?” Thalia’s voice cut through the boutique, sharp and impatient.

I ignored her, smoothing the fabric over my hips. With only three months left to live, why shouldn’t I be bold? The vibrant red made my skin glow against my newly cut short hair.

“What, gone mute now too?” she snapped, her reflection glaring at me in the mirror.

Rachel’s voice echoed in my memory: “You were born to wear red, Audrey.”

I thought about when the Sinclairs found me – their biological daughter who’d been switched at birth. They brought me home from my small town, but I always felt then comparing me to the girl. who’d grown up in my place – Victoria Sinclair. I never quite measured up.

Back then, I wore grays and blacks, trying to disappear in crowds. It was Rachel who dragged me into that department store, insisting I try on that first red dress.

“Don’t let being raised in a small town make you feel inferior,” she’d said, her eyes bright with certainty. “You’re a Sinclair by blood – it’s not your fault you were switched at birth.”

She squeezed my shoulders as I’d stood nervously in that first red dress. “They prefer that fake daughter because they’re blind. It’s not your failure.”

“You should be beautiful and vibrant,” she’d insisted. “Let everyone see you!”

The memory brought a bittersweet ache. If Rachel could see me now, vibrant in red rather than hiding in the background, she’d be thrilled.

“Hello? Earth to Audrey!” Thalia’s voice grew louder, breaking through my thoughts.

I turned slightly, running a hand through my short hair, and gave her a dismissive glance.

“Thalia, I asked her to try it on Blake’s voice was firm and calm. “Don’t forget, she’s attending tomorrow’s ceremony.”

Thalia snorted. “Brother, she’s your–ex–wife now.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s one thing to invite her to your ceremony tomorrow, but

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like this?” She

it to me if I liked

“Brother, have

stare. “It’s just

the store!” Thalia’s voice went up an octave. “Both Laurel and I thought it

at me. “Yet

brother’s finances,” I replied, smoothing the dress, “you wouldn’t

a boutique where everything costs five times what it should.

his accounts every day. What

red as my dress. “I’m his actual

direction. “You’re

stepped forward with her practiced gentle voice. “Miss Sinclair, when you divorced Blake darling, you chose to leave with nothing.” She tilted her head with fake concern. “I thought

matter

act so noble during the divorce? Was it

cameras?”

narrowed slightly. “Miss Sinclair, do you really need to be like this? Blake

to admire her skill at twisting reality. She knew nothing about what Blake and I had discussed, yet could fabricate a whole narrative making me seem

my ex–husband.

broke through the tension.

choose a dress…”

“She didn’t ask for anything. She

”

quickly slapped a hand over her colleague’s mouth and pulled her

uncertain.

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Chapter 136

without hesitation. “Yes.

“Is red… appropriate for Miss Sinclair

challenge in my eyes. “Why wouldn’t it be appropriate?

WI

while she wore white at her engagement. I’d steal attention just by existing. Which was exactly my plan. If Blake wanted his ex–wife at his proposal,

rubbed his temples, clearly tired of

take all three

Mr. Parker!” The saleswoman practically skipped toward the

much,” I said with mock sweetness, gathering–the dress

Blake’s POV

her shopping bag.