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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Chapter 136

her try on something like this?” She gestured toward

I liked it,” I remarked, my voice deliberately light and

“Brother, have you lost your

a blank stare.

up an octave. “Both Laurel and

at me. “Yet she has

cared about your brother’s finances,” I replied, smoothing the

times

drain his accounts every day. What right do you have to criticize

as my dress. “I’m his

a finger in my direction. “You’re divorced! Stop

practiced gentle voice. “Miss Sinclair, when you divorced Blake darling, you chose

didn’t matter

they do… why act so noble during the divorce? Was it

cameras?”

Sinclair, do you really need to be like this? Blake only tolerates these demands out

reality. She knew nothing about what Blake and I had discussed, yet could fabricate a whole narrative making me seem like

my ex–husband.

hesitant voice broke through the

choose a dress…”

toward Blake. “She didn’t

”

member quickly slapped a hand over her

Blake, her expression suddenly uncertain. “You… actively offered to buy Miss

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“Yes. You know she’s attending

“Is red… appropriate for Miss

smiled, a hint of challenge in my eyes. “Why wouldn’t it be appropriate? I think it’s

WI

hit her me in vibrant red 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, I’d make damn sure

tired of the bickering. “Enough,”

saleswoman. “I’ll take all three dresses they’re

Mr. Parker!” The saleswoman

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

Blake’s POV

stood calmly with her shopping