Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO

Chapter 12: Pack Your Things and Leave

Audrey's POV

The red traffic light glowed above St. Regis Hotel like a warning beacon, New York's elite pouring into the hotel in

an endless stream. William's birthday celebration promised to be anything but the simple affair he'd requested

when your grandson is CEO of Parker Group, “simple” becomes a relative term.

| stood at the crosswalk, clutching my carefully chosen gift. The pair in my abdomen had subsided to a dull ache,

manageable. enough that Dr. Evans had reluctantly clearedto attend.

A sleek black luxury car pulled up to the hotel entrance, drawing my attention. The valet rushed to open both

doors simultaneously. and my heart clenched as Blake and Laurel emerged in perfect synchronization. Their

matching outfits - her royal blue velvet gown and his bespoke suit of the sshade- caught the light of the

setting sun. They looked like something out of a fashion magazine spread; the powerful CEO and his Hollywood

princess.

“Isn't that Laurel Rose?” A woman's excited whisper carried across the street. “The actress who just got back

from Europe?”

Yes, with Blake Parker!” Her companion replied. “It’s his grandfathers birthday he’s introducing her to the

firmily.”

“I heard they've known each other for ages. They must be discussing marriage plans now.”

“Look at their matching

ing outfits - they're so in love...”

So in love. The words echoed in my mind as | watched as Laurel gracefully slip her arm through Blake's, his hand

resting protectively at the small of her back. How many times had | dreamed of walking beside him like that? In

three years of marriage, Blake and | had never worn matching anything. In public. | was always just another face

in the crowd, a stranger he might nnd to in passing.

Was this marriage just your way of punishing me, Blake? The thought surfaced unbidden as | watched them

disappear Three years of hiding, of tiptoeing around his moods, of being the perfect secret wife... and for what?

into the hotel.

in the

The screech of tires interrupted my thoughts. A red car Blake's birthday gift to his sister two years ago - pulled

up to entrance. Thalia Parker stepped out, an obviously high-ended dress on her body.

Her eyes foundimmediately. “Well, if it isn’t my sister-in-law. Her voice dripped honey-coated venom.

“Heard you lost the baby

recently?”

The casual cruelty of her words hit harder than | expected. “How did you know?”

She crossed her arms, her expression a perfect blend of disdain and mock concern. “You couldn't even carry a

Parker heir to term, and instead of facing consequences, you had the nerve to ask my brother to send Mother's

staff to care for you.”

“Mother was too busy to remember

it, causing chaos in our family.”

Our request,” she continued, clearly enjoying herself. And you went crying to my brother about

Something’clicked in my mind. So that’s what this is about. I felt my lips curve into a slight smile. “When did this

happen?”

“You te the one who complained, shouldn't you know?”

| almost laughed. Of course Blake hadn't told them about the night The Underground, about his rage when he

found about his desperate attempt to... | pushed the memory away.

here.

You saw how loving my brother and Laurel are, right?” Thalia’s voice turned sickeningly sweet. “If | were you, I'd

get a divorce, pack my things and leave now. Better than being thrown out like a stray later.”

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Chapter 12 Pack Your Things and Leave

The calm that settled over mas almost neprising Has de no old mothing shout or di

Her perfectly manicured hand free halfway to her han What do we mean? Are gros atendy dreads

you

Ive signed all the papers, | said, watching her expression shift from one to shock fut he didn’t want us to Pharbel

For been done with that damn title for a while now

my

Thalia took a step bock, clearly thrown off balance by thy responce for once, the seemed at a loss for words

The grand ballroom was a vision of tasteful opolence when I finally tered. If red with the Bind of praefied algae

that only old money could boy. The usual suspects were all here board members pretending to anjoy small talk,

socialites comparing iwelry, young heirs plotting their next scandal. Across the room, | could te take and Laurel

holding court among admiting colations and

“Audrey !” A familiar voice cut through my observations.

| turned around, my heart sinking as 1 recognized James Collins making his way towardthrough the creed,

“Good to see you again.” His smile was warm, genuine everything the Parker family’s werent.

“James,” | managed, trying to keep my voice steady. “What brings you here?

“Cartier’s partnership with Parker Group,” he explained with a self-deprecating laugh. “Drew the short straw to

represent as at Mr Witham Parker's birthday. You know my luck.”

| forced a small smile, even as anxiety churned in my stomach. James didn’t know about my marriage to Blake -

no one from our college days did. To them, | was still just Audrey Sinclair, the quiet design student who'd

disappeared into the corporate world after graduation.

“What about you?” he asked. “Are you here representing your company?”

Before | could answer, he continued, “Did you hear? Mr. Parker just launched Rose Jewelry under Parker Group.

With their backing. they Il be a major player in our industry soon.”

My throat tightened slightly. A jewelry company named after Laurel could Blake be any more obvious about his

intentions?

“When we switched dance partners in LA, James mused, “I had no idea who they were. If I'd known, | wouldn't

have missed the chance to network with Mr. Parker and Miss Rose.”

| watched his face carefully, but saw only genuine professional interest. No hint that he knew about my

connection to Blake. Why would he? Our marriage had been hidden from the world for three years.

“Audrey,” James's voice took on a playful tone, “Con, Let's go say hella.”

He grabbed my arm and started walking purposefully toward Blake and Laurel, Mr. Parker had quite a few

interactions with you last time. He should remember you.”

| felt my brows knit together tightly as | tried to resist, keeping my voice low. “I don’t want to...”

“You were always so shy in

y in college,” James's voice was g

Connections are important.”

gentle as he continued pullingforward. “That won't work in our industry.

The ballroom was filled with Parker family relatives and business partners many of whom knew my true identity.

Not wanting to draw attention, | could only struggle slightly.

Perhaps he genuinely wanted to assistin my career, and | could break free from his grip at all. Before | knew

it, the two of us

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Chapter 12: Pack Your Things and Leave

were almost in front of Blake. Looking at that familiar face, | gave up struggling.

Blake had already stopped chatting with the people around him. His eyes were fixed intently on James's hand on

my arm. His face was tense, and the emotions in his eyes were beyond my comprehension.

By his side, Laurel, who had her arm linked with his, noticed Blake's gaze and turned her head as well.

In that instant, | could clearly see the surprise on her face, which w then replaced by an unmaskable look of

excitement.

She parted her lips slightly. “Audrey Sinclair? Good to see you here.”