StartNovelChapter 26
Thank you for everything you've done for me, William, | said slowly, feeling tears threaten. I'll always be grateful
for your kindness. Though | may tid longer be part of this family, you'll forever be in my heart.”
William’s hand trembled in mine as Charles approached with the medication. Without hesitation, | reached up
and took the pills from the butter’s Hand,
“These are new,” | observed, studying the tablets before popping them into my mouth. “Fruit-flavored vitamin B
complex. Larger than last times,
The room wenteadly quiet.
“How did you...” William started, then stopped as | pulled an envelope from my purse.
“Your latest health report, | said, placing it on the coffee table. | had three different specialists review it. You're in
perfect health for your age, William.
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The color in William's face shifted from sickly white to embarrassed red.
“You know, William,” | said softly, my lips curving into a gentle smile, “you don’t have to keep up this act. No
more fake heart attacks to makestay
“This isn’t semotional outburst or rash decision,” | continued, keeping my voice level. “I've spent a long
tthinking about this. It’s tto set us both free.
William seemed to age before my eyes, all pretense dropping away as he closed his eyes with a heavy sigh. ‘Still
the sstubborn girl who walked into my grandson’s hospital room three years ago, aren't you?” His voice
carried a mix of fondness and resignation. “Sthings never change.”
When he opened his eyes again, they were suspiciously bright. “Audrey...” he paused, his voice rougher than
usual. “You were everything | could have wanted in a granddaughter.”
“Maybe that’s the problem,” he added, shooting Blake a disappointed look. “You and my grandson... perhaps it
wasn’t meant to be. God knows he doesn’t deserve someone like you.”
He reached for a tissue, his hands trembling slightly as he dabbed at his eyes. | always imagined you'd be here,
running this family when I'm too old to...
I'm sorry, William, | thought, The cancer had already decided | wouldn't be here to see anyone grow old.
After composing himself, William fixed Blake with a hard stare. “You screwed this up, boy. The least you can do is
give her the divorce she wants.” His voice dropped, heavy with finality. “Let her go.”
“Today,” | said quickly, seizing the moment. My fingers twisted in my dress, trying to hide their trembling. “We
can do it today.”
| couldn't risk any delays. Not when Blake might change his mind, not when my twas running out like sand
through an hourglass.
“Getting divorced today?” Laurel's voice rose with barely concealed delight before she caught herself. Her face
quickly turned into one of concern. “Oh, what a terrible shame...”
‘A shame?” William's laugh could have cut glass. “That's rich, coming from you. Tell me, Miss Rose, would they
be signing divorce papers if you hadn't slithered back into town?”
Laurel's mask cracked as she ducked her head, one hand flying to her chest in her signature gesture of distress.
“That's enough. Blake stepped forward, his jaw tight. “Leave Laurel out of this. The divorce is between Audrey
and me.”
“Leave her out of it?” William's voice rose dangerously. “The woman who wormed her way back into your life and
systematically destroyed your marriage? I'm showing remarkable restraint by not having Charles throw her out
on her clad behind!”
He turned away from Blake in disgust. “Since you're all so eager to protect precious Miss Rose, stop wasting time
and get those divorce papers signed!”
‘Let Audrey be free!”
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