Chapter 23
Audrey’s POV
The moment Blake answered. William’s thunderous voice blasted, making him pull the phone slightly away from his ear.
You brat, why did i take so long to answer? William’s voice carried clearly through the speaker, sharp with anger.
7 was busy. Blake’s tone remained usually composed, betraying nothing of the chaos from last night.
“Where are you now?‘
“At the hospital with Audrey.”
There was a brief pause, and when William spoke again, his voice had softened considerably. “How is she doing?”
“She’s fine. Just some stomach issues.”
“Then why did she vomit blood?” William’s voice was sharp with concern.
“Don’t worry, just bleeding gums.” Blake rubbed his temples wearily. “Nothing serious.
I almost laughed out. Nothing serious.
I’ve heard about what happened last night.” William’s voice turned ice cold. “Make sure Audrey gets proper rest at the hospital. Then come back to the
mansion alone. We need to have a serious talk.”
“There’s no need for that. I’ll bring her back…” Blake started, but William cut him off.
“Alone. Within thirty minutes. Let her rest.” The finality in William’s tone left no room for argument. “And Blake… you better have a good explanation for last night.”
Blake ended the call with a sharp exhale, his expression darkening as he turned to me. “You heard him.” Blake’s voice was cold as ice. “Since you caused all this trouble last night, you’re coming with me. Get dressed.”
I nodded, pushing myself up from the hospital bed with careful movements. “I was planning to talk to William about the divorce anyway.”
In that instant, I could see the despondency and anguish that welled up in his eyes – I couldn’t fathom why. But he quickly masked it and turned away, remaining silent.
The evening gown was ruined. Dark bloodstains had dried into abstract patterns across the expensive fabric, a stark reminder of how quickly things had spiraled out of control. I held it up, studying the damage with detached interest.
“Could you accompany me to buy some clothes?” Feeling helpless, I looked at Blake. “I can’t wear this.”
He raised an eyebrow, and before he could respond, his phone chimed with a new message. The way his entire demeanor changed as he checked it told me exactly who it was from.
“Blake darling,” Laurel’s voice sounded, “I’m really fine. Don’t worry so much, I’m not made of glass.”
‘Send me your medical report,” Blake demanded, his tone suddenly gentle with concern. ‘I’ll only believe you’re fine when I see what the doctors say.”
“Alright, I’ll ask the doctor for the report right away!” Laurel’s sugary voice floated through the phone speaker. “I’ll send you photos as soon as I get it!”
“Good girl. The soft smile instantly disappeared as he put down the phone. “It’s just some blood. Were you this fussy back in the countryside?”
The contrast between his cold mockery of my request and his tender concern for Laurel should have hurt. Instead, I found myself fighting back an inexplicable urge to laugh.
1/3
Chapter 23
I didn’t want to argue with him, just saying, “Well, I surely can wear that, but It’s blood anyway. Do you think Willem will by into Pars upon rech
Blake hesitated, his brows furrowing in irritation before he strode Toward the elevator. “There’s a Parker Group shopping center nearby –
To save time, I walked into the first boutique we came across in the shopping center, quickly picked out two clean–looking outfits, and headed straight for the changing room,
Having just woken up and not having had much rest, although the pain in the stomach had subsided, I was still extremely weak, I almost faimed while changing clothes.
When I emerged from the changing room, Blake was gone. A quick scan of the boutique’s entrance showed no sign of him. Of course – he probably had more important things to do than wait for his soon–to–be ex–wife to try on clothes.
Assuming Blake had gone back to wait in the car, I hurried toward the shopping center’s exit. But as I passed by a jewelry store, I caught sight of him through the window – standing at the counter, examining what looked like wedding rings. The sales associate was gesturing enthusiastically, clearly in the middle of a well–practiced pitch about their latest engagement collection.
Something cold and bitter settled in my chest as I watched, and the pain in my stomach began to spread anew. Without conscious thought, I found myself pushing open the heavy glass door and walking straight to the counter.
I’ll take this pair, I interrupted whatever the salesperson was saying. “Please wrap them up. I’ll pay.”
Blake’s head snapped up. He frowned and asked, “What are you doing?”
“Aren’t you going to propose to Miss Rose with these rings?” I smiled, the expression feeling foreign on my face. “They would be perfect.”
“What nonsense are you talking about?” His voice dropped dangerously low. “When did I say I was proposing to Laurel?”
I maintained my smile, though it felt more like baring teeth now. “Then why are you suddenly interested in rings, Mr. Parker? It can’t be a gift for me, right?
“Since you’re so eager to buy them, go ahead!” Blake’s voice was cold as he turned sharply and strode out of the store.
I turned back to the display case, selecting a delicate diamond ring. “I’ll take this one too, I told the associate. “Please wrap it up with the pair we just
looked at.”
Outside the store, looking at the pair of rings in the bag, I tried to ignore that twinge of heartache, yet it was beyond my power. I made my way towards the exit. I could feel that my steps were becoming unsteady due to my weakness, and there were even people around casting sympathetic glances my way.
Blake was already waiting in the car, his expression dark. I got in and held out the shopping bag containing the rings. “Here. When are you planning to propose to Miss Rose?”
Blake glanced at me, his expression dark. Noticing my shaking hands, His pupils shrank, and he seemed to struggle with words for a moment before closing his eyes and saying coldly, “None of your business!”
I laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Oh, but it is. You need to divorce me properly before you can propose to anyone.*
‘No rush.‘
‘Maybe you’re not in a rush, but what about Miss Rose?”
He raised an eyebrow, his smirk cold and mocking. If you’re so eager, why don’t you propose to her yourself?”
I rolled my eyes and turned away to watch the scenery passing by my window. “Buying your engagement rings is already more than generous. Don’t even dream about me proposing for you!”
The thought crossed my mind – all I wanted was a quick divorce, to free myself from this hopeless marriage before death. It wasn’t that I lacked self–respect.
The car sped through the familiar streets of New York.
Two blocks from Parker Mansion, I pulled out my compact mirror and began touching up my makeup. In this recent short period of time, I’ve coughed up
2/3
Chapter 23
blood twice. My face has turned as pale as that of a corpse. However, in front of William, I still want to make my complexion look better, at least to prevent him from detecting anything amiss.
Since this might be the last time I’d ever see him, I needed to leave him with a good final impression.
Chapter Comments
