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Chapter 41
Audrey’s POV
When the would stopped spinning, the first thing I registered was the taste of bloot My head had struck something the winter mayte, or the retter Through the cracked windshield. I could see people runding toward us: Astrid and Feliz were sprinting in my direction, their fares masks of murde
“Audrey? Astrid’s voice came closer, accompanied by rapid footsteps. Oh God, Audrey!”
But it was another voice that cut through the chaos first: How could you be so careless! Are you hurt?
Blake’s tone carried that particular note of concern I’d grown so familiar with over our three years of marriage. For a moment, my heart lifted grid i realized he wasn’t speaking to me at all. Through my blurred vision, I watched him rush past my wrecked car without a glance, making a beeline fro Losents vehicle.
A bitter smile tugged at my lips. How telling. Even now, even after shed deliberately tried to run me off the track, his concern was only for her.
Audrey, can you hear me? Astrid appeared at my window, her face pale with worry. “Tell me you’re not hurt!
“I’m fine, I managed, though the words felt thick in my mouth. I tried to smile, to reassure her, but the expression felt more like a grimace,
1 knew that bitch was up to no good!” Astrid’s eyes were red with fury. She did this on purpose – we all saw it!
“Can you move your fingers and toes?‘ Felix asked urgently. “Any sharp pain anywhere?”
Behind them, I met Blake’s eyes for just a moment before looking away, the familiar ache in my chest having nothing to do with the crash. Something warm trickled down my forehead – blood from a cut I couldn’t feel yet.
I could see Blake lifting Laurel from her car with exquisite care, cradling her as if she were made of glass, while she put her delicate hand on her forehead in distress. The scene would have been Oscar–worthy if it weren’t so nauseating.
“That bastard!” Astrid’s voice cracked with rage. “That bitch tried to kill you, and he doesn’t even look your way! Look at him, carrying her off like she’s the victim here!”
“Miss Wilson.” A paramedic appeared with a stretcher. “We need to check Mrs. Sinclair for injuries.”
As they carefully transferred me to the stretcher, I watched Felix stare at Blake’s retreating figure, then turn to Astrid with undisguised confusion.
“I’ve never seen you this hostile toward anyone,” he said slowly, “let‘ alone Blake Parker. What’s going on here?”
Astrid let out a harsh laugh. “What’s going on? I’ll tell you what’s going on. That woman he’s carrying like precious cargo just tried to kill his wife!*
“His… wife?‘ Felix’s eyes snapped to me, then back to Astrid. Understanding dawned on his face, followed quickly by disbelief. “Wait… you mean… Audrey is Blake’s wife?”
“Soon to be ex–wife,” Astrid corrected bitterly, “if he ever stops dragging his feet on the divorce.”
Felix ran a hand through his hair, looking slightly dazed. “No wonder… I just posted her photos in our group chat, and Blake immediately responded…” He shook his head. “I’m such an idiot.”
The ambulance ride to the nearest hospital was mercifully quick.
“Just a minor concussion,” the doctor announced after what felt like hours of tests. “You’re very lucky, Mrs. Parker.”
Astrid, who had been pacing the private room like a caged tiger, finally collapsed into the chair beside my bed. ‘You scared me to death!” She reached for my hand, squeezing it tight. “I never thought she’d be vicious enough to try something like this on a professional track…”
Her voice caught. “If I’d known, I wouldn’t have suggested that bet – not for fifty million, not for any amount! Audrey, this is all my fault!”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I said softly, squeezing her hand back. “It was just an accident. I’m fine.”
1/2
Chapter 41
But Astrid wasn’t done. “You and Rachel were my only real friends,” she continued, her voice thick with emotion. Rachel & been gone for years, it anythin happened to you…”
The mention of Rachel sent a familiar ache through my chest. Watching tears in Astrid’s eyes, I reached for her before I could stop myself, pulling heë lotis = fierce hug. My throat tightened as I held her, knowing how much worse her tears would be if she knew the truth that in three months, she tone me
forever.
“Hey, I whispered, letting go of her and forcing lightness into my voice. “It’s nothing serious. Just a bump on the head- I’m not going anywhere.
“Nothing serious? I was right there in the front row,” Astrid continued, anger replacing grief in her voice. I saw everything! She deliberately accelerated when you were slowing down. If she wasn’t such an amateur driver, if she’d managed to hit you at full speed…”
“What Laurel did goes beyond reckless driving, Felix, who had been silent since arriving at the hospital, suddenly pushed away from the wall he’d been leaning against. “This was attempted murder. We can’t let her escape consequences just because she failed.”
“You know who protects her,” Astrid shot back. “Can you really fight Blake Parker?”
“There’s no point,” I said quietly, drawing both their attention.
“No point?” Felix turned to face me fully. Audrey, you’re every bit as impressive as Laurel. If people saw you both online, they’d prefer you – just like I do! She’s an actress, she lives and dies by public opinion. You even didn’t divorce Blake, and she’s already clinging to him everywhere. If I release the video of her deliberately crashing into you today, even Blake’s influence couldn’t save her career!”
Astrid’s eyes lit up. “Exactly! Blake’s been delaying the divorce, right? Use this! Threaten to release the video and ruin his precious Miss Rose if he doesn’t sign. He’ll do it immediately – then you’ll finally be free!”
I stared at the ceiling, considering their words. They were right, of course. This would be the fastest way to force Blake’s hand, to finally end this farce of a marriage. But using his protection of another woman as leverage… it felt like the final nail in the coffin of everything I’d believed our marriage could be.
‘I’ll… think about it,” I said finally, though in my heart, I knew this marriage had been doomed from the start. Three years of one–sided love, of trying to be the perfect Parker wife, all leading to this moment.
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Michael stood there, his usual composed expression tinged with awkwardness.
“Mrs. Parker,” he said carefully.
“Mr. Parker… requests your presence.”
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