Chapter 102
Blake’s POV
“Where would you like to go later?” I asked, sitting at Laurel’s bedside with a bowl of porridge, I blew on it gently watching her pale face against the stark white pillows.
“I want to go out for some fresh air,” Laurel said weakly, barely above a whisper. The morning light on her face highlighted her fragility.
She opened her mouth as I offered her a spoonful.
“It’s hot,” she complained, brow furrowing.
“Is it?” I tested a drop on my hand. “Doesn’t seem hot to me.”
“But it feels hot in my mouth,” Laurel pouted. “Try it yourself and you’ll see.”
“Don’t be silly,” I said, tapping her forehead lightly.
Our relationship was no longer that of boyfriend and girlfriend–it couldn’t be. This kind of intimate yet ambiguous indirect kiss was inappropriate, especially now with all the online criticism directed at us. The last thing we needed was to
add fuel to the fire.
“I was just trying to lighten the mood,” she said, looking disappointed when I didn’t play along. “You’re so serious today, Blake darling.”
“That won’t happen. Just eat,” I said, holding back what I really wanted to say. Her supposed illness made me cautious with
my words.
At this moment, the door burst open, letting in a rush of cold air. “Blake!”
“Something’s happened!” Felix Thompson stood in the doorway, face tight with urgency.
“What is it?” I frowned at the interruption.
“Felix, what’s wrong with you?” Laurel looked annoyed. “Barging in and shouting this early? You scared me! This better be important.”
“The online news again! William saw them! He’s in the ICU!” Felix took a breath. “The doctors told me you were here.”
“What happened?” My eyes sharpened instantly. A cold dread washed over me.
“Haven’t you seen what’s online?” Felix pulled out his phone. “Look at this.”
“How is this possible…” I stared at the screen in shock.
Displayed were Audrey’s private medical records – her miscarriage documentation spread across social media. The posts claimed the child wasn’t mine, suggesting she terminated the pregnancy when Laurel returned. Character assassination at
its worst.
Hadn’t Grandfather already been upset by yesterday’s news? I’d even brought Audrey to reassure him last night. And now
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this?
I couldn’t understand how someone had accessed these records. Even I had only discovered her miscarriage by accident Id learned later the baby was already gone – unhealthy and unviable which was why she made that painful choice.
The guilt hit me again. I hadn’t known about her pregnancy soon enough. I hadn’t been there when she needed me. My negligence. I couldn’t swallow my pride to apologize properly. I’d asked my mother to look after her, though Rebecca never did. But I never doubted the child was mine. Not once.
“Blake darling, what’s wrong?” Laurel leaned toward me, showing concern while trying to see my phone.
I instinctively stepped back, creating distance between us, yet she caught a glimpse of the screen.
“Is this true? So Mrs. Sinclair’s child… wasn’t yours?” Her eyes widened as she covered her mouth.
“No wonder she wanted to terminate the pregnancy…” she sighed. “She’s gentle and kind, surely wouldn’t harm her child
unless…”
Her tone subtly suggested negative implications about Audrey that made feel incredibly annoyed.
“Don’t listen to this garbage,” I cut her off, handing the phone back to Felix. “How’s my grandfather?”
“Critical. He was already in the ICU when I left to find you,” Felix said, voice rough with worry.
“Laurel, I need to go. The porridge has cooled – you can finish it yourself.” I put the bowl down and stood up quickly.
“I’ll come with you,” Laurel bit her lip, starting to get out of bed.
“Stay here,” Felix said coldly. “Blake should go alone. You’ll just slow us down, and William’s situation is urgent.”
“I’ll try to be quick. I care about William too, I-” Laurel’s face went pale mid–sentence. She bit her lip harder, voice
quivering.
“Your ‘concern‘ won’t help,” Felix interrupted. “William’s condition is serious. Seeing you would only make things worse.” He turned to me. “Blake, let’s go.”
I cast a glance at Laurel. “Rest. I’ll be back when he’s stable.”
Without waiting for her response, I followed Felix out and toward the elevators. My mind raced with worry for Grandfather and anger at whoever exposed Audrey’s private information.
The ICU floor was quiet. As we approached, I saw Audrey standing outside the double doors, staring at the “Emergency Treatment sign above.
“Felix, you…” She turned at our footsteps.
Her voice stopped when she saw me beside Felix. The light in her eyes vanished instantly. She frowned and looked away.
“Why is William in emergency treatment again?” she asked Felix, ignoring me completely.
“Because of what’s online,” Felix said grimly.
Chapter 102
“He checked the news this morning, hoping yesterday’s problems were resolved, he explained. Instead, he saw those posts about your miscarriage. The shock was too much.” He ended with a heavy sigh.
“It’s because of me again…” Audrey bit her lip, hands clenching into fists at her sides.
“I’ve caused William enough worry before. Now, when I’m about to leave the Parker family, I’ve put him in the ICU again Her voice sounded drained as she turned back to watch the doors.
She lowered her head, running her hands through her hair. Her shoulders slumped with guilt.
“This isn’t your fault,” Felix said softly. “You didn’t leak that information.”
“The person who should feel guilty is whoever released those records and is dragging your name through the mud, be added, giving me an accusatory look.
I didn’t bother arguing but just leaned against the wall, watching Audrey. The way she avoided even glancing in my direction felt like a physical barrier between us. I loosened my tie, suddenly finding it hard to breathe.
I once wanted her to stop hovering around me all the time, hoping she would focus more on her own life. Now that she actually looked through me like I was invisible, not even bothering with a single glance, my chest hurt in a way I hadn’t expected. It felt wrong, this new reality where she didn’t care anymore.
The hallway fell quiet. Medical staff passed occasionally, their shoes squeaking on the polished floor. Audrey kept her focus on the ICU doors, her back to me, while Felix stood beside her like a guardian.
“Audrey.” I finally broke the silence.
She didn’t respond.
“I’ve seen the news. It’s ridiculous – nothing but lies,” I said, walking over and sitting in the chair next to her.
Audrey finally raised her head to look at me, letting out a cold laugh. “Yes, it is ridiculous.”
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