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.
I 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 cleared me to 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 same shade- 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 I watched as Laurel gracefully slip her arm through Blake’s, his hand resting protectively at the small of her back. How many times had I dreamed of walking beside him like that? In three years of marriage, Blake and I had never worn matching anything. In public. I 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 I 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 found me immediately. “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 I 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?”
I 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… I pushed the memory away.
here.
You saw how loving my brother and Laurel are, right?” Thalia’s voice turned sickeningly sweet. “If I 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, I 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, I could te take and Laurel holding court among admiting colations and
“Audrey !” A familiar voice cut through my observations.
I turned around, my heart sinking as 1 recognized James Collins making his way toward me through the creed,
“Good to see you again.” His smile was warm, genuine everything the Parker family’s werent.
“James,” I 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.”
I 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, I 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 I 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, I wouldn’t have missed the chance to network with Mr. Parker and Miss Rose.”
I 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, “Come on, 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.”
I felt my brows knit together tightly as I 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 pulling me forward. “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, I could only struggle slightly.
Perhaps he genuinely wanted to assist me in my career, and I could break free from his grip at all. Before I 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, I 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, I 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.”
