Chapter 15: Who Did You Say Had a Miscarriage?
Audrey’s POV
Williams voice thundered through the private reception room at Stegis, making my heart skip a heat. His face had turned an alarming shade of red as he confronted Blake about Laurel. At his age, this level of agitation couldn’t be good for his health
“William.” I moved quickly to his side, my voice gentle but urgent.ease don’t be angry. Have some tea first
I gave William a gentle, reassuring smile as I poured the freshly bred tea into his cup
William couldn’t help but let out a sigh. “When will you stop being The this? His voice softened as he turned to me, his eyes scanning my figure with growing concern. “Sullering in silence, look how thin you’ve become!”
Sensing the concern in his tone, my eyes started to sting as I kept the smile on my face. “I’m not suffering, just on a diet.
Three years in the Parker family, and William had been the only one who truly cared about me. Every time he showed such concern. it made my heart ache–knowing that in just three months, I would have to leave him forever.
seen you for just
a month, and
“Diet?” He snorted, years of seeing through society’s pretenses evident in his tone. “I haven’t seen you’re nothing but skin and bones!”
“Being thin is more beautiful, isn’t it? I kept my voice light, even as felt Blake’s cold gaze sweep over me from across the room. His presence felt like a shadow, heavy with unspoken accusations.
William shook his head, letting out a sigh again. After his third cup, he finally spoke up, “Though I love tea, you can’t keep serving me like this. How many cups have I had already?
He chuckled, some of the earlier tension leaving his shoulders. “Good thing this isn’t alcohol, or I’d be drunk before my own birthday celebration begins!”
I refilled his cup anyway. “Just a few more, William. It’s your birthday
Taking advantage of the moment when nobody was noticing me, I quietly slipped s
some white powders into his cup.
Half an hour later, the birthday celebration officially began.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone in the grand ballroom, I supported William on his left while Blake flanked his right as we made our way to the small stage at the center. Despite being in his eighties. William’s voice remained strong and commanding as he addressed the crowd, thanking everyone for attending.
After his speech, a three–tiered birthday cake was wheeled out, a masterpiece of white fondant and gold leaf, as the room filled with The harmonious voices of guests singing “Happy Birthday. The candles were lite William’s voice rang out clear and strong:
For wish
for my grandson Blake Parker and his wife Audrey to live happily together, and give me a great–grandchild soon!”
The silence that followed was deafening. I could feel hundreds of eyes on us, but I maintained my composure, I didn’t feel bothered though.
Blake’s open displays of affection with Laurel had led everyone to bebeve she was the woman he truly loved. Every public appearance, every tender gesture between them had convinced New York’s elite that I was merely a placeholder in the Parker family, Perhaps that was why James Collins‘ voice, cutting through the tension like a blade, carried a note of sympathy:
“It’s so touching, Mr. Parker! Always putting your family’s happiness first, even on your own birthday. I sincere, pe your wish
comes true!”
1/3
Chapter 15: Who Did You Say Had a Miscarriage?
His words stoke the spell. Applause tippted through the crowd, but rely heard it over the ponding in my was A great grandchild
William turned to us with a smile, taking both my hand and Blakening them together. Did you hear that All this applause they te blessing van marriage!
I hit my lip as tears started falling. William was using his birthday wh to support me, to thietid me from the whispers
Don’t cry, dear. William patted my head, then looked at Blake. Stop just standing there Aren’t you going to wipe your wifes
Blake frowned, reaching for a tissue. But before he could move
“Laurel, what’s wrong?
Thalia’s cry shattered the moment. I turned just in time to see Launel Rose, Hollywood a golden girl, swaying dramatically. Blake was already moving, abandoning his place on stage without a second’s hesitation. I watched as he caught her, his movements so careful and tender.
“Blake, darling… Laurel’s voice carried perfectly despite her supposed weakness. “You should be on stage with Audrey, celebrating with Mr. Parker.”
What happened? Is your stomach hurting?” The concern in Blake’s voice was unmistakable.
Something crashed behind me. I turned to see William standing over a shattered gift box, his face dark with fury.
“Charles!” His voice cracked like a whip. “Didn’t 1 specifically instruct no invitation be sent to Laurel Rose?”
Charles showed up, his expression showing his embarrassment. “Yes, sir. But…”
“Then why,”
William’s voice dropped dangerously, “is someone I don’t wish to see at my birthday celebration?”
“I brought Laurel here,” Blake said. “Grandpa, I know you have misunderstandings about the Roses. I wanted to clear them up at your birthday.”
“Misunderstandings?” William’s laugh was cold. “All I can see is a shameless woman who’s clinging to a married man in public, right
in front of his wife.”
Laurel’s face turned pale. “I… I didn’t…”
Blake stepped in front of her. “She wasn’t feeling well.”
“Seriously?” William’s voice turned sharp. “Lying in your arms can make her feel okay?”
Blake’s face darkened.
“William.” I stepped forward, and gently reminded. “The cake hasn’t been cut yet. Everyone’s waiting now. Let’s not let this spoil your birthday, okay?”
William stared at me for a long moment before sighing.
g- “Fine. For your sake, I’ll let this g
“Get back here and cut the cabe.”
“Blake, darling, you should go,“Laurel’s soft voice only made it worse.
go today.” He shot Blake another cold look
“Don’t worry, Blake!” Thalia’s voice rose deliberately, clearly meant for me to hear. “I’ll take good care of her
2/3
Chapter 15: Who Did You Say Had a Miscarriage?
I sensed William watching me but I concentrated on my task. The ce knife felt cool in my hand.
Thank you.” Blake’s voice came from beside me as we served the ca
I met his eyes briefly. “William is elderly. Better not make him angry I kept my voice low. After our divorce, you can do whatever you wanna to make him accept Miss. Rose.”
I moved to the next guest, ignoring the weight of his
f his state on my b
The dinner dragged on. Despite the elaborate dinner in front of me, had no appetite and could only take small bites.
“What’s wrong? Not hungry?” William’s concerned voice made me look up.
Before I could answer, Rebecca’s low voice carried down the table. “Well, that’s to be expected. After all, she just had a miscarriage…”
I forced myself to cough, trying to drown out her words. Not today. Please, not on his birthday.
But I saw Williams hand freeze midair, his glass stopped halfway to his lips.
“Miscarriage?” His voice cut through my desperate coughing.
“Who did you say had a miscarriage?”
