Chapter 155
Audrey’s POV
Hearing Dr. Everett’s question, I didn’t hesitate to describe the entire car accident that had just happened.
When he heard me say that Blake had protected me during the crash, Dr. Everett raised an eyebrow. He protected you like that? Aren’t you two divorced?”
I offered a bitter smile. “Yes.”
My fingers unconsciously rubbed at my wrist where Blake’s hand had been locked tight. “He’s mistaking me for Miss Rose, That’s why he won’t let go.”
Dr. Everett noticed Blake’s fingers still wrapped around my wrist even as the staff transferred him onto a gurney. He frowned, reached into his medical bag and pulled out a syringe.
Without warning, he jabbed the needle into Blake’s wrist. Immediately, Blake’s fingers went slack, releasing me.
“Thank you,” I said, rubbing my reddened wrist.
“Don’t mention it,” Dr. Everett replied, motioning the staff to move Blake inside.
He studied me for a moment. “Want me to teach you how to make him let go, in case this happens again?”
I shook my head. “There won’t be a next time.”
Dr. Everett paused. “I suppose not.”
The staff carried Blake to the master bedroom. Dr. Everett closed the door behind them to examine him in private.
Not wanting to get in his way, I headed downstairs and began exploring the villa.
Michael was right about this place being hidden, I thought while wandering through the first floor. During our three years together, I never knew Blake had this property.
But wait…
The decor in this villa wasn’t Blake’s style at all.
Warm colors dominated the space, with cotton fabrics and floral patterns everywhere. This didn’t look like a man’s home it felt more like a space designed for a woman.
all the
I used to like this style. Five years ago, when Blake was blind and I couldn’t speak because of my throat, Rachel had been there with us. She’d filled the silence with constant chatter, telling Blake all about me – my tastes, what I “girly” things I enjoyed.
My body froze, blood rushing to my head.
This villa is decorated exactly how Rachel described my preferences five years ago.
Those memories from five years ago – I’d always assumed Blake had forgotten them, which is why I never brought them
1/4
- up.
Yet somehow…
He remembers our first meeting?
A flicker of excitement I hadn’t felt in years sparked inside me at the thought Blake might remember,
I walked through the villa again, each discovery making my heart beat faster and my thoughts more confused.
Part of me believed Blake might have designed this place specifically because he remembered what I liked.
But another part couldn’t accept it – this had to be coincidence.
It had been five years since I rescued him, and in our three years of marriage, he never once mentioned it.
If he truly remembered and created all this for me, why would he stay silent about it all this time?
My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. Ethan’s name flashed on the screen.
“Ethan,” I answered quickly.
“Audrey!” His voice filled with worry. “Are you okay? Did you get away from those guys? I’m fine now, hiding at a friend’s
place.”
“What about you and… Mr. Parker? Did you lose those men?”
I took a deep breath. “Well…”
After hesitating, I decided to tell him the truth. “Those men wanted to kill you, Ethan. They chased us in their cars, trying to ram us. We crashed – our car went off the road onto the beach. Their vehicles lost control too, and at least one exploded…”
“Wait!” Ethan cut in. “Are you talking about that accident on the coastal highway? My roommate was watching it live when I got here! It looked bad! They said two people died and were taken to the morgue…”
Silence fell between us.
“Audrey… are they saying you and Mr. Parker died?”
I rubbed my temples. “If there wasn’t another car that crashed on that beach, then yes, the ‘deceased‘ would be us.”
“That’s crazy,” Ethan muttered. “If I didn’t know you, I’d believe it too.”
I corrected him. “Actually, they’re reporting that you and I died. Blake was wearing your clothes. They r
you.”
ok him for
“Right,” Ethan replied, his voice somber. “Mr. Parker helped me,
I-‘
“I’m not saying this to make you feel indebted,” I interrupted. “Just stay where you are. Don’t show your face. Lay low for a few days. Don’t use your accounts online. Pretend you’re already dead.”
Ethan processed my words. “Audrey, are you suggesting we use this? Let them think we died so they reveal themselves?
“Exactly. Whoever’s behind this will verify our deaths. They’ll investigate to make sure we’re gone. If they find us alive, they’ll just try again.“.
“But if we stay hidden and let them believe the news…” Ethan continued.
“They’ll lower their guard,” I finished. “Once they think they’ve succeeded, they might get careless. That’s when we can find who’s really behind this and gather evidence.”
Ethan’s voice grew determined. “I understand. You can count on me,”
After ending the call, I heard a door opening. I put my phone away and turned to see Dr. Everett coming from the master bedroom, wiping his hands.
“He has a mild concussion,” he said, walking toward me. “The wound shows minor infection – probably from sand bacteria. He’s running a slight fever, but I’ve given him medication. It should break by morning.”
Dr. Everett tossed the wipe in a trash can.
“However, he’s unconscious mainly from exhaustion. He hasn’t been sleeping properly.”
He looked at me questioningly. “Has work been intense lately? Looks like he hasn’t rested properly for at least three or four days.”
I shook my head. “I wouldn’t know. We’re divorced.”
Dr. Everett looked surprised. “Right. I should ask Laurel Rose about that.”
He studied me. “I thought you two got along well. What happened?”
I let out a bitter laugh. “You’re mistaken. There was never anything real between us.”
“Is that so?” He raised an eyebrow. “He once told me how grateful he was for your care. Said he planned to treat you well.”
The words stung. “Well, he didn’t.”
Wanting to end this painful conversation, I gestured toward the door. “Let me walk you out.”
“No need,” Dr. Everett waved. “His fever hasn’t broken. You should take care of him.”
Seeing my expression, he quickly added, “Or call Miss Rose instead.”
I glanced at the clock – 12:30 AM. “It’s past midnight.”
If Laurel found out I was alone with Blake now, things would only get worse.
“Forget it,” I said with a resigned smile.
Dr. Everett nodded and left without another word. As the door closed, I stood alone in the living room.
Taking a deep breath, I turned toward the master bedroom. Whatever Blake’s reasons for creating this place, he needed
3/4
care. Despite everything, I couldn’t leave him alone
like this.
I pushed the bedroom door open gently.
Blake lay bandage I’d applied earlier had been replaced.
pale against
white sheets, his forehead
damp with fever
sweat. The
“Laurel…” he murmured, eyes closed.
The name felt like a slap. I pressed my lips together, fighting down the discomfort.
I pulled
a chair to his bedside and sat down, just
as 1
three years ago when we first married.
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