Chapter 18: You Planned This Long Ago?
Audrey’s POV
Everything I held back for three years every side comment, eve deliberate slight, every moment of humiliation – had finally found its release in that single strike. The red mark blooming on Thin’s perfectly made–up face matched the mounting fury in my
chest.
“You…” Thalia’s eyes widened in disbelief, her carefully applied makeup beginning to smear as tears welled up. “You actually dared to slap me?”
I could hear the whispers around us. Those socialites who’d spent yours watching me endure the Parker family’s abuse were now covering their mouths in shock. Three years of playing the perfect, dicile Mrs. Parker had made them forget who I really was.
“Not even Mother has ever hit me!” Thalia’s voice rose to a shriek, her hand covering her reddening cheek.
Before I could respond, Laurel rushed to Thalia’s side, her white eyering gown trailing dramatically behind her. Ever the actress, she played her part perfectly the concerned friend, the protective almost–sister–in–law.
“Thalia!” Laurel’s voice dripped with manufactured concern as she examined the other woman’s face. “Are you alright? Does it hurt
terribly?”
́“It bums!” Thalia’s voice cracked, tears now freely running down her face.
Laurel gasped theatrically. “Oh no… what if it leaves a scar? What about your beautiful face?”
I almost laughed at their performance. Three years ago, this scene would have terrified me the perfect Hollywood actress comforting the Parker princess. Now? I felt nothing but cold contempt.
Rebecca stormed towards me, her face twisted with rage, all pretense of her graceful sophistication abandoned. “You bitch!” Her manicured hand rose, ready to strike. “How dare you touch my daughter?”
1 side–stepped her attack smoothly, watching as she stumbled in her high heels. Blake caught her just before she could fall, but I noticed his eyes were fixed on me with an intensity I couldn’t read.”
“I warned you,” I said, my voice carrying across the n now–silent ballroom. “I would not tolerate any longer.”
I turned around, intending to grab the divorce papers I’d placed on the table earlier, only to find Laurel already holding them at some point, studying their contents with exaggerated interest. I couldn’t be bothered to fight her for them. Instead, I pulled out another copy from my bag and slammed it onto the table with a sharp crack.
“Let’s sign the papers right now!” I pulled out a pen and shoved it in Blake’s hand. “Mr. Parker, you’ve always been so eager to please your mother, haven’t you?”
Blake gripped the pen I’d forced into his hand, his brow furrowing as his gaze moved between the papers in Laurel’s hands and the new copy. His eyes narrowed dangerously.
His jaw tightened. “You planned this long ago? To humiliate me at my grandpa’s birthday?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Is there a problem?”
When I’d promised to attend William’s birthday celebration, I’d already planned everything carefully. William was highly respected. and all the Parker family’s relatives and friends would be here for his birthday. I deliberately chose this occasion, knowing Blake wouldn’t be able to maintain his composure in front of everyone. He would have no choice but to sign the divorce papers.
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Chapter 18: You Planned This Long Ago?
I didn’t have much time left. reouldn’t afford to keep dragging outs divorce with him.
I couldn’t bear to ruin what would be my last birthday celebration wh William. That’s why before the party started, I’d kept encouraging him to drink more tes, secretly mixing sleeping powder to his cup.
Yet despite all my careful planning, William’s birthday celebration had still been ruined in the end.
“Laurel.” Thalia was still rubbing her slapped cheek, her voice bitter Did that bitch try any tricks in the agreement?”
Laurel shook her head. “No tricks, but… She pursed her lipis, her manicured finger pointing to the final item on the agreement. “She wants to take a Ragdoll cat named Snow…..
As she spoke, she glanced at Blake with affected concern. Blake dag, is this the cat you mentioned to me before?”
Blake nodded curtly. “Yes.”
I raised an eyebrow coldly. “I didn’t realize Mr. Parker would discuss ven my cat with Miss Rose.”
Turning to Laurel, I added, “Is there a problem with me wanting Snow?”
Snow was Blake’s gift for our first wedding anniversary. Back then, I been so happy I could barely contain myself, thinking he’d remembered how much I loved Ragdoll cats. I thought our relationship was finally progressing.
But later, I learned the truth…
Snow had been Thalia’s impulsive purchase from Europe. She’d grown tired of the cat within days and nearly abandoned her.
During our three years of marriage, I’d spent most nights alone in that cold mansion. Every time I had nightmares, it was Snow who comforted me, curling up beside my pillow, her soft for offering what comfort she could.
So while I could leave everything else behind in this divorce, I had to take Snow with me. Even after I was gone, I would make sure Snow stayed with Astrid. I couldn’t trust the Parkers with her.
“That cat cost me tens of thousands when I bought it from Europe. Thalia’s voice dripped with disdain as she finally recalled abandoning the young Ragdoll. “You’re divorcing my brother what right do you have to take my property?”
I frowned, fixing her with an icy stare. “Your property? Apart from importing her from a European breeder, what have you ever done for Snow?”
“That doesn’t matter! She’s a Parker cat!” Thalia’s voice rose hysterically. “And you know what? I think Abe would love a new playmate.”
y eyes.
What? I slightly widened my
Abe, Thalia’s Tibetan Mastiff that two–hundred–pound beast with history of violence. Just the of my gentle Snow anywhere near It made my blood run cold. But I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of seeing me flinch.
Interesting.” I met her gaze steadily. “For someone so eager to see me leave, you seem awfully invested in keeping me here.”
Her face darkened. “What do you mean by that?”
I allowed a small smile. “Using Snow to force my hand… seems like someone’s afraid of losing their favorite target.”
After a long pause, she narrowed her eyes. “Right, someone like you would probably use a cat as an excuse to stay married.”
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Chapter 18: You Planned This Long Ago?
eat to get back at you for that slap. Thun second thought, that seems unnecessarily complicated.
“I was thinking of using
that is
She stood up and strode
e toward me. I’ll just hit you back directly. Went delay my brother from throwing
ng you out!!
“Watch out – that bitch’s got quite a temper now! Rebecca hutried aner her daughter. Let me help you!”
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