Audrey’s POV
I paused at Alexander’s question. After a moment, I shook my head. ‘Of course not.”
He leaned forward in his chair, brow furrowed with curiosity. “Then… is it because of abuse?”
I had to suppress a bitter laugh. “No.”
Then…” His voice softened with what sounded like genuine concern. ‘Is it because you’re terminally ill and don’t want to burden your husband?”
My breath caught for a moment, but I kept my face neutral. “Not that either.”
‘Don’t tell me it’s because your husband is having an affair?” When I didn’t immediately deny it, his eyes widened. “But you’re gorgeous! How could he cheat?”
“Love has nothing to do with looks. After three years of marriage to Blake Parker, I’d learned that lesson well enough.
Alexander leaned back in his chair, clearly struggling to reconcile what he was hearing. His gaze drifted to the window, where morning sunlight was painting patterns on the sterile hospital floor. After a moment, he ventured, “Well, you’re right though. You know that Hollywood actress who came in by ambulance yesterday…”
‘Laurel Rose?” I instinctively mentioned the name.
“Yeah, her!” He made a dismissive gesture. “Honestly, she’s pretty average for a Hollywood star. Nothing compared to you.”
“But her boyfriend? Jesus, you should’ve seen how he swooped in,” Alexander continued, shaking his head in amazement. “Barely left her side, hovering over every little thing.”
Boyfriend? I couldn’t help but give a bitter laugh.
“What’s her condition by the way?” I asked, trying to keep my voice casual. “Must be serious if she needed an emergency transfer to Mayo Clinic.
Alexander shrugged. “Hard to say. They’re keeping everything under wraps. But honestly?” He leaned forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “She looks perfectly fine to me. Rosy cheeks, strong voice – doesn’t exactly scream emergency.”
He rolled his eyes, the gesture carrying skepticism. “Pretty sure her boyfriend’s just being extra. You know how these billionaire types get – thinking throwing money at Mayo Clinic is the answer to a paper cut.”
“The nurses can’t stop talking about it,” he added with a hint of amusement. “Apparently, Blake Parker’s got the whole hospital jumping through hoops for her. Talk about being wrapped around someone’s finger!”
“Yeah,” I murmured. “Must be nice.”
I stared at my hands, remembering how Blake had rushed past my wrecked car at the racetrack to cradle Laurel in his arms. In that moment, the truth had never been clearer: in Blake’s eyes, even a single hair on Laurel’s head was precious gold. Meanwhile, everything about me was as worthless as dead grass.
The sudden chime of Alexander’s phone cut through our conversation. His expression darkened as he read the message, tension creeping into his shoulders.
‘Go ahead.” I gestured at his phone, managing a wan smile. “Looks important.”
He glanced between me and his phone, clearly torn. “I really shouldn’t leave you alone, that’s Dr. Evans‘ order.”
“Come on, my husband made it clear the divorce is off, right?” A hollow laugh escaped my lips. ‘Don’t worry, Dr. Blackwood. I’m not going anywhere.”
His frown deepened, but after another glance at his phone, his face brightened. He trailed off, then suddenly straightened, relief washing over his features.
Actually, I might have a solution.”
His fingers were already flying over his phone. “My roommate’s between classes today. He could-*
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