Chapter 86
The memory jolted me back to reality. I pulled away quickly, my face hot with embarrassment.
“Thank you, I muttered.
I turned to go, but Blake grabbed my wrist.
‘Audrey.” His voice mixed concern with irritation. His eyes dropped to my legs where bruises showed through my pants. Are your injuries that bad?
“No, I pulled my hand away. I just tripped.”
1 kept walking, more careful this time. Each step still hurt, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing
As I neared the elevator, dizziness washed over me. I paused, leaning against the wall for support. Just a few more steps.
Blake’s POV
I watched Audrey walking away, noticing her slight limp despite her efforts to hide it. Dr. Bennett’s words flashed through my mind.
I turned back toward Laurel’s room, then hesitated. What backup was Audrey talking about? Why had Laurel looked so scared?
I glanced down the hall where Audrey now leaned against the wall, struggling.
“She’s hurt her legs,” I said. “I’m going to check on her.”
I was halfway to the door when Laurel’s voice stopped me.
“Blake darling…” Her voice trembled perfectly. “You’re leaving me alone?”
When I turned, she was sitting up, lips quivering, tears ready to fall. “I’ll be scared by myself…”
“It’s fine,” I said, trying to hide my frustration. “This is a hospital. There are doctors and nurses right outside. Just press the button if you need anything.”
I turned toward the door again, concerned about Audrey’s condition.
“In your heart…” Laurel’s voice rose suddenly, loud enough to echo down the hall. “Do I matter more than Miss Sinclair?”
The question stopped me cold. I’d never heard Laurel be so direct or so loud, like she was performing for someone.
I looked down the hallway. Audrey had stopped, still leaning against the wall with her back to us. Had she heard? Of course she had – Laurel had practically
shouted.
Was she really resting there because she felt weak, or was she waiting for my answer?
1 almost laughed. Didn’t she say she wanted a divorce? Acting like she doesn’t care, but still needs to know where she stands?
After a pause, I sighed and went back to Laurel, tucking her blanket around her. But my eyes kept drifting to Audrey’s still figure down the hall.
“Why are you asking this now? I said, buying time/
Laurel’s eyes glistened with tears. I’m sick too, but you’d leave me for her…”
She grabbed my hand tightly. “Blake darling, tell me the truth – who matters more to you, me or Miss Sinclair?”
Her voice broke with emotion but stayed loud enough to carry down the hallway.
I’d been here before – trapped between honesty and protecting Laurel’s fragile health. But knowing Audrey was listening made my chest Lighten.
Chapter 86
uncomfortably.
Remember what I told you when we first reunited?” I finally said, loud enough to be heard.
Laurel’s eyes brightened instantly. “You said besides your family, I was the most important person to you!”
The words stuck in my throat. “Yes. What I said then still stands.”
As I spoke, I stared at Audrey’s distant figure. Even from far away, I saw her body tremble slightly. Then she pushed herself off the wall and continued her slow walk toward the elevator.
My heart felt squeezed in a vise. The feeling was so intense I barely heard Laurel’s response.
“So Blake darling, you mean in your heart, I’m still more important than Miss Sinclair, right?” Laurel’s voice rose with excitement, clearly meant for Andrey’s
ears.
“I knew it! Blake darling, you care about me the most!”
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