Audrey’s POV

Something soft brushed against my cheek. Snow. My vision slowly cleared as my cat’s concerned blue eyes came into focus. My bathroom floor was cold beneath me, and the metallic taste in my mouth told me everything I needed to know about how long I’d been unconscious.

Through the window, I could see the afternoon sun shine on me – I must have been out for over an hour since returning from Mayo Clinic. Snow meowed softly, headbutting my hand. I tried to push myself up, but my arms gave way, sending me back onto the cold tiles.

The sharp click of leather shoes interrupted my second attempt to stand. Then his voice, cold and cutting:

“Stop playing victim here, Audrey Sinclair.”

I didn’t need to look up to know Blake was standing in my bathroom doorway, radiating that particular brand of contempt he reserved just for me.

I watched as Blake gracefully settled himself on the sofa, leaning back with studied casualness as his eyes fixed on my pale face. “Laurel’s career in the States is just taking off. If news of her visit to the obstetrics department gets out…”

“How is that my problem?” The bitter laugh that escaped me surprised even myself. My lips curved into a mocking smile. “As your legal wife who just lost our child, I have to maintain appearances for your Hollywood mistress?”

So that’s why he’d bothered to come here, leaving his precious Laurel behind. He was worried I might expose her hospital visit and damage her pristine image.

“Watch your mouth.” His voice turned to ice at my use of the word ‘mistress’. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

I stared directly at him, enunciating each word with deliberate clarity. “I’m saying if Laurel’s so concerned about her image, maybe she shouldn’t be playing mistress, shouldn’t be getting gynecological problems, and shouldn’t be visiting Mayo Clinic’s obstetrics department.”

Blake’s eyes narrowed dangerously, his fury dropping the room temperature several degrees. “When you married me, you knew Laurel was always in my heart. Yet you still used my coma to manipulate Grandfather into arranging our marriage.”

“How dare you call her a mistress?” he spat. “What right do you have?”

A bitter smile touched my lips. “You’re right. I was wrong back then.”

I met his gaze steadily. “Then let’s make it the last line I cross. Let’s get divorced.”

Something flickered in his eyes – surprise? Uncertainty? But his voice remained cold. “What game are you playing this time, Audrey?”

I shook my head slowly. “No more games. I’m just… tired.”

“First you terminate the pregnancy, then you ask for divorce.” His lips curled into a sneer. “What’s next? Running to my Grandfather again with your complaints?”

“I’ve never complained to him about you.” The words came out stronger than I expected. “Never have, never will.”

“Really?” His tone showed his disbelief. “Then why does he always take your side?”

Because your grandfather, unlike you, saw me for who I was? Because he was the only one in your family who treated me like a person rather than an inconvenience? But I said none of that. Instead, I just smiled, feeling a strange sort of peace settle over me.

“Three years is enough, don’t you think?”

Before he could respond, his phone buzzed. The transformation was immediate – his entire demeanor changed as he checked the screen.

“She’s not feeling well,” he muttered, already turning away.

“Of course she isn’t.” The words slipped out before I could stop them.

He whirled back, eyes flashing. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing.” I watched as he snatched up the divorce papers I’d left on the coffee table. “The papers are ready. Just sign them.”

“We’ll discuss this later.” He was already striding toward the door.

“There’s nothing to discuss.” But he was gone, the door slamming behind him.

Blake’s POV

One Week Later, Los Angeles

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