Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO novel Chapter 378

Chapter 378

Me, CEU

Audrey’s POV

The doctor’s words kept replaying in my head.

I stared at nothing, piecing it together. A month ago after Long Island, Blake had cut all contact, handing our work to Ella Murphy. We hadn’t spoken until yesterday at the airport.

Yet somehow, he’d anticipated my needs before I even knew them myself.

My trainers in Sydney had tried to warn me:

“Someone’s following you. I’ve tested them they’re skilled, not dangerous.”

‘Asked your husband if they were his. He said no. Your parents maybe? Or a secret admirer?”

‘Definitely professionals hired to watch you…”

I’d laughed it off as paranoia. In this month, I never spotted anyone.

Those people were Blake’s.

It made sense now. He’d publicly ended contact while secretly arranging protection. His “chance” appearance at the airport. Taking me to William. Charles recognizing me immediately.

My disguise wasn’t the problem. His was.

Blake sat across from me in his wheelchair. The confident CEO I remembered looked worn down, diminished. Silence stretched between us until he finally broke it.

‘Sorry,’ he said. “I didn’t hide it well.”

“I just wanted to protect you, make things right, help you.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Protect me by having people follow me? That’s protection to you?”

“And making amends by pretending not to know me while monitoring my every move?’ I leaned forward. “Just like before – watching without my consent.”

As for helping me

did it occur to you I don’t need your help?”

“Without you, I’d still have handled the Sinclairs today. Adrian and I would have found another way.”

I took a breath, keeping my voice steady. “When I was your wife, every time your mother or sister humiliated me, I wanted you to step in. Just once.”

“But you never did.”

“Now I have a new life with new people. I don’t need your help.”

“And suddenly you want to help?” I shook my head. “Don’t you see how ridiculous that is?”

Blake’s head lowered. This submission looked wrong on him.

“Audrey, I’m sorry,” he said.

“I didn’t know you were-*

1/4

you did nothing?”

I’ve imagined this conversation so many times. I always thought I’d cry, fall apart. But it feels like we’re discussing someone else’s life.

I’ve cried enough over Blake Parker.

“I’m sorry,” he repeated. “So sorry.”

“Don’t bother,” I said. “It’s over. I don’t care anymore.”

He glanced up, then quickly looked away. “If you don’t care… that’s good.”

“But I still need to say it. I’m sorry, Audrey.”

‘I thought Laurel was you. I got it all wrong,” he continued. “My fault entirely.”

I watched him, feeling oddly irritated.

This isn’t the Blake I knew. My Blake was cold, proud, superior. That arrogance was what drew me to him at that hospital years ago.

This man? Slumped in a wheelchair, repeatedly apologizing? I barely recognize him.

He pressed on. “When I left the village, I tried to find you. They said you weren’t there.”

Charles told me William was sick from searching for me. I had to go. Later Laurel claimed she was you. She had proof. I believed her…”

He covered his face. “When I heard you died, my world fell apart.”

I’d just realized you were the girl from the shore. Then you were gone.”

‘I begged Astrid to let me visit your grave.”

‘I held your headstone and cried for hours, thinking I’d never see you again.”

I waited until he finished. “Done?”

He seemed startled by my tone. After a moment, he nodded.

‘I don’t care about your feelings or regrets,” I said. “I just want to know when you figured out who I was.”

‘On Long Island,” he answered.

“When you were drugged, you called my name.”

“The way you said it…” His eyes drifted. “I could never forget that sound.”

My face heated up. Of all the ways to give myself away.

“Audrey,” he said softly.

I took a deep breath. “Mr. Parker, call me Mrs. Knox from now on. I prefer my current identity.”

He needs to understand: I won’t be Audrey Sinclair again, and whatever we had is over.

Blake’s POV

2/4

Chapter 378

I watched her across the table, her words landing like stones. Images flashed through my mind – her with Adrian, that maple leaf cufflink she’d made him.

She’s reminding me she belongs to someone else.

The pain was sharp but familiar. I made myself smile. “Of course, Mrs. Knox. Congratulations on your new life.

“Thank you,” she said. “But understand I didn’t come back because of your wedding.”

‘I’m here for William. That’s all. Beyond seeing him, I want nothing to do with the Parkers.”

“Today focused on the Sinclairs, but we both know who backed them.” Her eyes narrowed.

She stood, smoothing her dress. “I know William’s condition now.”

*Adrian and I will leave after your wedding and William’s funeral.”

‘Until then, control your mother, aunt, sister, cousin,” she paused, “and your fiancée.”

‘If anything like today happens again, I’ll expose all your family’s secrets.” Her threat hung between us, unmistakable.

She glanced at my legs, her expression softening slightly.

“The wheelchair doesn’t suit you,” she said. “Try rehab. Get back on your feet.”

‘Is that you caring about me?” I asked, unable to help myself.

She hesitated, then smiled. “Does someone with your resources need my concern?”

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