Chapter 2: Stop Playing Victim Here

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."

"Have I?" 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.

"Five 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.

Snow jumped onto my lap as I sank onto the sofa, the divorce papers scattered where Blake had dropped them. My hand trembled slightly as I picked up a pen. Someone had to take the first step. Someone had to end this.

I signed my name with careful precision, each stroke a goodbye to five years of one-sided love. Then I reached for my phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Astrid? I need your help."

"Do you have any idea what time it is in LA?" Her playful tone came through the phone, but quickly shifted when she heard my voice. "What's wrong?"

"I signed the divorce papers."

The line went quiet for a moment. When she spoke again, her voice was gentle. "Come stay at my place tonight. You shouldn't be alone."

"Astrid..."

"No arguments." Her tone was soft but firm. "Just come over."

I glanced at Snow, who was still curled up against me. "Can I bring Snow?"

"Of course. You know my place is always open for both of you."

"Thanks, Astrid."

I ended the call and started packing an overnight bag. Maybe she was right - I didn't have to face this alone.

---

One Week Later, Los Angeles

The morning sun streamed through Astrid's dining room windows, and warm patterns spread and scattered across the breakfast table. I pushed my barely touched oatmeal around the bowl while Astrid watched me with poorly concealed concern.

"Look how thin you've gotten." She frowned, pushing another piece of toast towards me. "I've been trying to feed you up for a week, but you just keep getting skinnier."

I managed a small smile. "Doesn't being thin make me more beautiful?"

"Don't joke about that." Her eyes softened. "You're too thin!" Astrid sighed. "I was going to let you wear my newly bought evening gown, but now you're so skinny we'll have to buy you a new one for the gala."

As I placed some peeled shrimp in Snow's bowl, calling her over to eat, I asked casually, "What gala?"

"Didn't you say you wanted to see your jewelry designs hit the market in three months?" Astrid pursed her lips. "There's a gala tonight with some local jewelers and business people from other cities. Could be a good opportunity."

Seeing how much effort my friend was putting in for me, I couldn't let her down.

Stroking Snow's fluffy head, I smiled. "Actually, it's been a while since I've been out. It might be nice."

Astrid stared at me for a moment, then shook her head in wonder. "You really change a lot. You used to always check the guest list before any event, always worried about causing trouble for Blake or making him unhappy."

I curved my lips into a smile. "Come on, don't mention him and spoil my mood, okay? Let us prepare and dazzle everyone at the gala tonight."