Chapter 12

**Audrey's POV**

The red traffic light glowed above St. Regis Hotel like a warning beacon, New York's elite pouring into the hotel in an endless stream.William's birthday celebration promised to be anything but the simple affair he'd requested - when your grandson is CEO of Parker Group,"simple" becomes a relative term.

I stood at the crosswalk, clutching my carefully chosen gift. The pain in my abdomen had subsided to a dull ache, manageable enough that Dr. Evans had reluctantly cleared me to attend.

A sleek black luxury car pulled up to the hotel entrance, drawing my attention. The valet rushed to open both doors simultaneously, and my heart clenched as Blake and Laurel emerged in perfect synchronization. Their matching outfits - her royal blue velvet gown and his bespoke suit of the same shade - caught the light of the setting sun. They looked like something out of a fashion magazine spread: the powerful CEO and his Hollywood princess.

"Isn't that Laurel Rose?" A woman's excited whisper carried across the street. "The actress who just got back from Europe?"

"Yes, with Blake Parker!" Her companion replied. "It's his grandfather's birthday - he's introducing her to the family."

"I heard they've known each other for ages. They must be discussing marriage plans now."

"Look at their matching outfits- they're so in love..."

*So in love.* The words echoed in my mind as I watched as Laurel gracefully slip her arm through Blake's, his hand resting protectively at the small of her back. How many times had I dreamed of walking beside him like that? In three years of marriage, Blake and I had never worn matching anything. In public, I was always just another face in the crowd, a stranger he might nod to in passing.

*Was this marriage just your way of punishing me, Blake?* The thought surfaced unbidden as I watched them disappear into the hotel. Three years of hiding, of tiptoeing around his moods, of being the perfect secret wife... and for what?

The screech of tires interrupted my thoughts. A red car-Blake's birthday gift to his sister two years ago - pulled up to the entrance.Thalia Parker stepped out, an obviously high-ended dress on her body.

Her eyes found me immediately. "Well, if it isn't my sister-in-law."Her voice dripped honey-coated venom. "Heard you lost the baby recently?"

The casual cruelty of her words hit harder than I expected. "How did you know?"

She crossed her arms, her expression a perfect blend of disdain and mock concern. "You couldn't even carry a Parker heir to term, and instead of facing consequences, you had the nerve to ask my brother to send Mother's staff to care for you."

"Mother was too busy to remember your request," she continued,clearly enjoying herself. "And you went crying to my brother about it,

causing chaos in our family."

Something clicked in my mind. *So that's what this is about.* I felt my lips curve into a slight smile. "When did this happen?"

"You're the one who complained, shouldn't you know?"

I almost laughed. Of course Blake hadn't told them about the night at The Underground, about his rage when he found me there,about his desperate attempt to... I pushed the memory away.

"You saw how loving my brother and Laurel are, right?" Thalia's voice turned sickeningly sweet. "If I were you, I'd get a divorce, pack my things and leave now. Better than being thrown out like a sray later."

The calm that settled over me was almost surprising. "Has Blake not told you anything about our divorce?"

Her perfectly manicured hand froze halfway to her hair. "What do you mean? Are you already divorced?"

"Tve signed all the papers," I said, watching her expression shift from smugness to shock. "But he didn't want to. Mrs. Parker? I've been done with that damn title for a while now."

Thalia took a step back, clearly thrown off balance by my response.For once, she seemed at a loss for words.

The grand ballroom was a vision of tasteful opulence when I finally entered, It buzzed with the kind of practiced elegance that only old money could buy. The usual suspects were all here - board members

pretending to enjoy small talk, socialites comparing jewelry, young heirs plotting their next scandal. Across the room, I could see Blake and Laurel holding court among admiring relatives and business associates.

"Audrey!" A familiar voice cut through my observations.

I turned around, my heart sinking as I recognized James Collins making his way toward me through the crowd.

"Good to see you again." His smile was warm,genuine-everything the Parker family's weren't.

"James," I managed, trying to keep my voice steady. "What brings you here?"

"Cartier's partnership with Parker Group," he explained with a self-deprecating laugh. "Drew the short straw to represent us at Mr.William Parker's birthday. You know my luck."

I forced a small smile, even as anxiety churned in my stomach. James didn't know about my marriage to Blake - no one from our college days did. To them, I was still just Audrey Sinclair, the quiet design student who'd disappeared into the corporate world after graduation.

"What about you?" he asked. "Are you here representing your company?"

Before I could answer, he continued, "Did you hear? Mr. Parker just launched Rose JeweIry under Parker Group, With their backing, they'Il be a major player in our industry soon."

My throat tightenea--

could Blake be any more obvious about his intentions?

"When we switched dance partners in LA," James mused, "I had no idea who they were. If I'd known, I wouldn't have missed the chance to network with Mr. Parker and Miss Rose."

I watched his face carefully, but saw only genuine professional interest. No hint that he knew about my connection to Blake.Why would he? Our marriage had been hidden from the world for three years.

"Audrey," James's voice took on a playful tone, "Come on, Let's go say hello."

He grabbed my arm and started walking purposefully toward Blake and Laurel. "Mr. Parker had quite a few interactions with you last time. He should remember you."

I felt my brows knit together tightly as I tried to resist, keeping my voice low. "I don't want to..."

"You were always so shy in college." James's voice was gentle as he continued pulling me forward. "That won't work in our industry.Connections are important."

The ballroom was filled with Parker family relatives and business partners - many of whom knew my true identity. Not wanting to draw attention, I could only struggle slightly.

Perhaps he genuinely wanted to assist me in my career, and I couldn't break free from his grip at all. Before I knew it, the two of us were

almost in front of Blake. Looking at that familiar face, I gave up struggling.

Blake had already stopped chatting with the people around him. His eyes were fixed intently on James's hand on my arm. His face was tense, and the emotions in his eyes were beyond my comprehension.

By his side, Laurel, who had her arm linked with his,noticed Blake's gaze and turned her head as well.

In that instant, I could clearly see the surprise on her face, which was then replaced by an unmaskable look of excitement.

She parted her lips slightly. "Audrey Sinclair? Good to see you here."