Chapter 24

**Audrey's POV**

I watched the hatred twist Rebecca's features as she stared at me,her delicate makeup doing nothing to hide the fury in her eyes. I couldn't help but give a sneer.

Taking advantage of Blake's momentary distraction, I finally managed to pull my hand free from his grip. The burning sensation in my stomach had intensified, but I forced myself to stand straight. I wouldn't show weakness. Not now.

"Interesting how the real aggressors are the first to complain," I said, my voice steady despite the effort it took to remain standing.

Rebecca's eyes narrowed dangerously. "I'm your mother-in-law, Thalia is your sister-in-law. Isn't it our right to discipline you?"

A bitter smile touched my lips. The irony was almost amusing. "So it's your right to hit me, but when I defend myself, you run crying to William?

The glasses on the coffee table trembled as William's hand came down hard on its surface. "What is she talking about?" His voice carried the authority of someone used to commanding boardrooms. "Rebecca?"

I watched as Rebecca's confidence faltered slightly. Thalia, who had been maintaining a hostile silence, suddenly found the carpet fascinating. I kept expressionless as I continued.

"Would you like to tell William about how you both attacked me last night?" I asked, my tone conversational."Or should I describe how you

held me while Thalia slapped me?"

William's face darkened with each word. "Blake," he turned to his grandson, voice dangerously low. "You just stood there watching your mother and sister attack her?"

"Oh no," I cut in before Blake could respond, watching his jaw tighten."

He didn't just watch. He pushed me into a marble pillar to get to Laurel."

"I did not push you," Blake's voice was cold as if telling me that it wasn't him that night. "I was merely separating you two."

William's teacup hit the floor. "When you were in a coma," his voice shook with barely contained fury, "Audrey cared for you day and night. Have you forgotten everything?"

I swayed slightly, grateful for the chair behind me as another wave of dizziness hit.

"William," I said softly, drawing his attention away from Blake. "I need to tell you something."

The room fell silent as I forced my legs to carry me to the center of the room. Every step felt like walking on broken glass, but I kept my spine straight. This was it - the moment I'd been preparing for a long while.

"I had this idea since I lost my child - I want a divorce."

Blake's sharp intake of breath was the only sound in the suddenly still room. I could feel his eyes burning into me, but I kept my gaze fixed on William.

"From the beginning," I continued slowly, "this marriage was my one-sided love. Blake never cared for me. When Laurel returned..." I paused,

swallowing against the metallic taste that threatened to rise in my throat."Well, everyone can see where his heart truly lies."

I took a steadying breath, gathering my courage. "William, I hope you can understand and support my decision. I...”

My words died in my throat as William's face suddenly turned a sickly shade of white. His hand clutched at his chest as he gasped for air, each breath seeming more difficult than the last.

"Charles!" Blake shouted.

Charles appeared instantly with a bottle of heart medication, his usual composed demeanor showing cracks of genuine concern.

"You know grandpa can't handle such news," Blake's voice cut through the tension like ice. "Are you trying to kill him?"

Thalia let out a cold laugh. "Grandpa has always favored her the most, but look at her now - she doesn't care if her actions kill him!"

"I'm sorry, but..." I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "I can't keep pretending anymore."

Slowly, deliberately, I lowered myself to my knees before William. The movement sent sharp pains through my stomach, but I ignored them.Taking his weathered hand in mine, I pressed my forehead against it in a gesture of deep respect.

"Thank you for everything you've done for me, William," I said slowly,feeling tears threaten. "I'll always be grateful for your kindness. Though I may no longer be part of this family, you'll forever be in my heart."

William's hand trembled in mine as Charles approached with the

medication. Without hesitation, I reached up and took the pills from the butler's hand.

"These are new," I observed, studying the tablets before popping theminto my mouth. "Fruit-flavored vitamin B complex. Larger than last time's."

The room went deadly quiet.

"How did you..." William started, then stopped as I pulled an envelope from my purse.

"Your latest health report," I said, placing it on the coffee table. "I had three different specialists review it. You're in perfect health for your age,William."

The color in William's face shifted from sickly white to embarrassed red.

"You know, William," I said softly, my lips curving into a gentle smile, "you don't have to keep up this act. No more fake heart attacks to make me stay."

"This isn't some emotional outburst or rash decision," I continued, keeping my voice level. "Ive spent a long time thinking about this. It's time to set us both free."

William seemed to age before my eyes, all pretense dropping away as he closed his eyes with a heavy sigh. "Still the same stubborn girl who walked into my grandson's hospital room three years ago, aren't you?" His voice carried a mix of fondness and resignation. "Some things never change."

When he opened his eyes again, they were suspiciously bright. "Audrey..."he paused, his voice rougher than usual. "You were everything I could have wanted in a granddaughter,"

"Maybe that's the problem," he added, shooting Blake a disappointed look."You and my grandson... perhaps it wasn't meant to be. God knows he doesn't deserve someone like you."

He reached for a tissue, his hands trembling slightly as he dabbed at his eyes. "I always imagined you'd be here, running this family when I'm too old to..."

*I'm sorry, William*, I thought,*The cancer had already decided I wouldn't be here to see anyone grow old.*

After composing himself, William fixed Blake with a hard stare. "You screwed this up, boy. The least you can do is give her the divorce she wants." His voice dropped, heavy with finality. "Let her go."

"Today," I said quickly, seizing the moment. My fingers twisted in my dress, trying to hide their trembling. "We can do it today."

I couldn't risk any delays. Not when Blake might change his mind, not when my time was running out like sand through an hourglass.

"Getting divorced today?" Laurel's voice rose with barely concealed delight before she caught herself. Her face quickly turned into one of concern. "Oh,what a terrible shame..."

"A shame?" William's laugh could have cut glass. "That's rich,coming from you. Tell me, Miss Rose, would they be signing divorce papers if you hadn't slithered back into town?"

Laurel's mask cracked as she ducked her head, one hand flying to her chest in her signature gesture of distress.

"That's enough." Blake stepped forward, his jaw tight. "Leave Laurel out of this. The divorce is between Audrey and me."

"Leave her out of it?" William's voice rose dangerously. "The woman who wormed her way back into your life and systematically destroyed your marriage? I'm showing remarkable restraint by not having Charles throw her out on her clad behind!"

He turned away from Blake in disgust. "Since you're all so eager to protect precious Miss Rose, stop wasting time and get those divorce papers signed!"

"Let Audrey be free!"