Chapter 279
Audrey’s POV
Lying on the hospital bed, I couldn’t move, but my mind stayed sharp enough to catch voices beyond the emergency room.
“I don’t care what it takes! Get those jewelry prototypes here now!” James shouted, his usual composure completely gone.
“Nothing is impossible! This is life or death!”
Through the haze of pain, I caught Ethan’s steady murmurs, probably comforting Astrid.
“My friend is dying,” James’s voice cracked. “Her last wish is to see her designs come to life. Get them here today!”
Breathing became a battle even with the ventilator helping. After surgery, they wheeled me back, my face drained of color. The doctor stepped through the doors toward my waiting friends.
“Doctor, how is she?!” They spoke together, their voices a desperate chorus.
He sighed, shoulders slumping. “Her body was already compromised by her illness. This nail wound didn’t damage her brain, but she’s lost too much blood.”
A pause. “We’ve done everything possible, but with the delayed treatment…”
Another heavy sigh. “Go see her. The machines can only keep her stable for about fifteen minutes.”
They approached slowly. Astrid grabbed my hand, her eyes red and swollen.
‘Audrey…” She choked out my name. “Who pushed you onto that nail?”
“Please tell me?” she begged.
The ventilator made talking hard, but I forced the words out. “Astrid, don’t ask.”
I tried to smile but couldn’t make my face work right.
Each word cost me. “My body was already failing… even without this nail, I’d have died soon.”
“But not now! Not yet!” Tears splashed onto our joined hands.
“We have so much left to do. Rachel just woke up! Your jewelry line isn’t even launched!” Her voice cracked.
“I need more time with you. How can you just… leave?”
What good would telling her do? No cameras, no witnesses. If Astrid went after Blake, she’d only destroy herself. I’d already brought enough trouble to my friends.
I reached for her face with the last of my strength. Astrid moved closer, pressing my hand to her wet cheek.
“Astrid. My voice was fading. “In the next life… I won’t fall for any man. I’ll stay with you and Rachel.”
I fought for breath.
“The three of us… sisters forever.
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“Yes!” She nodded, tears still flowing.
“Remember, this is my own doing… my choices.”
Each word was harder than the last.
“Nothing to do with Blake… William… or any Parker. Don’t fight them… don’t seek revenge. Live your life.”
My grip tightened slightly.
“Don’t tell Blake anything… we’re done. No Parkers at my funeral… not even William. He’ll be upset.”
“I’ll do exactly what you want, Astrid promised.
I turned to Ethan standing at the foot of my bed. “Snow’s been with me over two years. I worry about him most. Astrid’s careless… James is always busy…”
“Could you take Snow? Cats only live fifteen years… please.”
Ethan ducked his head, hiding tears. “Don’t worry… I’ll take good care of him.”
I sighed and looked at James. “About what I asked before…”
He nodded stiffly. “It’s handled.”
A knock interrupted us. Tiffany burst in, out of breath.
“James, got them!” she announced.
James showed me the samples. “Look! Your designs are real!”
My hands trembled as I touched my creation. Tears filled my eyes as I held the jewelry in one hand, Snow in my other arm.
“Thank you,” I whispered over and over.
“Don’t tell Rachel about me yet,” I managed. “Might set back her recovery.”
“We won’t,” Astrid promised.
“In my life, I have two regrets… Not seeing Rachel before I died. The other is…” I closed my eyes, too tired to continue.
n my mind, I finished the thought: That I gave my heart to a man who never cared about me at all.
Bitterness washed over me as darkness closed in.
“Audrey!” Astrid’s voice seemed far away.
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