Chapter 3 Divorced Him for Her Next Guy

Audrey hurt so badly she couldn't get a word out. All she could feel was the cold, empty weight sinking in her chest. For three years, Cameron had gone after her over every word Macie whispered in his ear. He was always ready to accuse, never once stopping to ask what really happened. He was a man who never lost in business, yet somehow Macie had him wrapped around her finger like a blind fool. Audrey used to fight back and explain herself. Now she didn't even bother. Cameron was never going to believe her, and she was done holding on to that kind of hope. She was done being the nice person. She buried the ache and smirked. "So what if I don't apologize? Then what, Mr. Baker? Are you going to pull your usual line about how if I don't want the Mrs. Baker spot, there's a whole line of women waiting for it?" Cameron studied her, his gaze hardening as he noticed how pale she looked. He hadn't meant for things to go this far. All she had to do was say she was sorry, and he would've let it slide. Why did she always have to push back? He spelled it out for her, slow and deliberate. "Audrey, I'm giving you one last chance. Apologize right now, and I'll drop it." The air in the hospital room felt tight, almost suffocating. Macie's eyes glimmered with quiet triumph. Even if she never became Cameron's wife, she'd still get to live under his protection, rich and untouchable for the rest of her life. Audrey had the ring, but what good was it? She still got talked down to every day and was treated like she barely even mattered. Still, even Macie hadn't seen this coming. Audrey never talked back to Cameron. But today, it was like something in her had snapped overnight. And then there was Cameron. The moment he grabbed Audrey, his whole demeanor changed. For a split second, he actually looked worried about her, and that made no sense at all. As far as Macie was concerned, the only reason he'd ever married Audrey was because of Julia and Macie herself. Audrey met his gaze in silence. Whatever patience she'd once had for him was gone. "You really think I was bluffing when I said I wanted a divorce? I don't need your pity offer." She dropped the wedding photo she used to treat like something sacred at his feet. "I'm done being Macie's personal blood source. And I'm done being your wife. Mr. Baker, did I make myself clear? From now on, there's nothing between us." Shock hit Macie first. Then her eyes went bright with excitement. Audrey actually said she wanted a divorce? Macie knew getting the Bakers to accept her with Cameron wouldn't be easy, but with Audrey about to walk away, it suddenly didn't seem impossible anymore. Cameron's expression darkened. So Audrey was really going to throw a fit just because he told her to come in and give Macie blood? Then he really looked at her. Her face was far too pale, and his jaw tightened. Was she lashing out like this because the blood draw would leave her weak? He'd spent years trying to find a better donor and still hadn't managed it. Why couldn't she just hold on a little longer? Cameron exhaled slowly, his voice softening without him realizing it. "Enough. Don't start. This is just a small matter—" Audrey's eyes went cold, sharp with mockery. "I'm not starting anything. I'm telling you I want a divorce. And no, this isn't a small matter. I'm done playing along with someone else's little show. "If you want to keep being stupid, be my guest. I'm just not going to be the fool who keeps getting bled dry for it." Cameron's frown tightened. What was that supposed to mean? He was about to press her when Macie suddenly went pale, panic flickering across her face at what Audrey might have found out. She tugged lightly on Cameron's sleeve, turning her hand just enough for him to see the blood trailing across the back of it. Her voice came out soft and fragile. "Cam, I'm feeling a little dizzy…" The second he saw how weak she looked, the veins stood out on his hand. He stayed quiet for a beat before his tone went cold. "We'll talk when we get home. For now, you're giving Macie blood." Audrey didn't budge. "No need to wait till we're home. Call your lawyer. Have him draw up the divorce papers. You sign, and I'll give the blood." Realizing they were at a stalemate, Macie bit down hard, let her body go limp, and collapsed off the hospital bed onto the floor. Cameron's eyes flew wide. "Macie!" Everything else vanished. He ground the words out through his teeth. "Fine. I agree!" Audrey's eyes stayed cold as she watched him call his lawyer and order the divorce papers. When they arrived, she signed her name without a second thought. That was it. They were done, with no more ties between them. She'd once believed that as long as she stayed by Cameron's side and kept looking at that face so much like Ian's, she could pretend Ian was still around. But now, thinking about it clearly, she knew that if Ian saw how she'd let herself be treated, he'd be furious with her. As Cameron watched her calm, steady movements, irritation rising in his chest for reasons he couldn't name. She'd loved him so much before. He wondered why she was letting go this easily now. He said nothing as he signed the papers and watched Audrey walk out with them. His chest felt strangely hollow, though he couldn't explain why.