**Audrey's POV**

Our car lay crumpled on the beach, metal twisted at odd angles. Through the shattered windshield, flames flickered in the distance where one of the SUVs had crashed. The orange glow cast shadows across Blake's face as he remained slumped over me, his body still shielding mine.

"Blake!" I pushed against his chest. "Can you hear me?"

His eyes fluttered open, unfocused. Blood trickled from a gash on his forehead,staining his collar.

"Are you hurt?" he asked, voice barely audible.

I couldn't believe it. Here he was bleeding, possibly with multiple injuries,and his first concern was me?

"You're the one bleeding!" I pressed my hand against his wound.′′Wneed to get help!"

Blake winced but forced a smile."I'm...fine."

His arms remained wrapped around me, creating a human shield. He had maintained this position through the entire crash, absorbing the impact with his own body.

"Let me see where you're hurt," I insisted, trying to pull his arms away.

He resisted. "Not until I know you're okay."

*How could he possibly be fine!?* My hands trembled as I pushed more

firmly against his chest. "Blake Parker, let me check your injuries right now!"

His face grew paler, but his grip remained strong. Even now, with blood streaming down his face, he was stubborn as ever.

"I told you," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear, "you won't die.11

Before I could respond. Blake's body suddenly went limp against mine.

His arms fell away as his head drooped forward.

"Blake?" I shook him gently, then harder. "Blake!"

No response. He had lost consciousness.

The car was mangled from the crash, but Blake had apparently instinctively protected the passenger side while driving. My side remained mostly intact, and the door could still be opened with some effort.

I pushed the door open and assessed the situation. Blake was unconscious and I needed to get him out quickly. Despite his much larger frame, the years I'd spent caring for him had taught me how to manage his weight.

Even though my illness had left me weakened, I summoned a determined strength as I hoisted his large body from the vehicle. With gritted teeth, I carried him from the wreckage to a safer spot on the beach.

After laying him down on the sand. I noticed that a part from inside the car had struck his forehead, creating a significant wound that was now bleeding profusely.

"Wait for me," I said to his unconscious form before heading back to the car.

While searching for a first aid kit, I heard Blake's phone ringing.

The screen was cracked from the impact, making it impossible to see who was calling. I simply picked up and answered, "Hello."

There was a pause on the other end. "Mrs. Parker?"

"Michael? It's me, Audrey. Blake and I have been in a car accident."

Michael's voice immediately turned serious. "How bad is it? Where are you now?"

I gave him our approximate location based on the last road signs I'd seen.

"Blake is unconscious with a head injury," I continued. "When you come.please alert the authorities."

"But I need you to arrive before the police and take Blake and me away,"I added firmly. "Our current situation is sensitive, and we can't afford any complications."

"Understood," Michael replied after a brief pause.

Michael truly deserved his reputation as Blake's top assistant.

After ending the call, I had just finished stopping the bleeding and treating Blake's wound when an RV pulled up on the beach.Michael had already arrived.

"Miss Sinclair!" he called out, rushing toward us with several men carrying a stretcher.

The team efficiently prepared to lift Blake. As they attempted to move him,something unexpected happened. Blake's hand, which had been limp at his side. suddenly gripped mine with surprising strength.

The men tried to separate us, but even unconscious, Blake wouldn't let go.His fingers were intertwined with mine, holding tight.

"Mrs. Parker, what should we...?" Michael looked at our clasped hands,uncertain.

I glanced at Blake's pale face, then at our joined hands. We had no time to waste.

"I'll stay with him." I said after a pause.

Michael nodded, and the team adjusted their approach. They lifted Blake onto the stretcher while I walked alongside, our hands still linked. Once inside the RV, they secured the stretcher while I sat beside it, still connected to Blake.

The RV pulled away from the beach. Through the window,I saw police cars approaching from another direction, their lights flashing against the flames in the distance. We had escaped just in time.

Inside the RV, the medical team checked Blake's vitals while I sat beside him, our hands still joined.

"Audrey..." Blake's voice suddenly broke the silence, though his eyes remained closed. "I don't want you to die..."

Everyone in the RV froze. I closed my eyes, a wave of sadness washing over me.

*How unfortunate. Blake won't get his wish. I only have about two months left... I'll be dead in two months."

"Mrs.Parker."

Michaels nome piallect me hom mny thoughts. He had moved to sit across finoco mae

Mr. Pateert thae a villa at Riverside Haven, far from downtown. Only a few slose aucisants khow about it. Please go there with Mr. Parker to rest,"Mathadl aeminned, "T'll árrange for a doctor to examine him."

dde clanoed at Blake, then back at me. "The car was registered to the aompanx. and T've made the accident report. I need to stay behind and handle matters with the authorities."

I pressed my lips together and nodded. "All right."

"Laurel..."

Blake's sudden call of another woman's name froze me to the core.I rurned to look at him, but his eyes were still closed.

Thank youa..." he mumbled, gripping my hand tighter. "For saving me on mne beach."

"So nes ralling Laurel's name. He said Laurel rescued him on the beach.e's misuiken me for Laurel.* I bit my lip hard, my heart feeling like it wous.berrg squeezed by an invisible hand.

Tises us aillstken me for someone else. When did it happen? After he had aamatisusness on the beach, or.., when the accident first happened?Ww'irtrr dre desseaed me. holding me tight against his body, not caring about ase e Hdbose,, wus it because... he thought I was Laurel?*

Thmoazheny the journey to Riverside Haven, Blake continuously called Raucel/e duetis, sbunking her for saving him. Each time, his grip on my rand eihbsnsd mpking u Impossible for me to pull away.

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