Chapter 6
The loud screech from the phone cut me off just as I was about to finish my sentence, thanks to Austin,
I couldn’t help but sindle a little as I said, “Austin, your mom has always looked down on me, thinking I’m not good enough for you
“Now that we’ve Inoken up, you can finally be with Rosemary, and I want to wi
to wish you both a happy marriage. Don’t ever call me again!
With that, I hung up the phone. Armanda had never been a fan because she thought my family was too ordinary and my mom’s sinuation was a
bundra
I was just a good for nothing in her eyes, but she reluctantly went along with the marriage because I was so focused on Austin
Still, she always found ways to undermise and belittle une in front of Austin
Tied to keep my cool because I didn’t want to cause drama with her since she was his mom, and it was supposed to be about me and Austin in the
Lättle dad 1 realize, I was just an easy target for their manipulation,
Rosemary also joined in, spreading lies about me. It fich like they il
thought I was overreacting just because the was sick and I had to cater to her every
Whenever I liked something. I’d end up giving it to her without a second thought. At first, it was just jewelry, clothes, and bags–things that didnt mean much to me, even if I had spent a lot of money on them.
After all, she was like a little sister to Austin.
But later, I figured out that it wasn’t just my stuff she was after. She wanted Austin too.
And he kept lying to me, hiding the truth, always giving me the bare minimum every holiday while Rosemary made sure to pop up on the most important days, trying to prove she was the priority.
I was tired of this endless competition between us and didn’t want to play this game anymore.
“Laurel, what are you doing back here!” I looked up to see Bonnie standing in front of me, her face a mix of surprise and concern, with slightly red
Auni Bonnic, how’s Mom doing?” I smiled and wrapped my arm around her, trying to keep things light
“Your mom’s okay” Bonnie replied, her brow furrowing as she leaned in. In a softer voice, she asked, “Is it true what your mom said about you ar Austin breaking up?”
I nodded.
“Are you kidding? Austin’s got the looks and the perfect family background. What’s not to like?” Bonnie raised an eyebrow, her gare fixed on me like she was trying to read my mind.
When I didn’t say anything, she pressed her lips together and continued, “Did he end things with you?”
“No.
Bonnie stopped in her tracks, tugging on my arm with Trustration. “Then why did you break up? Did you two argue! You can’t just hold onto a breakup like this–men get tired of hearing about it”
I knew if i didn ́t spill the beans, she wouldn’t let it go. After a moment of deliberation, I unlocked my phone and handed it to her.
Bonnie watched the video, and after a bit, she suddenly crouched down, unable to stop the tears.
“Aunt Bonnir, don’t cry It’ll look like I’m the villain here,” I said, quickly pulling her up and maintaining my composure
“You did the right thing. We don’t need men like him who hurt women!” Bonnie stood up, wiped her eyes, and gently touched my face. “If your dar were here, he wouldn’t put you through this
The mention of my dad caused a wave of emotions to the up in me–frustration mixed with sadness. Taking a deep breath, I said softly, “Auni Honnie, please don’t tell Mom about the video”
“I get it. I’ll handle your mom and explain the breakup,” she said.
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me now that I had Bonnie’s support.
1/2
Chapter 6
Walking into the ward. I was hit by the sight of my pale, sick mother lying on the bed. I couldn’t shake off the quilt creeping in.
it had been us whole years since I got to be with Austin. Other than a few quick holiday visits. I hadn’t spent much time at home.
hat brings you back? My mother’s face lit up the moment she saw me, and she quickly sat up in bed.
I rushed over to help her, wrapping my arms around her gently. “Mom, I’m home. Im not going anywhere this time”
She looked at me in disbelief for a moment. “You’re really not leaving again?”
I nodded, still holding her shoulders. “What, you don’t want me around?”
“Did you and Austin actually break up? My mom’s brow furrowed, a hint of a pout appearing on her lips. “I thought you two were about to get married. What’s going on?”
Just chill. If you don’t get better soon, you’ll be stuck with Laurel whether you
Iver you like it o
it or not. Bonnie chimed in
did you break up!”
My mom narrowed her eyes at Bonnie, then back at me. “Seriously, what happened? Why did you
As she popped a heart pill from under her pillow and swallowed it, the disapproval in her gaze intensified. I hesitated for a moment, then let out a bitter laugh. Well, it’s because I’m in love with someone clic
Bonnie spat her drink out in shock.
Mom nearly exploded. “Laurel, how could you do this?”
Unfazed, 1 smirked. “Mom, you can’t force stuff like this. As we grow up, our preferences change. I mean, when it comes to finding a partner, we can’t just settle. That would be a mistake for everyone involved
My words hit home, and Mom clutched her chest, glaring at me with a mix of anger and
concern.
“Okay, okay, let’s not make her more upset, Bonnie interjected, pulling me aside. “Laurel, you need to eat something. You can’t keep chatting here and make your mom lose her appetite.”
I wiped my mouth and glanced at my mom, her eyes puffy from all the emotions I’d just dumped on her.
I gave her a half–smile and joked, “Mom, I haven’t eaten all day, so how about I grab something to eat first? You should take a breather for a sec
With that, I stormed out in a bit of a huff. Once I stepped outside the hospital room, I let out a big, relieved sigh
Just then, my phone buzzed. When I saw who was calling, 1 I quickly hit the answer button.
“Wait, are you serious? You actually broke up?” Angela Adams’s voice was full of disbelief.
“Yup. Sold my house, just got off the plane, and now I’m hanging out at the hospital with “I started.
“Ahhhhhh!” Angela’s excited screech came through the phone, nearly making me jump. Laurel, are you planning on staying for good?”
“Exactly! So, when are you setting me up with that blind date? Hurry up, or I’ll have to backtrack on my excuse.”
Angela paused, sounding a bit suspicious. “What excuse!”
“I told everyone I broke up because I’m in love with someone else.”
“Trust me, Laurel, the second you lay eyes on this blind date, you’ll forget all your worries.”
Hearing her so confident made me chuckle a bit. “Alright, I’m in.”
“Let’s do it tonight then! I’ll have it all set up for you”
