Chapter II
When I got to the hospital. 1 found Austin sitting in the room, preling an apple with a fruct knife.
My mom sat on the bed, looking at him with a prood smile.
As soon as he noticed my footsteps, Austin glanced up his eyes blaring “Taurel, why didn’t you tell me when your mom got sick?
I raised an eyebrow feeling cold. “Austin, what are you doing here?”
I tried cafting you, but you didn’t pick up, so I called your mom” he replied, looking hit sheepish
To anyone looking on it might’ve seemed like I intimidated him—after all, 1
his ex prlfriend.
But I hadn’t forgotten the sgry guy who had once choked and stapped me, showing no merry when it mattered.
Clearly
entire family could win awards for their performances, pretending mirrything was fine in polific
they were full of
behind closed doon.
I wasn’t about to sugarenat anything. “Austin, let’s not put on a show. We’re done–over
His expression fathered, and he looked genuinely sorry. “Taurel, I messed up. I shouldn’t have let work gen in the way. But I’ve got ready. Let’s get our license tomorrow, alright?”
1 stared at him feeling trapped. He knew my mom wanted us to get back together, so he was playing this card in front of her on purpose.
He was sure that I wouldn’t bring up the issues between us, especially since my mom’s health couldn’t handle stress. That was why he brazenly here and asked me to get back together with no shame.
With a heavy heart, I repeated, “Austin, we’re broken up”
sps and can work things
Then my mom piped up, nudging me. “Laurel, he’s apologized. Come on, fallout happens all the time. You two are grown–ups out just let go.”
Austin looked at me with those hopeful eyes and handed the peeled apple to my mom, speaking softly. I promise to treat Laurel night from no on. Don’t worry.”
My mom beamed at him, nodding. Lets get the license tomorrow so I can finally relax”
Bonnie barged in, shot a quick glance at Austin, then flicked her gaze toward me and said casually. “Laurel if you two have something to discuss take it outside, and don’t bother the patient in the next room”
Austin looked taken aback, clearly not loving Bonnie’s cold vibe. Could that rich kid really not handle a bit of sass
I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself, remembering my first encounter with his mom. She acted like the Queen, all high and i
It wasn’t just Austin who thought I was at their service for the past six years. His mom had her own royal momenti.
Whenever she needed to shop or wait in line, I’d get a call with her authoritative tone, no matter what I was up to.
And it got worse later. Amanda would let me be the one picking her up and dropping her off instead of their driver just so she could strut around in front of her friends.
I was
was crazy how some mean
some mean people were spoiled by those who had a good temper.
So, in the Herrera family’s eyes. I’m just someone who can be pushed around. How could I suddenly stand my ground
I nodded, a faint unile crossing my face as I turned to Austin and dropped my voice. “Let’s chat outside.”
Austin got up slowly, giving me a smug look filled with satisfaction as if he had totally won this round.
of
of course, he thought he was in the driver’s seat. After all, didn’t he come all this way to ask me to get back together!
From where he stood, he was already lening me off the hook, especially with my y mom still in the hospital. And he always believed he had it all figured out–never short of people willing to flatter him.
After stepping out of the hospital room, Austin let out a grunt, dropping his previous gentle draneanor and giving ine a sideways i I’m not asking you to apologize to losemary, but you really need to clear up that video on your Instagram”
“What about if I shot him a blank look.
1/2
Bontemury i been having a notigh time, and the bent
Plus the didná tay vou pushed her. That was þad a misunderstanding na may part
7%o when the fell, why dudon, she first speak up ter
Do you really have to keep going back to this
1 let out a soft sigh, feeling out of breath “You br
“Could you try being a like mon
g? Rosemary’s a patient
dient. Shouldn’t you just let in
Emo you really w
want in keep being petry about
Austin’s patience was clearly wearing thin as he took a moment to regain himself. “Taurel, I’m already backing down. I only came here because of
“And what if I decide not to play along with your little game?” 1 looked at him, genuinely intrigued.
“Laurel, your mom is still in the hospital. His finishing line came with a challenging glare
“Right, I wouldn’t want to upset her.” I said, holding back my rising anger while trying to gauge exactly how low Austin could
Seeing my restraint, Austin couldn’t help but smirk and tilt his chin up. “You really should apologize to my family, especially my mom.”
He paused, narrowing hus eyes a bit. “By the way, my mom’s birthday is next month. There’s an auction here the day after tomorrow, and she’s gor her eye on a ruby. That could be your gift for her.”
I didn’t respond, just kept staring at him silently.
“I know you sold that house in Newton City, and the money should be enough for the ruby. If not, I can- Before he could finish his phone buzzed in his pocket.
He pulled it out, glancing at the screen, and a bright smile broke through his serious facade.
I couldn’t help but sneak a peek. It was a picture of Rosemary in an adorable vintage tutu, looking could charm anyone
ng all sweet and perfect. Honestly, it was like she
I had to chuckle. Austin wasn’t here to get me back to him. He was just trying to stir the pot and throw a few threats in my way
“Austin, anything else you want to add?” I
ked.
He glanced at me, the intensity in his gaze fading a bit. “Book a live–star hotel for Rosemary and me. I’ve got some things to sort out, but I’ll send you the details later.”
Before I could reply, he waved down a cab and was off.
I watched him disappear, gave a little chuckle, and then turned around and headed into the hospital to get my mom transferred.
