Chapter 18
The soft orange glow of the lights hit the man’s sharply defined features, casting a soft shadow across his intense eyes.
His thick, curled brows trained his high nose, and his fare–a pscture of cold, moonin beauty–camed an almost unseling detachment.
He looked like someone who had walked right out of a drama series
His gaze suddenly darkened, and he shot me a wary glance before turning his cold stare onto Austuri.
“Take your things and come with me.” Alex’s voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, sharp with authority
Austin pulled Rosemary along as he moved toward Alex, looking uncomfortably out of place.
writy and grievances.
“Not you” Alex’s words cut through the air,
lator flat an
and drumissive.
His expression was cold and untradable
Rosemary free for a second, before meeting Alex’s cold gaze with her tear streaked fare.
She spoke, her voice full of guil. “This is my fauch. I upset Laurel, and that’s why she said those things. It wasn’t Austin’s fault. I—‘
Her voice broke, tears streaming down her face.
Alex’s eyes remained unmoved as he cut her off. “Laurel, take your things. We’re leaving.”
I blinked, stunned for a second. The intensity in Alex’s eyes sent a shiver down my spine.
1 glanced at Rosemary, who shot me a brief, spiteful smile before it disappeared.
So, she knew Alex would be showing up. This was all part of her plan to provoke me.
Alex wouldn’t let someone disrespect his family, especially not in public.
He didn’t care who they were–he’d protect his family’s reputation no matter what.
I looked up at Alex my gaze calm, without a hint of fear.
Honestly, I was just as curious to see how my husband–who I had just married today–would handle all
Il of this
“Rosemary, you’re not blood, but you’ve lived under this roof. Don’t make Kayden’s reputation a joke.” Alex said, his voice cutting through the
tension..
Rosemary’s eyes widened in shock, her tears halting as she processed Alex’s words.
Austin looked equally confused, clearly not expecting his uncle to stand up for me.
Rosemary had expected Alex to be hesitant about publicly scolding me, but she never anticipated that Alex would issue her a stern warning
Kayden. Austin’s father and Alex’s brother, had always been conscious of his reputation.
This was why he adopted Rosemary, his late friend’s daughter.
Despite Rosemary’s feelings for Austin, the Herrera family would never approve of them being together.
I couldn’t help but sense
sense there was mon
was more to Rosemary’s s
‘s story than I realized.
After delivering his warning, Alex shot a glance at Austin that was filled with both reprimand and barely restrained anger.
I didn’t want to go with him, butwith everyone watching. I didn’t want Alex to make our relationship a public spectacle either.
It wasn’t that i wa
was scared—
-more like I wasn’t ready to deal with those two troublemakers just yet.
To make matters worse, aside from Alex’s personal driver, no one had a damn clue about our sudden marriage
I had no idea why Alex married me, so it wasn’t the right moment to reveal our connection.
Could it be that Alex had some odd preference–like stealing other people’s i
wirest
As I stood there uncertain, Alex walked up to me, took a handkerchief from his pocket, and offered it to me.
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Chapter 15
Ipsed briefly before accepting it, pressing it against try wound.
of the vast calmly
Tinde, fil lake Laurel to get treated” Austin quickly interpreted
Alex Boked at him, narrowing his cers. “You should handle your own mesi
Angela appeared from the side, handing me my bag and plane
rgbeit his monks cook but with a hmt of anger
se when you te home” she said quindy
Rosemary bad broken darming he knew someone
The
trip to the clinic was quick. Alex took the ring that Rosemu
I handed it over knowing there was no other option, and he drove me back to try apartmen
Just ten minutes.
I eepped inside, my phone barred.
“Are you home” Angelas your was on the other end, filed with rumosity
“Yeah, just got here.” I replied, seming my bag down
“So, you two are minted now. Why did he drop you off!” she asked, her tone trasing
“Quick mamage. Simple reason,” Lanswered, not going into details.
Angela didn’t buy it. “What?”
I let out a light smile, the corners of my lips curling up. “We all get what we need”
“But I still feel like Alex’s gaze toward you is a bit… off,” she replied quickly
“How could that be? He’s never been interested in women. I haven’t heard any rumors about him,” I said, trying g to brush off her concern.
Angela paused for a long while, clearly deep in thought. “Laurel, don’t you find it strange! He’s Alex Herrera! What kind of woman doesn’t want him! Why would he pick you!”
I felt a pang of hurt, but I shrugged it off, “Angela, am I really
ly that bad?” I asked, though deep down. I knew marrying Austin had already felt like a
stroke of luck.
Let alone marrying Alex.
With his status, he could easily get any young, beautiful woman he wanted with just a snap of his fingers.
But he chose me
“Of course not,” Angela replied quickly, but then her tone shifted to something more serious. I just feel like Alex is after y
you for other reasons,
At her words, I couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, although I admit I’m not bad–looking, in today’s world, there are plenty of beautiful women. Do you think I’m more attractive than Rosemary!”
Angela was silent for a moment before the spat, “Laurel, I swear I’ll get revenge for you. I’ll make sure those two bastards get punished.”
I smiled lightly, shaking my head. “No need, Just remember to leave me a business card at the charity auction tomorrow afternoon.”
Angela besitated, her voice sounding confused. “Taurel, didn’t you just cut ties with Austin? Why are you going to the auction?”
hof it “Because I want that ruby?” I replied with a smirk, feeling a little excitement at the thought
“You want to buy it?” Angela asked, sounding almost incredulous.
Just as I was about to answer, a knock on the door interrupted me.
I froze, taken aback. It was late, and it was unusual for anyone to visit at this hour.
“Laurel?” a voice called from outside the door.
Tm here. I go check who it is,” I said, standing up from the sofa.
“Could it be your husband!” Angela chuckled, her voice muffled as she covered her mouth.
I peeked toward the door and frowned. “It’s the Rosemary”
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Chapter to
Angela’s tour grew louder with conerin. “Laurel, don’t open the door? Who knows what kind of trouble she night bring?
Trolled my eyes. Tes not a horror movie. You really think I’m some soft urget?
ni just worried about your hond” Angela sand, her voter softenis
I sighed and hung up the phone, then opened the door. Leaning againu
n the doorframe.
I gave h
her an annoyed look. “You actually came to my
