Chapter 25
Alex stond m a black dress shirt and matching suit his demeanine calm and refined. He glanced freen at faint, almost seductive smile. Iroer momentarily, staring at him my trond
“You… why are you—“Tonuldn’t even hanh my sentener. My mouth want kerjan had rained a scene at the charity auction earlier
to match
Austin’s anger didit concem me as much as the fact that I had embarrassed the Herrera family I har atreaty brand yurt for humer coining—I just hadn’t expected Ales to sher
over me, calm yet unreadable, and a chollaan own my spior. Wabent a mad. Alex lifted the
set eyes still carried that halamal, almost soothing smile—like a warm spring her
But to me, it felt anything but reassuring. Something was unsettling about it, though the alcohol duled my fear tagid courage really want
Not that I was even the timist type. It was just that, standing before Alex, I always had this strange feeling–like
Tears Then how else could be always know exactly where to strike!
The enclosed space was
e was filled a
the faint, woody scent of his cologne, crisp and cool. It was oddly comforting, muking the tension in my
That went had a way of pulling people in. Hefore I knew it, my eyes drafted shut again.
The car had barely come to a stop when I shoved the door open and bolted. I barely made it to the nearest Blower bed before thrown everything in my stomach. My head spun, eyes stinging as heaved until I felt like I was going to spit out my soul
over someone e else’s mistakes.
Never drinking on an empty stomach again. And definitely not punishing myself over
The moment I was done, my head cleared just enough for me to catch my breath. Pressing my fingers to my temple. I turned-
Austin was walking toward me, his face unreadable, his steps quick. Instinctively, I took a step back
“Laurel, are you okay” Austin asked anxiously. His hand reached out, hesitation flickering in his eyes. “Come on, stop this. What happened tom -let’s just put it behind us. Tomorrow, well go get the marriage certificate, and after that, we’ll visit Morn at the hospital Okay”
I stilled, completely caught off guard. It had only been a few hours, and now he was apologizing!
Over the past six years, we’d had our fair share of arguments. At first, Austin would still try to smooth things over, but at some point, he stopped bothering Stopped explaining
And I adjusted. Everyone around me made sure I did. They said, “Laurel, you’re twenty–five. Austin’s a good man–don’t be stupid, just murry him already
“Every marriage has problems. You can’t be so naive. As long as it’s not something major, just let it go?
1 had wanted a home of my own. Coming from a brokeri family, I longed for something stable, something real
Even if his parents didn’t like me. Even if Rosemary was always hovering around him.
I had convinced myself that marriage would change
e things. That his family would warm up to me over time. That Rosemary y would finally back on.
I had clung to those hopes, even when Austin hit me for the first time–because Rosemary had attempted suicide, and somehow, that was my fault
had still hoped, right up until the moment Austin brought Rosemary along when we were supposed to get our marriage certificate
And when Austin laid hands on me again, because of Rosemary’s lies, whatever hope I had left shattered.
“Austin, don’t come any closer. I think we should keep some distance,” I said warily, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.
“Laurel, your mom’s still in the hospital. I promised her we’d get married today. If not today, then tomorrose, okay?” Austin said
Austin ignored my warning, stepping forward and grabbing my arm like he thought I had come here looking for him.
I just couldn’t understand why Austin wasn’t angry at all after I caused such a sornet Dud he really think we can just go back to the way things weret
Before I could say anything, a deep, cool voice cut through the night. “Let her go”
Austin Htiffened. Turning around, his eyes flashed with something close to disbelief. “Unclef“:
Then I jerked my arm free, exhaling quietly as I took a step back
1/2
Chapter 25
Ales had bern Iraning casually against his car, cigarette between his fingers, washing the whole scepe unfold. He only stepped in when Austin grabbed me—probably because he had no choice.
After all, no one in the Herrera family knew about our marriage plans. If they had, it would’ve already caused an uproar
Was that why he was intervening? To keep this hidden? But something was off. If Alex wanted a secret marriage, he could choose anyone. Why met
Austin swallowed, his expression uneasy. “Uncle… why are you still in Nifelheim Cary?”
Alex didn’t even look at him, his eyes steady on me, his voice unhurried. “Austin, Laurel already ended things with you. Don’t make this harder than
Austin’s head snapped up. He retorted, “We were just fighting! We didn’t break up
“Oh! Is that so” Alex raised an eyebrow before shifting his gaze to me, waiting
What a joke. Like I’d risk my life crossing him a third time. He could’t possibly think that I still had a different kind of relationship with Austinu
could be!
“Austin, I already told you
when I left for Harbor City–we’re done,” I said, my voice firm. Without hesitation, I stepped behind Alex
Austin stood there, thrown off balance. He opened his mouth like he wanted to argue, but Alex shut him down with a single glance. Figure out hu you’re going to tell the family yourself, Alex said coolly, “Don’t expect her to cover for you
Then Alex turned to me. “I’ll have my driver take you home?”
I nodded immediately. As I slid into the car. I stole a glance at the Bluestar Hotel in the distance, a sudden wave of regret washing over me
Should’ve slept a little longer. When else was I ever going to stay in the biggest penthouse suite?
