Laura’s Victory Second Chance

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Laura’s eighteenth birthday bash was in full swing, but it seemed more like a grand entrance for Olivia. Over the past week, she’d been working overtime to charm Robert, and her efforts had paid off. With Laura’s distant nature, Robert found solace in Olivia’s warmth, lavishing her with gifts and designer dresses.

Olivia reveled in her new status, a smirk playing on her lips. She thought to herself, ‘Laura doesn’t have a dress to her name. Even with that 17-million-dollar necklace, she’d just be a laughingstock, a country bumpkin in pearls. The idea of Laura’s humiliation thrilled her.

As the party got underway, David and Emma, the Sharpes, escorted Olivia in. The Sharpe name might not be the richest, but it commanded respect, drawing in the who’s who of the social scene, all eager to meet the family’s new darling.

Nerves tingled in Olivia’s stomach. Emma, ever the supportive mother, whispered, “You’re a Sharpe now. Get used to the limelight. You’ll be a fixture at these events.”

“Oh, come on,” Olivia replied, feigning humility. “Laura’s the star tonight. She’s stunning and elegant. She’ll be the talk of the town, the true Sharpe heir.”

At the mention of Laura, Emma’s face clouded over. “Laura She’s not one of us,” she blurted, then quickly added, “I mean, you and Mat are the real Sharpes. Don’t let her overshadow you. She’s just a guest in our home

Olivia played along. “When’s Mat coming back from overseas? I’m dying to meet him.”

Matthew Sharpe, Emma’s biological son, had been the apple of her eye since birth. He’d been sent abroad for his education as soon as he finished elementary school.

Emma chimed in, “He’ll be back soon. He’s actually more excited about you being here than we are! School’s been hectic, but he’ll be home once he can.”

Emma spotted a middle-aged woman in a wine-red gown and said, “That’s Robert’s parents, Christopher and Elara Brown. Let’s say hello.”

“Sure thing, Mom,” Olivia replied, falling into step beside her.

Emma greeted Elara with a warm smile, “Hi, Christopher and Elara! This is my daughter, Olivia.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Brown. And you must be Robbert’s sister, right?” Olivia chimed in. Her voice was as sweet as honey, instantly winning over the room.

Olivia’s comment made Elara laugh. “Robert’s sister? I’m his mom! His actual sister is studying overseas.”

With a playful pout, Olivia said, “My bad, Mrs. Brown. I thought you were his sister because you look so young. She knew how to flatter-her charm was well-honed.

Elara, who’d never been keen on Laura or her influence on Robert, kept her thoughts to herself out of respect for Laura’s past act of saving Robert’s life. She believed every young man should have a few girlfriends to keep things

interesting.

She looked down on Laura’s background and was eager for Robert to take a liking to a true Sharpe heiress like

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Olivia. “You’re quite the charmer! Robert, you should spend more time with Olivia. She could use a friend after just getting back.”

“Absolutely, I’ll look after her, Robert agreed.

“Thanks, Robby,” Olivia said, blushing a little. They shared a warm smile, and Olivia stayed close to Robert, making it seem like they were a couple.

Meanwhile, David frowned, wondering aloud, “Where’s Laura? Why isn’t she here yet?”

“Who knows?” Emma grumbled.

Olivia added, “Maybe she’s running late,” but inside, she thought, “That country bumpkin doesn’t even have a proper dress. She’ll just make a fool of herself.