CHAPTER 13
Laura lifted her chin, shedding her old habit of constant apologies. She stood tall, poised like an elegant swan. “Mrs. Brown, that’s a strange thing to say,” she said, her voice steady, “Today’s my birthday party, and everyone’s here to celebrate with me. I should look my best. If I showed up looking sloppy, it wouldn’t just be the Sharpe family that’d be embarrassed; your sort would be too.”
was
This he first time she’d ever stood up to Elara, and the older woman’s anger was palpable, a storm brewing
beneath the surface. “Who do you think you are, talking to me like that? Let me make this clear: as long as I’m around, you’ll never be welcome in the Brown family!”
Elara’s voice carried, and the surrounding murmurs grew louder. Olivia couldn’t help but smirk. She thought, “What a fool, poking the bear right off the bat. With looks like that and no brains, what a waste!
The socialites began to titter. “Seems like Ms. Sharpe isn’t winning any points with her future mother-in-law.”
Some women, eager for Robert’s attention, jumped at the chance to add their two cents. “With her background, the Browns would never really accept her. She’s just a fling for Robert. Once he’s done, he’ll drop her like a hot potato.” “Getting scolded by your future mother-in-law like that? Talk about a total disgrace!”
While everyone was lapping up the drama, Robert’s face darkened. “Mom, what are you saying? You know today is supposed to be-
Laura interrupted, a cheeky grin spreading across her face. Mrs. Brown, don’t worry. Even if Robert were on his knees begging, I wouldn’t marry him.”
Elara scoffed, “That’s quite the bold statement. Everyone knows you’ve got a thing for my son. Fine, I hope you stick to your word. Just don’t come crying to me later.”
Brown,
the wrong
Laura had been crazy about Robert, but he was such a jerk. Now she realized how naive she’d been. “Mrs you can sleep easy. Even if you’re the one begging, I won’t marry Robert. If my past actions gave you idea, I’m glad for this chance to
et the record straight: I have no romantic feelings for Robert.”
The room went silent as Laura’s words hung in the air, a slap to the Browns’ pride. Even Emma looked stunned. She thought, ‘Everyone knows Laura’s feelings for Robert-how could she just dismiss them? But if Laura isn’t with Robert, does that mean Olivia has a chance?”
Robert, dumbfounded, stared at Laura. He couldn’t believe what he heard. “Lau, look me in the eye and tell me you don’t have feelings for me!”
The scene seemed like a déjà vu, a flashback to his grandfather’s birthday party. Laura had been the butt of jokes, ignored, and she’d waited for Robert to defend her.
Instead, he’d arrived with Olivia, breaking up with her as casually as if it were nothing: I’m with Olivia now. We’re through.”
“What about me? What am I to you?” she’d asked, her face a mask of confusion.
“You saved me, and I’m grateful, but I never saw you as my girlfriend.”
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She’d looked into his eyes, tears welling up, and said, “Look me in the eye and tell me you don’t have feelings for
me.
Now the tables had turned. “I never liked you before, don’t now, and won’t in the future,” Laura declared.
In her past, be the one hurting.
she’d been devastated, heartbroken. But this time, she would
Robert gaped at her. “How can you not like me? That’s crazy
Laura kept her cool, a slight smile playing on her lips. She used to follow him around, putting up with his arrogance and her own sacrifices. But not anymore. She wasn’t his follower, and that bruised his ego..
Elara didn’t particularly like Laura, but seeing her son humiliated was too much. “Laura, let me be clear. Your little act won’t work on us. You want to break up with my son? Fine! But let’s be honest-it’s Robert who doesn’t want you!”
“Mom!” Robert interjected, frustration evident.
Elara shot him a cold look. “Quiet! Why would you want someone like her?”
Elara was sure this was a trick. She thought, “Laura would never willingly let go of my son. She’ll be begging to come back
any moment.
But to her surprise, Laura sighed with relief. “Mrs. Brown, I hope you mean that.” Cutting ties with Robert meant leaving her tragic past behind. Laura felt free, like she could breathe again.
Robert tried to speak, but Elara pulled him back. “What’s so special about her? Laura’s just a foster daughter; you deserve someone from the Sharpe family!”
Laura ignored their taunts. With a glass of red wine in hand, she downed it in one go, marking the end of her relationship. “I’ve said my piece. Do as you wish. With that, she turned and walked away, leaving no regrets. Elara scoffed, her voice slicing through the silence. Just wait. She’ll be back, begging for forgiveness.”
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