Chapter 11
When I got to the hospital. I found Austin sitting in the room, peeling an apple with a fruit knife.
Aty mom sat on the bed, looking at him with a proud smile.
As soon as he noticed my footsteps, Austin glanced up, his eyes blazing. “Laurel, 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 calling you, but you didn’t pick up, so I called your mom,” he replied, looking a bit sheepish.
To anyone looking on, it might’ve seemed like I intimidated him-after all, I was his ex-girlfriend.
But I hadn’t forgotten the angry guy who had once choked and slapped me, showing no mercy when it mattered.
Clearly, his entire family could win awards for their performances, pretending everything was fine in public while they were full of nonsense behind closed doors,
I wasn’t about to sugarcoat anything. “Austin, let’s not put on a show. We’re done-it’s over.”
His expression faltered, and he looked genuinely sorry. “Laurel, I messed up. I shouldn’t have let work get in the way. But I’ve got all the paperwork ready, Let’s get our license tomorrow, alright?”
I 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 came here and asked me to get back together with no shame.
With a heavy heart, I repeated, “Austin, we’re broken up.”
Then my mom piped up, nudging me. “Laurel, he’s apologized. Come on, fallout happens all the time. You two are grown- ups and can work things out. Just let it go.”
Austin looked at me with those hopeful eyes and handed the peeled apple to my mom, speaking softly, “I promise to treat Laurel right from now on. Don’t worry.”
My mom beamed at him, nodding. “Let’s 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 mighty.
It wasn’t just Austin who thought I was at their service for the past six years. His mom had her own royal moments. 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.
1/3
Chapter 11
It was crazy how 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 smile 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 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 letting me off the hook, especially with my 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 demeanor and giving me a sideways glance. “Laurel, I’m not asking you to apologize to Rosemary, but you really need to clear up that video on your Instagram.”
“What about it?” I shot him a blank look.
Austin furrowed his brow and lowered his voice. “Just tell everyone you made up that video. Rosemary’s been having a rough time, and she doesn’t need to deal with all that gossip.
“Plus, she didn’t say you pushed her. That was just a misunderstanding on my part.”
“So when she fell, why didn’t she just speak up for me? Why didn’t she say I didn’t push her?”
“Do you really have to keep going back to this?”
I let out a soft sigh, feeling out of breath. “You brought it up first, not me.”
“Could you try being a little more understanding? Rosemary’s a patient. Shouldn’t you just let it go? Do you really want to keep being petty about this?”
Austin’s patience was clearly wearing thin as he took a moment to regain himself. “Laurel, I’m already backing down. I only came here because of your mom.”
“And what if I decide not to play along with your little game?” I 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 go.
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 his 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 got 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.
2/3
Chapter 11
Toader help but sneak apk It was a picture of Rosemary in an adorable vintage tutu looking all sweet and perfect Howth, it was Me she could charm anyone.
1 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
Austin, anything else you want to add?” I asked.
He glanced at me, the intensity in his gare fading a bit. “Book a five-star hotel for Rosemary and me. I’ve got some things to sort out, but I’ll send you the details later.
1
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.
