Chapter 12
I got my mom moved to a private hospital as quickly as I could, thanks to Angela.
My mom looked at me with a confused expression and took my hand seriously. “Laurel, you know Austin’s a good guy.
“He came right over when he found out I was sick, and he even arranged the transfer. But this private hospital isn’t cheap, is
it?”
“Mom, just focus on getting better. That’s all that matters right now,” I replied.
For a long time, my mom really believed that Austin had done so much for me over the six years we dated. She even thought he was the one who bought me that house with my name on it.
The truth was, he hadn’t really given me anything I actually wanted in all that time. Instead, he even wanted me to buy a ruby for his mom with the money I got from selling my house.
So, it turns out he was so eager to come see me not just because of Rosemary, but probably also because he had his eye on the cash.
Sure, Austin came from the Herrera family and had money, but his monthly allowance wasn’t as high as people would think.
He spent a lot of it, especially when he had to help out Rosemary, which meant there was not much left over for me.
In relationships, a guy’s money often reflects his feelings. It took me six long years to really understand what I was caught up
“Please tell me you’re not thinking about getting back together with Austin,” Bonnie said, looking worried as she held my hand during my mom’s checkup.
I thought for a second and replied, “Aunt Bonnie, you don’t back me on this?”
“Not a chance!” Bonnie rolled her eyes at me, gripping my hand tightly. “Laurel, listen to me. You need to take a step back from Austin. You never know how many times a guy might hurt a woman.
“Right now, he’s just trying to sweet-talk you back into his good graces. That’s why he helped with your mom’s hospital transfer.”
As I stared at Bonnie, who looked like she was ready to explode, I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Aunt Bonnie, I handled the transfer myself, and Austin had nothing to do with it. Trust me, I’m definitely not marrying him.”
She sighed deeply, then her eyes widened in disbelief. “But where did you get all that cash for your mom? Did Austin give it to you?”
“Nope, I sold the house in Newton City.”
“Isn’t that house-”
“Austin didn’t buy it for me. I bought it myself.”
Bonnie looked shocked, and I noticed her eyes starting to well up. “Laurel, you’ve had such a tough six years. Why haven’t you talked to us?”
“Aunt Bonnie, I’m almost thirty. I can’t just spill everything to you guys. But don’t worry, I’ve got plans to ensure a better life for all of us in the future,” I replied.
1/3
Chapter 12
She smiled at me, her eyes full of concern.
“By the way, I changed Austin’s number in my mom’s phone. All random numbers will be blocked, so please don’t let my
mom reach out to them later, I said.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got your mom covered. You might manage to hide this for now, but it won’t last,” Bonnie assured me.
Seeing the worry on her face, I gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. After a moment’s hesitation, I asked, “So, how’s your heart?”
Bonnic rolled her eyes playfully. “Just say what you need to say.”
I glanced around, discreetly pulled out my marriage license, and showed her a photo of Alex on my phone.
Her eyes went wide as she picked it up, laughing lightly. “Wow, I didn’t expect to see this. You can’t really tell the difference between fake and real license these days, can you?
“But seriously, the photo looks so off-did you just grab a celeb pic or something? Your mom’s not going to buy it.”
I couldn’t help but smirk. “You think that guy is better looking than me?”
Bonnie shot me a lingering glance that spoke volumes.
Just then, I got another friend request on WhatsApp. I clicked on the avatar, and of course, it was Austin again, like a ghost haunting my notifications.
Just as I was weighing whether or not to add him, I got a call from Rosemary, whom I hadn’t yet blocked. I quickly put her on speakerphone.
“Laurel, Austin asked me to check if you’ve booked a hotel yet. I want a five-star place-I can’t do anything less,” she said, her tone a mix of urgency and entitlement.
“Austin also mentioned your mom is sick, so he wants you to take care of her first, then head to the auction the day after tomorrow before you guys grab the license. No rush,” she continued.
Listening to her tone, I noticed Bonnie, who was standing nearby, staring at me with wide eyes, clearly confused.
“Got it,” I replied, cutting the call without hesitation.
“Wait, Rosemary came to Nifelheim City? I thought you and Austin were done. Why is she still after you?” Bonnie said, a frown forming on her face.
“Aunt Bonnie, I’ve got my own stuff to handle. Don’t worry, things will get sorted out,” I assured her.
She nodded, “Okay, but keep me posted if anything comes up.”
As I walked out of the hospital, a sleek red Maserati screeched to a halt right in front of me. The next moment, Angela stepped out, looking stunning in a designer outfit, her makeup flawless and her hair styled in soft curls.
Without caring about the onlookers, she wrapped me in a hug. “Laurel! I’ve missed you so much! Can you believe it’s been 260 days since we last saw each other?”
“Angela, we’ve been video chatting almost every day. How can you say that? It’s so cringy!” I laughed.
She raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with that? Austin said those sweet words to you all the time, and he didn’t love you half as much as I do.”
2/3
Chapter 12
She glanced at me, trying to read my expression. “So, Laurel, are you really done with him for good?” she asked.
I narrowed my eyes and answered seriously, “How can you say I’ve moved on after six years? I should probably go crawling back, begging for forgiveness for ever being jealous of Rosemary.
“I should just ignore whatever he does from now on, even if he brings a new girl home.”
Angela jumped back, looking appalled. “Laurel, have you lost it?”
I chuckled. “Then why ask me? I should be thanking him for not marrying me after six years, just so I can reclaim my life. from that jerk.”
“Right on,” Angela said, wrapping her arm around me again; her curiosity piqued. “So, why did you want me to plan the
reunion?”
“It’s been ages since we’ve all hung out together from high school,” I replied, grinning. “But honestly, the main reason is to take down Austin and Rosemary.”
Angela looked surprised. “Wait, did Austin really bring that bitch here?”
