Chapter 14
“I got it,” I said, hanging up the phone.
Turning to face Angela, who was fuming, I couldn’t help but smile faintly. “Don’t be mad, I’m not wasting a penny on that jerk.”
I booked two presidential suites at the Bluestar Hotel under Austin’s name-each costing 15 thousand dollars a night. Not terribly expensive, but it would get the point across.
Not even five minutes after confirming the reservation, Austin called back, his voice tinged with annoyance. “Laurel, why did you book two expensive suites? And why did you use my card?”
I shrugged nonchalantly, “Bluestar didn’t have any deluxe rooms left, so I just got you the presidential suite. And as for your card, I didn’t think it would be a problem.
“I’ve been so caught up with the charity auction coming up. That ruby’s stunning, by the way.”
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before Austin’s tone softened. “I’ll pick you up for the auction that day.”
Taking a deep breath, I kept my voice steady. “No worries.”
Just then, I heard the soft, airy voice of Rosemary in the background, and Austin hung up quickly.
Angela rolled her eyes. “Wow, that was quick. You know, you could have charged his card just to make him feel a little pain.”
I smirked, my eyes drifting to her pretty, flushed face. “I’m married to Alex, remember? No way I’m using his nephew’s card for anything.”
Angela froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Wait-did you really marry Alex?”
I nodded. “The marriage certificate’s in my bag, you want to see it?”
After I disconnected Austin’s card, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I didn’t want anything to do with him anymore.
His card was just a formality; he knew I’d never used it.
When I moved out, I took only my belongings. Everything Austin bought me was left behind.
I was sure he thought I’d come crawling back, that we’d end up together because, in his eyes, a woman like me wouldn’t find anyone else to marry.
To him, I was just someone who would always be waiting for him, no matter what he did.
To think he was so confident, thinking I’d fall for his little act as if 1.5 million dollars wasn’t a big deal to me.
All he cared about was keeping his mother happy with my hard-earned money, while he spent his on Rosemary.
He really thought I was a fool.
Angela broke my thoughts with a sharp laugh. “After lunch, I’ll take you shopping, then we’ll get all dressed up for the reunion and show those two exactly what they’ve missed.”
Her voice was laced with bitterness. “At our high school reunion, he actually brought Rosemary. I can’t believe you put up with him for six whole years.”
1/3
Chapter 14
“I don’t want to make it public that I married Alex just yet,” I replied.
She raised an eyebrow, confused. “But most people already know about you and Austin, and now he’s bringing Rosemary? Doesn’t that make things awkward?”
I smiled faintly. “Trust me, I’ve never been one to let things slide.”
Angela snorted. “Don’t forget all the crap you put up with from the Herrera family.”
I just shrugged, smiling.
After lunch, Angela took me shopping, picking out a few luxury pieces and bags.
I chose a few understated ones; I’ve never been one for flashy items.
Afterward, I told her I’d catch up with her at the reunion later.
She nodded, though I could tell she was still puzzled by my odd behavior.
I arrived at Bluestar Hotel about ten minutes later, only to spot Bodhi Harrow standing by the entrance, waiting for the rest
of our classmates.
When he saw me, his eyes widened, but the surprise quickly faded. He walked up to me quickly. “Laurel, the group’s waiting for you on the second floor.”
I gave a slight nod before stepping into the elevator, a smile creeping onto my lips.
When I reached the private room, laughter echoed from inside.
I was about to open the door when footsteps caught my attention. I turned, spotting Erin and Polly hurrying toward me.
Before I knew it, they pulled me into the nearby restroom.
“Laurel, what are you doing here? Austin said you wouldn’t come,” Polly said, her voice a mix of frustration and disbelief. “And now he brings Rosemary to the reunion? What a jerk.”
Erin was equally exasperated. “So, what’s going on between you two now?“
I laughed softly. “It’s fine. Austin told me he was bringing Rosemary. He said if I had a problem with it, I shouldn’t come. But honestly, I’m here to see my classmates, not her.”
Polly, ever the protector, wrapped her arm around mine. “Don’t worry. If Rosemary dares to cross you, she’ll regret it.”
“I’m with you,” Erin chimed in, nodding firmly.
I nodded with a smile. “Let’s go, they’re waiting for us.”
When I stepped into the room, Austin’s eyes locked with mine. Rosemary, who had been holding his arm, froze, her smile faltering. She quickly let go of Austin, stepping aside as she walked toward me. “Laurel! You came! You should sit with
Austin.”
I raised an eyebrow at her forced sweetness. “Rosemary, Austin’s been with you all day. You must be exhausted. Go sit down.”
Her face paled slightly, but she quickly put on a smile. “Laurel, you’re not mad, are you? I didn’t bring much with me, so Austin insisted we go shopping.”
2/3
Chapter 14
Rosemary put on a pitiful expression, helplessly glancing at Austin.
She batted her lashes at him, but I just shrugged. “How could I be mad? You knew I was dealing with my mom’s illness, and you came along to support Austin.
“If he’s taking care of you, then that’s only right.”
1 turned to Austin with a playful scold. “Austin, you know Rosemary isn’t well. How could you let her travel all this way to the reunion?”
Austin seemed taken aback, clearly not expecting my response.
The group started whispering among themselves.
“Wait, I thought Austin and Laurel broke up? Is that not the case?” one voice whispered.
“No, they’re definitely not over,” another voice replied.
Austin’s face darkened, and Rosemary’s checks flushed.
This was just the beginning.
I glanced over at Austin with a smirk. “Why don’t you sit with Rosemary? I’m not great at playing the host.”
Rosemary, now visibly uncomfortable, opened her mouth to say something, but Angela walked over and pulled me aside before she could. “Laurel, come sit with me. You’ve been dealing with your mom’s illness all day. You need to rest.””
Everyone in the room exchanged glances.
Just then, the door opened, and an elderly man with graying hair walked in.
Everyone immediately stood. It was none other than our high school teacher, Elio Bowen.
