Chapter 15
The awkward tension in the air instantly vanished when Elio walked in.
The room came to life with whispers from the girls around us. “Who’s that guy next to Mr. Bowen?” someone murmured.
Curious, I glanced up just as his gaze met mine. There was a brief, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
“That’s Lucas Bowen, Elio’s son,” someone answered, catching my attention.
I blinked, surprised. Wait, that was Lucas? The same chubby kid who used to sneak my snacks in high school?
Lucas was now tall and handsome-unrecognizable from the short, plump boy I remembered. He wore a crisp white shirt, his short hair perfectly styled, and his striking features were accentuated by deep-set eyes and a sharp jawline. Gone was the awkwardness, replaced with something… far more captivating.
The transformation was unreal.
“No way. Is that really Lucas?” Angela, her voice filled with disbelief, gripped my arm tighter. “He looks nothing like before!”
“Is that really Lucas? How can he be this good-looking?” A high-pitched scream from one of the girls snapped everyone back from their stunned silence.
As the shock wore off, everyone quickly took their seats.
Angela shifted her gaze away from Lucas, turning to look at me with a knowing expression. “Seriously, Laurel, that guy used to be so obsessed with you back then. You’re not feeling regret now, are you?”
Seeing my indifferent expression, Angela gently nudged my arm with a smile and teased, “I mean, honestly, Lucas looks way more attractive than Austin now, doesn’t he?”
I shot her a glance in response. Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, glancing at the message on the screen. It was from Austin.
I saw the message and couldn’t help but let out a scoff.
He texted: [Laurel, I told you not to come. What are you doing? Do you really think it’s okay to talk like that? Do you even know how Rosemary is feeling right now?]
Angela leaned in, noticing the message over my shoulder.
Her frown deepened, and she stood up to speak, but I quickly pulled her back.
“Not yet,” I whispered, squeezing her arm. “Trust me, it’s not the right time.”
Once we were settled, Elio took the seat. Lucas sat to his left, and Austin took the seat next to him.
Just as everyone was about to sit, Elio’s voice rang out. “Laurel, come sit over here,” he called.
I froze for a second before standing up and making my way to the other side of the table.
As I did, Rosemary, who had been about to take the seat next to Lucas, shot me an annoyed look. I ignored her and sat beside Lucas instead.
The group began to raise their glasses, toasting old memories. That’s when Polly suddenly stood up and raised her glass with
1/3
Chapter 15
a loud laugh. “Laurel! I heard you and Austin are getting married soon. Don’t forget to invite us when the big day comes!”
“Yeah, we’ve all known Laurel forever. You’ve been with Austin for six years now, right? When’s the wedding, Austin?* Bodhi chimed in, his voice full of playful teasing.
Before Austin could respond, Lucas looked at him, his lips curling into a subtle smirk. “I thought the person sitting next to you was your girlfriend, Austin?”
Austin paused, his expression hardening. “She’s my sister.”
Lucas blinked in realization, a knowing smile spreading across his face. “Ah, my mistake. I didn’t know.”
I took a sip of my water, biting back a laugh. Interesting move, Lucas. Looked like he might be here to throw Austin off his game. I was unable to resist a little smile of my own.
After all, everyone knew that Austin was the only child in the Herrera family.
Wait, I almost forgot-after graduating from high school, Lucas had gone abroad, so he probably didn’t know about Austin’s background. He also had no idea that Rosemary’s connection to Austin was anything more than coincidental.
Bodhi cleared his throat awkwardly, his eyes darting nervously. “Well, Lucas, Rosemary’s actually the adopted daughter of the Herrera family, not Austin’s biological sister,” he explained quickly.
Lucas nodded, unfazed. He looked at Austin with a serious expression, then turned to Rosemary with a grin. “I thought something was off. You two look nothing alike.
“I remember hearing Austin had a sister in high school. Never realized you weren’t actually related.”
He paused, then added with a wink, “Guess I’ve been abroad too long. Things here have changed, huh?”
Erin raised an eyebrow, confused. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are we all suddenly ‘open’ now?”
She glanced at Rosemary after speaking.
I shook my head slightly. Lucas was definitely here because of Angela. She must’ve known he’d ruffle a few feathers with Austin.
“Hey, Laurel, when you get married, don’t forget to let us know,” Bodhi said, trying to steer the conversation back on track.
I nodded, offering a bright smile. “Of course, I’ll make sure to invite everyone when the time comes.”
Rosemary’s smile was tight, but I could see the irritation flickering in her eyes.
Tough luck, Rosemary.
She probably didn’t expect that someone like me-who was never really liked by the Herreras-would have so many people backing me up at the reunion.
High school friendships are the purest, but of course, there are always a few jerks thrown in, like Austin.
By the time the meeting had reached its peak, Austin walked over and leaned down, speaking quietly. “Laurel, Rosemary hasn’t been feeling well. She’s been in the restroom for a while. Could you check on her?”
“Alright.” I put down my drink and, with slightly unsteady steps, pushed the door open and walked out.
I splashed cold water on my face, the cool sensation snapping me out of my thoughts.
2/3
“Rosemary?” I called out softly, but there was no answer.
I was about to leave when the door creaked open behind me.
Rosemary stepped in front of me, her lips curling into a cold smile. “Laurel, you did that on purpose, didn’t you?”
I was confused. “What are you talking about?”
She crossed her arms, sneering. “Don’t play dumb. You’re still trying to get back at me for everything. You think I don’t know what you’re doing?
“You want to play the long game, huh? But you’ve got it all wrong.
“Austin doesn’t care about you. I’m the one who’s number one in his heart. I’ve been able to tolerate you, so why can’t you tolerate me?”
I took a slow, deliberate breath. “Rosemary, you’re sick. I’m not here to fight with you. Austin asked me to check on you. If you’re fine, I’ll leave.”
I turned to leave, but to my surprise, Rosemary stepped in front of me, refusing to let me go.
Her eyes burned with fury. “If I told Austin you hit me, do you think he’d believe it?”
I glared at her, the words leaving my mouth before I could stop them. “How dare you?”
Rosemary stared at me before lifting her hand. I instinctively took a step back, only to see a green ring on her finger.
My stomach dropped as I shot her a furious glare. “Where did you get that ring?” I asked, my voice low, every word sharp with suspicion.
