Chapter 18
The soft orange glow of the lights hit the man’s sharply defined features, casting a soft shadow across his intense eyes
His thick, curled brows framed his high nose, and his face-a picture of cold, moonlit beauty-carried an almost unsettling detachment.
He looked like someone who had walked right out of a drama series.
His gaze suddenly darkened, and he shot me a wary glance before turning his cold stare onto Austin,
“Take your things and come with me.” Alex’s voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, sharp with authority and grievances.
Austin pulled Rosemary along as he moved toward Alex, looking uncomfortably out of place.
“Not you,” Alex’s words cut through the air, his tone flat and dismissive. ·
His expression was cold and unreadable.
Rosemary froze for a second, before meeting Alex’s cold gaze with her tear-streaked face.
She spoke, her voice full of guilt. “This is my fault. I upset Laurel, and that’s why she said those things. It wasn’t Austin’s fault,
1-”
Her voice broke, tears streaming down her face.
Alex’s eyes
remained unmoved as he cut her off. “Laurel, take your things. We’re leaving.”
I blinked, stunned for a second. The intensity in Alex’s eyes sent a shiver down my spine.
I glanced at Rosemary, who shot me a brief, spiteful smile before it disappeared.
So, she knew Alex would be showing up. This was all part of her plan to provoke me.
Alex wouldn’t let someone disrespect his family, especially not in public.
He didn’t care who they were-he’d protect his family’s reputation no matter what.
I looked up at Alex, my gaze calm, without a hint of fear.
Honestly, I was just as curious to see how my husband-who I had just married today-would handle all of this.
“Rosemary, you’re not blood, but you’ve lived under this roof. Don’t make Kayden’s reputation a joke,” Alex said, his voice cutting through the tension..
Rosemary’s eyes widened in shock, her tears halting as she processed Alex’s words.
Austin looked equally confused, clearly not expecting his uncle to stand up for me.
Rosemary had expected Alex to be hesitant about publicly scolding me, but she never anticipated that Alex would issue her a stern warning.
Kayden, Austin’s father and Alex’s brother, had always been conscious of his reputation.
This was why he adopted Rosemary, his late friend’s daughter.
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Chapter 18
Despite Rosemary’s feelings for Austin, the Herrera family would never approve of them being together,
I couldn’t help but sense there was more to Rosemary’s story than I realized.
After delivering his warning, Alex shot a glance at Austin that was filled with both reprimand and barely restrained anger.
I didn’t want to go with him, but with everyone watching, I didn’t want Alex to make our relationship a public spectacle either.
It wasn’t that I was scared-more like I wasn’t ready to deal with those two troublemakers just yet.
To make matters worse, aside from Alex’s personal driver, no one had a damn clue about our sudden marriage
I had no idea why Alex married me, so it wasn’t the right moment to reveal our connection.
Could it be that Alex had some odd preference-like stealing other people’s wives?
As I stood there uncertain, Alex walked up to me, took a handkerchief from his pocket, and offered it to me.
I paused briefly before accepting it, pressing it against my wound.
“Let’s get that wound taken care of,” he said calmly.
“Uncle, I’ll take Laurel to get treated,” Austin quickly interjected.
Alex looked at him, narrowing his eyes. “You should handle your own mess,” he replied, his words cool but with a hint of
anger.
Angela appeared from the side, handing me my bag and glancing at Alex. “Call me when you’re home,” she said quietly.
The trip to the clinic was quick. Alex took the ring that Rosemary had broken, claiming he knew someone who could fix it.
I handed it over, knowing there was no other option, and he drove me back to my apartment soon after.
Just ten minutes after I stepped inside, my phone buzzed.
“Are you home?” Angela’s voice was on the other end, filled with curiosity.
“Yeah, just got here,” I replied, setting my bag down.
“So, you two are married now. Why did he drop you off?” she asked, her tone teasing.
“Quick marriage. Simple reason,” I answered, not going into details.
Angela didn’t buy it. “What?”
I let out a light smile, the corners of my lips curling up. “We all get what we need.”
“But I still feel like Alex’s gaze toward you is a bit… off,” she replied quickly.
*How could that be? He’s never been interested in women. I haven’t heard any rumors about him,” I said, trying to brush off
her concern.
Angela paused for a long while, clearly deep in thought. “Laurel, don’t you find it strange? He’s Alex Herrera! What kind of
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Chapter 15
wman doesn’t want him? Why would he pick you?”
I felt a pang of hurt, but I shrugged it off. “Angela, am I really that bad?” I asked, though deep down, I knew marrying Austin had already felt like a stroke of luck.
Let alone marrying Alex
With his status, he could easily get any young, beautiful woman he wanted with just a snap of his fingers.
But he chose me.
“Of course not.” Angela replied quickly, but then her tone shifted to something more serious. “I just feel like Alex is after you for other reasons.”
At her words, I couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, although I admit I’m not bad-looking, in today’s world, there are plenty of beautiful women. Do you think I’m more attractive than Rosemary?”
Angela was silent for a moment before she spat, “Laurel, I swear I’ll get revenge for you. I’ll make sure those two bastards get punished.”
I smiled lightly, shaking my head. “No need. Just remember to leave me a business card at the charity auction tomorrow
afternoon.
Angela hesitated, her voice sounding confused. “Laurel, didn’t you just cut ties with Austin? Why are you going to the
auction:
“Because I want that ruby!” I replied with a smirk, feeling a little excitement at the thought of it.
“You want to buy it? Angela asked, sounding almost incredulous.
Just as I was about to answer, a knock on the door interrupted me.
I froze, taken aback. It was late, and it was unusual for anyone to visit at this hour.
‘Laurel?” a voice called from outside the door.
I’m here. I’ll go check who it is,” I said, standing up from the sofa.
‘Could it be your husband?” Angela chuckled, her voice muffled as she covered her mouth.
I peeked toward the door and frowned. “It’s the Rosemary.”
Angela’s tone grew louder with concern. “Laurel, don’t open the door! Who knows what kind of trouble she might bring.”
I rolled my eyes. “It’s not a horror movie. You really think I’m some soft target?”
‘I’m just worried about your hand, Angela said, her voice softening with worry.
I sighed and hung up the phone, then opened the door. Leaning against the doorframe, I gave her an annoyed look. “You actually came to my house.
