Chapter 16
My hands trembled as I gazed at the ring-the ring, the one my grandmother had left me. It was the only heirloom, and I had kept it with utmost care.
Yet after moving, it had vanished, and for three whole days, I cried, devastated by the loss.
Austin had never seen me so heartbroken. He promised that he would buy me an identical one, but he didn’t understand. Even if there was another ring that looked the same, it wasn’t the one my grandmother had given me.
When I was younger, my mother would often work late, leaving me to be cared for by my grandmother.
Every time my grandmother noticed that I had lost weight, she would nag, “Laurel, you need to eat more. When you grow taller and stronger, I’ll give you this ring, okay?”
I had always adored the ring. Every time I looked at it, it reminded me of my grandmother’s kind, indulgent face.
My grandmother had always slipped money and treats into my schoolbag, bought me toys that my mother refused to, and offered warmth during the coldest parts of my childhood when my father was absent.
But I never got to say goodbye to my grandmother.
When my mother handed over the ring after her passing, I cried heavily.
The ring wasn’t just a piece of jewelry-it carried the love and memories of my childhood.
“Actually, I don’t really care about the ring,” Rosemary said with a small smile. “But I know you care about it so much, so I jokingly told Austin that I wanted it, and he went ahead and took it.”
Her words pierced my heart. I never expected Austin to take the one thing that meant everything to me, all for the sake of appeasing Rosemary.
He had helped search for the ring when it was missing, even buying flowers and trying to make me feel better as if he’d lost it too.
I had blamed myself for not keeping the ring close, but now the truth stung-Austin had stolen it for Rosemary, just because she had mentioned wanting it.
He knew that ring couldn’t be replaced. He gave it to her just because she casually mentioned she liked it.
I was so furious I couldn’t even find the words.
She smirked. “Laurel, if I’m guessing right, there’s more missing from your family than just this, isn’t there?”
Her eyes gleamed with a mischievous light as she smiled. “Don’t doubt it. Some of it I took myself. As for the rest… well, you know how it goes.”
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm despite the anger building inside me. “Rosemary, I don’t care about the other stuff, but this ring-this one’s different. Give it back. Or else…”
“What will you do?” Rosemary’s eyes sparkled with a malicious gleam as she looked at me, daring me to make a move.
“I’ll report you to the police for stealing it,” I replied quickly.
Rosemary scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. “Do you really think the police will believe you? Or me? Don’t forget who
you are.
1/3
Chapter 16
“Not only will the police ignore you, but so will Austin and my mom. They’ll think you’re crazy.”
I used to think Rosemary was just a harmless, jealous girl, the kind who acts all sweet but secretly harbors resentment.
I can’t pin all the blame on her-Austin definitely had his own flaws.
But now, seeing her for what she truly was, a venomous snake.
“Do you want Austin?” I snapped. “If you give me the ring back, I’ll break up with him. Will that be enough for you?”
I didn’t need a scumbag like him. Let her have him, they deserved each other. Hope they stayed miserable together and stopped ruining other people’s lives.
Rosemary smiled a smug smile. “Of course not. You’ve already slandered me in the family chat, making everyone think it’s me who ruined things between you and Austin. You’re cruel, you know.”
My voice hardened as I stared Rosemary down. “You’re the one who’s ruined everything. You don’t even have boundaries with Austin.
“You’re not his sister; how dare you act like his girlfriend? If that’s what you want, then fine. Just give me the ring back.”
Suddenly, Rosemary’s face twisted into an expression of fear, and my heart skipped. But when I turned around, there was no one behind me.
I heard a sharp crack-the ring had fallen from Rosemary’s hand and shattered into two pieces.
I bent down, picking up the pieces, my nails digging into my palms as I stood up. In that instant, I slapped Rosemary across the face.
Rosemary stumbled back, crashing to the floor, her cheek swelling immediately.
From outside, Austin’s voice rang out, and Rosemary, like a drowning person clinging to a lifeline, rushed to him, tears streaming down her face.
I stood frozen, my mind whirling. I didn’t cry, but the tears wouldn’t stop falling.
How could I have been so blind, trusting someone who had stolen from me?
Sighing deeply, I wiped my tears away and washed my face.
When I walked out, I saw Rosemary clinging to Austin, trembling as she cried.
Austin, confused and panicked, pulled Rosemary into his arms, his eyes frantic as he asked, “Rosemary, what happened? Why are you crying? What happened to your face?”
“It was me,” I said coldly, my gaze unblinking as I stared at Austin.
Austin froze, his hand momentarily still on Rosemary’s shoulder. His warm expression vanished, replaced by cold, sharp anger. “You, what the hell is going on?”
I took a slow breath before raising my head, my reddened eyes locking onto Austin’s. “Is it so easy for you to trample on my feelings?”
Austin’s eyes narrowed in confusion, but there was still that icy edge to his gaze. “What are you talking about? You hit Rosemary! Apologize right now, or I’ll never forgive you.”
2/3
A small, bitter smile curved my lips. “Forgive me? Do you think I need your forgiveness?”
“Enough!” Austin barked. “Don’t push me any further. You forget-your mom’s still in the hospital.”
“So now you’re threatening me? Using my mom’s health to manipulate me, forcing me to give in every time?” My voice was sharp, every word cutting deeper.
Austin’s face reddened with rage, his expression seething. “The wedding is for you, not me. You hit Rosemary. I’m telling you, apologize!”
“Don’t argue with Laurel because of me, Austin,” Rosemary begged.
She, tearful, looked up at Austin with pleading eyes before turning to me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. Don’t let this hurt your mom, okay? She’s got heart problems. You know how fragile she is.”
“You’re right, it’s my fault.” I walked up to Rosemary, guilt written all over my face. Then, I raised my hand and slapped her again. “I shouldn’t have allowed you to keep poking at me!”
“Are you out of your mind?” Austin bellowed out.
