Chapter 23 I managed to snag the dazzling ruby for a cool one million , and I couldnt have pulled it off without the help of Angela and Austin .
After all ones the princess of the Adams family , and the others the heir to the Herrera Group So , as their best friend and fiancee , I was pretty much the golden ticket everyone wanted to cozy up to .
The auction wrapped up , and when I took the ruby from the staff , Austin jossed me the car keys without a second thought .
Just put it in my car , he ad Before anyone could blink , Rosemary reached out and grabbed the keys , Austin , let me take care of it for you , she said in her sweenest voice , But Angela wasnt having any of it .
She immediately stepped in , stopping Rosemary in her tracks and giving her a look .
Thats not yours , is in Rosemary smiled , clearly trying to smooth things over .
Actually , this gift was bought by Laurel for my mom .
I just wanted to leave it in the car for Angela raised an eyebrow , not buying it .
For your mom ! Why would Laurel buy your mom a gift Rosemary explained , Angela , next months my moms birthday .
Isnt it normal for Laurel to buy her something ? Angela gave her a sharp sa smile Stop acting all innocent .
And why the hell would Laurel buy a gift for your mom ! Despite Angela keeping her voice calm , the people around us were starting to look , their curiosity piqued .
Austins brow furrowed as he glanced at me .
Angela , this is family business .
Not really your issue , right ? I just stood there next to Angela , pretending to be totally confused .
Honestly , it was better to let her let off some steam She wasnt used to this kind of draina , and I figured it was about time she had a chance to vent Rosemary rugged gently on Austins sleeve , her face full of guilt .
She looked up at him , voice trembling a little .
Austin , please dont be mad .
Its my fault I broke Laurels ring Im just the adopted daughter of the Herrera family .
Please dont let this cause trouble with Miss Adams The onlookers were practically salivating at the drama , some even giving me looks that were filled with judgment .
In their eyes , I was probably just the spoiled girl who was using Austins affection and Angelas position to look down on Rosemary , the poor adopted daughter .
Angela let out a little chuckle , her voice laced with sarcasm .
Oh , look at you , knowing your place now ! You wouldnt want people to think youre Austins side piece , buh ? Austin he snapped , but then immediately realized how that sounded and softened his tone , clearly trying to keep the peace .
For Laurels sake .
Im not gonna start anything with you He then turned to me , snatched the keys from Rosemarys hand , and shoved them into mine .
Put it in the car Angela handed me the ruby , then casually tossed the keys back at Rosemary .
If you wanna impress your future mother in law , buy your own damn giftu .
Dont go eyeing Laurels stuf Laurel , Austin said , fixing me with a sharp look , Ive already let go of yesterdays issue .
And I trust Rosemary has cleared everything up with you .
I ignored his warning , a faint s done .
smile curling on my my lips as I leaned in closer to him .
Austin , 1 made it pretty clear at the reunion yesterday .
Were You didnt think I bought this ruby for your mom , did you ? What the hell have you ever given me over the years The som fell completely silent .
Everyone looked at me like Id just dropped a bombshell .
Even Austin was staring at me like is grown a second Was it that bracelet or the same handbag Rosemary has ! I said , glancing at Rosemarys flushed face .
Maybe your sisters not the one mental issues .
Maybe its you with the Austin never saw this coming .
He had no idea blow the lid off Rosemarys mental issues right in front of everyone .
After all , this was a sere als the Herrera family knew , and theyd kept it buried for years .
Angela quickly yanked me back a couple of steps , putting on a fake panicked expression .
Laurel , stay the hell away from her .
You know , people 1/2 Chapter 24 with mental issues dont have to answer for killing someone The moment she said that , Rosemarys face crumpled with hurt , and tean started flooding down her face .
Meanwhile , Austin , standing right heule her , uw how much she was falling apart and immedunely shielded her like she was some delicate princess .
His anger was barely contained as he gritted his teeth and spat .
Laurel Parks , you owe her an apology .
Or this wedding is oft 1 knapped , unable to hold it in any longer .
My brows furrowed , and I shot back , Austin , are you hearing met I say it one more time- Austin stood there , completely stunned , as if Tal just slapped him in front of everyone , I could tell he never expected me to officially cut ties with Tum in front and so many witnesses But deep down , he knew .
He know yesterday that I had already made up my mind to break up with him , which was why he sent Rosemary to try and blackmail me into staying with him .
Then , out of nowhere , Rosemary stepped up and grabbed my y wrist with a desperate grip Laurel , its all my fault .
Its not Austins fault .
If you can stand me .
111 Irave .
I know my illness disgusts you Then , she whispered in my ear , her voice dripping with malice , Youll end up ruining your moms life , you know that ? And who the hell is gonna want you after this ? Angela couldnt take it anymore .
She shoved Rosemary aside and yelled , Youre out of your damn mind I looked around , and the entire room was staring at us , curiosay written all over ver their faces .
I couldnt believe it Rosemary was using her condition to get sympathy , making it seem like I dumped Austin because of her mental health .
me as the villain who wanted to kick her out of the Herrera family .
She was trying to paint me as What a manipulative little brat I took a deep breath , forced myself to calm down , and nodded .
Yeah , youre right .
I do want you out of my life .
Who the hell wants to be with someone whos a ticking time bomb , ready to snap any second ? I didnt know you were adopted by the Herrera family , if I didnt know about your condition , I might have thought you were just after Austins money .
Hell , you even had the nerve to steal the old mans heirloom .
What the hell wouldnt you do ?? Youve always been after everything 11 Laurel Parks , youve crossed the liner Austins voice dropped to a deadly low grow as he glared at me , his eyes burning with fury .
But I didnt flinch .
I stared right back , and for the first time , I felt nothing .
The man I had loved for years ? He wasnt mine anymore .
I took a deep breath and stepped right up to him , looking him in the eye .
Austin , if you didnt love me anymore , you couldve told me earlier .
I wouldnt have dragged this out .
You didnt have to make yourself miserable .
Every lie you anymore , either ୦ fed ine carved another star in my heart .
And now ! Now I realize I dont love you
