Chapter 14 uldnt help but smile faintly .
Dont be mat .
Im not wasting a penny on that jerk .
thonsand dollars a night .
Not terribly expensive , but it sidential matter at the Bluestar Hesel under Avelino name rubys annoyance Laurel , why did you book two ent you the presidental mine .
And as for your card , 1 dibt think it Twe been an caught up with the charity auction coming up .
That ndys uning , by the way ? There w a brief ulence on the other end of the line before Austins tone softened 11 pick you up for the auction that day ing a deep breath .
I kept my vodor strady.
No worries ) Just then , I heard the soch , aury 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 linte pam mirked , my eyes drifting to her pretty , flushed face Tm married to Alex , remember ? No way Im using his nephews card for anything Angela froze , her eyes wide with disbelief .
Wait did you real really marry .
y Alex I nodded The marriage certificates in my bag , you want to see it? After I disconnected Austins card , I felt a wright lift off my shoulders .
I didnt want anything to do with him anymore .
Hin card was just a formality ; he knew Id never used it When I moved out .
I took only my belongings .
Everything Austin bought me was left behind .
1 was sure he thought Id come crawling back , that wed end up together because , in his eyes , a woman like me wouldnt 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 Id fall for his line act as if 1.5 million dollars wasnt 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 , Ill take you shopping , then well get all dressed up for the reunion and show those two exactly what theyve missed Her voice was laced with bitterness .
At our high school reunion , he actually brought Rosemary .
I cant believe you put up with him for six whole I dont want to make it public that I married Alex just yet , I replied .
She caused an eyebrow , confused But most people already know about you and Austin , and now hes bringing Rosemary ? Doesnt that make things awkward ? I smiled faintly .
Trust me , Ive never been one to let things slide .
Angela snorted .
Dont 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 unes ; Ive never been one for flashy items Afterward , I told her Id catch up with her at the reunion later .
She nodded , though I could tell she was still puzzled by my odd behavior .
Chapter 14 1 atrived at Florstat Hotel about ten mimors later , only to spot Hodhi Harrow standing by the entrance , waiting for the rest of nor classmates .
When he owe me , has eyes widened , but the surprise quickly faded .
He walked up to me quickly Laurel , the groups waiting for you on the second v a zlight not before stepping into the elevator , a sole creeping onto mny lips .
When I reached the private room , laughter echoed from inside .
was about to open the door when footsteps caught my attention 1 turned , spoming Erin and Polly hurrying toward ine Before ) knew it , they pulled me into the nearby reutroni Laurel , what are you doing here ! Austin said you wouldnt come , Polly said , her voice a mix of frustration and disbelief .
And now be brings Rosemary to the reunion What a jerk Erin was equally exasperated .
So , whats g going on between you two now ! I laughed softly .
Its fine Austin told me he was bringing Rosemary .
He said it see my classmates , not her Pally , ever the a problem with it , I shouldnt come .
But honestly .
Im here to e protector , wrapped her arm around minne .
Dont worry .
If Rosemary dares to cross you , shell regret it Tm with you .
Erin chimed in , nodding firmly .
I nodded with a smile .
Lets go , theyre waiting for us .
When I stepped into the room , Austins 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 .
Austins been with you all day .
You must be exhausted .
Go sit down .
Her face paled slightly , but she quickly put on a smile .
Laurel , youre not mad , are you ? I didnt bring much with me , so Austin insisted we go shopping Rosemary y put of 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 moms illness , and you came along to support Austin .
If hes taking care of you , then thats only right .
I turned to Austin with a playful scold .
Austin , you know Rosemary isnt 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 , theyre definitely not over , another voice replied .
Austins face darkened , and Rosemarys checks flushed .
This was just the beginning .
I glanced over at Austin with a smirk .
Why dont you sit with Rosemary ? Im 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 .
Youve been dealing with your moms 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
