Chapter 15 The awkward tendon in the air instantly vanished when Elio walked in The root care to be with whispers from the girls around us .
Whos that my next to Mr.
Bowen someone murmured .
I glanced sup just as his gaze met mine .
There was a brief almost imperceptible unile tugging at the corner of his lips Thats Lucas Bowen Etios son someone answered , catching my attention .
I blinked , surprised .
Wan , 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 , phimp boy I remembered .
He wore a crisp white shirt , his short hair perfectly styled , and his striking features were accentuated by deep st eyes and a sharp jawline .
Gone was the awkwardness , replaced with something far more captivating The transformation was untral .
Is that really Lucas ! Angeli , 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 shared 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 .
Youre 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 doesnt he ? Austin now , 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 couldnt help but let out a scoff .
He texted : [ Laurel , I told you not to come .
What are you doing ? Do you really think its okay to talk like that ? Do you even know how Rosemary is feeling night 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 ime , Not yet .
I whispered , squeezing her arm .
Trust me , its 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 , Elios 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 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 .
Thats when Polly suddenly stood up and raised her glass with a loud laugh , Laurel I heard you and Austin are getting married soon .
Dont forget to invite us when the big day comes ? Yeah , weve all known Laurel forever .
Youve been with Austin for six years now , right ! Whens 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 ? y sister .
Austin paused , his expression hardening Shes my Lucas blinked in realization , a knowing smile spreading across his face .
Ah , my mistake .
I didnt 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 hu game .
I was unable to resist a bitle smile of my GOWIL 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 didnt know about Austins background .
He alis 1/2 Chapter 13 had no idea that Rosemarys connection to Austin was anything more than coincidental , Bodhi cleared his throat awkwardly , his eyes darting nervously .
Well , ticas , Rosemarys actually the adopted daughter of the Herrera family , not Austins biological sister , he explained quickly.
Lucas nodded , unfazed .
He looked at Austin with a serious expression , then tumed 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 werent actually related He paused , then added with a wink , Guess Ive been abroad too long .
Things here have changed , huh ? Erin raised an eyebrow , confused .
Whats 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 mustve known hed ruffle a few feathers with Austin .
Hey , Laurel , when you get married , dont forget to let us know , Bodhi said , trying to steer the conversation back on track .
I nodded , offering a bright smile .
Of course , Ill make sure to invite everyone when the time comes , Rosemarys smile was tight , but I could see the irritation flickering in her eyes .
Tough luck , Rosemary .
She probably didnt 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 hasnt been feeling well .
Shes been in the restroom for a while .
Could you check on her ? Alright I put down my drink and , 1 , 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 .
no answer .
Rosemary ! I called out softly , but there was no 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 , didnt you ? I was confused .
What are you talking about ? She crossed her arms , sneering .
Dont play dumb , Youre still trying ing to get back at me for everything You think I dont know what youre doing ! it all wrong You want to play the long game , huh ? But youve got Austin doesnt care about you , Im the one whos number one in his heart .
Ive been able to tolerate you , so why cant you tolerate I took a slow , deliberate breath .
Rosemary , youre sick .
Im not here to fight with you .
Austin asked me to check on you .
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 hed believe it ? I glazed at her , the words leaving my mouth before I could stop them .
How dare you ? If youre fine , Ill leave ?
