Chapter 17 Austin showed me vsedridly , his face computed with fury sutiful eyes blazed with an intensity that secried The forer at his pushtet .
if they could burst into flames any second hocal .
I graped the ring tightly in my hand , and before I could react , it jabbed painfully into my palmi , drawing blood that began to drip from my fingers in den , strady drops .
Who gave you the audacity to lay a hand om Rosemary Austin growled , his voice e dangermady low , as as if trying to keep this scene from being heard I slowly lifted in bead , meeting his eyes .
The fire in them only made me feel colder With a slow , morking smile .
I quipped , What Am I supposed to pack the tight day to beat vip a bunch ! I was tired .
Tired of this endless , mind numbing game Six years just a mistake of giving my bears to the wing person .
I never imagined someone could be this cruel .
This was the third some Austin had laid hands on me The pumber of times hed hurt me ? I had long stopped counting .
complaint Every wound fel like a nail driven deep into my heart .
And every time , I had pulled the nails out , silently , withonet co Over time , the pam had named to numbness , but that numbness was just a facade the wound was still there , festering , raw Each time the pain seemed to fade , Austin would find a way to strike again , just when the scar tissue was starting to form .
My voice was calm , but every word cut through the air with precision .
Laurel , apologize to Rosemary Austins expression was cold and unyickling , his eyes devoid of warmth .
1 didnt say anything .
I simply stood up , my gaze cold and unwavering as I looked at the tear soaked Rosemary hiding behind Austin .
I couldnt help but chuckle It looked like I was too kind .
I thought once I got this off my chest , we could walk away clean .
But now ? I had changed my y mind .
I was finished waiting for them to understand .
I was done being patient Youre the ones who should be apologizing ! I snapped , my eyebrow raised as I addressed Rosemary .
Dont you want me to hit you ? Well Ive done Shouldnt you be thanking me for finally giving you what you wanted ? Austins face twisted with rage , his features tightening as his fists clenched .
He was on the verge of exploding .
Laurel , you dont know whats good for you .
Im giving you a chance ! he spat A chance to jump into a pit of fire ? I shouted , my voice dripping with sarcasm .
Become your wife , just to watch you and your precious Rosemary sleep around right under my nose ! Am I supposed to applaud you two ! Austin stormed up to me , his fists clenched , his eyes dark with fury .
Apologize ! he snapped .
Whats the matter ? Thinking about hitting me ? I lifted my chin , meeting his glare with an icy stare .
The man in front of me felt like a stranger .
The air between us was thick , heavy with something almost suffocating .
A sharp ache twisted in my chest , but I ignored it .
His hand twitched as if he was about to strike me .
Before he could , I caught his wrist in a firm grip , my lips curling into a cold , mocking smile , Just as I was about to speak , a shout rang out behind me .
Austin , what do you think youre doing ? A figure appeared belinal me , shielding me from Austins fury .
Lucas icy gaze locked onto Austin , his presence enough to freeze the air around us .
Suddenly , I heard Angelas voice , full of concern .
Laurel , your hand ! What happened ? 1/2 337 PM Chapter I looked down to see blood dripping steadily onto the floor , and I telt a wave of exhaustion wash over me .
Several classmates had gathered , wan hing the scene unfold Austu fiore , his eyes widening as he saw the blond trickling from my hand .
A brief flash of shock and something like reger crossed his features before he was knocked back by a hand punch from Luras Rosemary , who had been sobbing dramatically just moments before , rushed to Austins side , trying to shield him .
Austin , its my fault .
I shouldnt luve come .
I only wanted to mend things between you and Laurel , but I never imagined she would strike me like that .
Youve misunderstood Austin .
He would never hit Laurel .
He couldnt possibly hurt her .
I couldnt stop myself from laughing .
The noise was like a snap , loud and jarring .
The room fell silent Rosemary , you really think you can be this well ? I stepped forward , pulling off the scarf around my neck .
Underneath , the mark from where Austin had choked me was still there , faint but clear .
This , Rosemary , is what your Austin did to me .
He thought I was the one who tried to push you to suicide , I said , the words dripping with mockery .
Do you remember that time he slapped me because of your accusation ? Do you think Ive forgotten ? Should I post that video in the class group chat ? 1 pressed my lips together , watching the disbelief flicker across Austins face .
He hadnt expected me to air our dirty laundry in front of everyone .
In his mind , I had always been too proud to expose my wounds .
I know youre upset about your grandmothers ring , but you cant just accuse Austin like that , Rosemary said , her voice laced with feigned innocence .
I let out a soft laugh , though the bitterness of the past six years burned deep in my chest Rosemary , you really shouldve learned by now As I spoke , I reached into the fold of my shirt and pulled out a small recording device .
Everything g you said in the restroom ? I recorded it .
Did you really think Id walk in there unprepared ? Someone like you I have to be careful Rosemarys face drained of color , her mouth snapping shut as panic flickered across her expression .
You know what your biggest mistake was ? I said , exhaling slowly as I curled my lips into a smirk .
Taking my things to win over your new plaything .
I opened my palm , revealing the emerald ring .
Were done , Austin , Dont bother trying to hold on to me .
I walked away from the Herrera family with nothing He was surprised as he recognized the ring .
Laurel , I took it .
Austin had nothing to do with it .
Rosemary rushed to say .
I turned to her , watching the panic set in .
Slowly , I smiled .
I already gave you my place as his fiancee .
What else do you want ? Or do you just enjoy playing the victim while stabbing me in the back ? My voice rose , thick with anger and humiliation .
As I turned , my gaze landed on a group emerging from the third floor VIP lounge .
The moment my eyes met his , my breath hitched .
Above me , Austins voice wavered .
Uncle … Damn it .
I exposed myself .
