0 How many times have you tried provoking me ? Austin arched a brow , a cold smirk curling at the corner of his lips .
His fingers , ice cold , traced lightly over my lips .
Finally tired of being alone ? Is that why youre tempting me ? You want me to touch you ? Austins words dripped with mockery as he leaned in closer .
I immediately raised my injured hand and shoved him away , glaring daggers at him .
Piece of trash in a nice suit , that was all he was .
I used to think Angela was a little too harsh when she called Austin a bastard .
Now , I realized that was an insult to bastards .
My voice was sharp as I warned .
Austin , if you so much as lay a hand on me , Alex wont let you get away with it .
Austin stilled for a moment before lifting his gaze to mine .
A sneer tugged at his lips , not the slightest hint of fear or surprise in his expression .
Laurel , let me tell you something .
You might be easy on the eyes , but to my uncle? Austin chuckled darkly .
Even if you stripped naked and stood right in front of him , he wouldnt spare you a second glance .
Then , Austins fingers tilted my chin up , his eyes darkening with something more dangerous .
He said softly , But Im different .
Please me , and maybe Ill give you another chance .
What do you say ? Just as I thought , Alex really wasnt into women .
But then , if he was so determined to marry me , it meant the Herrera family wasnt entirely sure of it yet .
Forcing myself to stay composed , I shot Austin a cold glance .
Youre right .
If I just needed an excuse , I couldve picked any man .
Why would I choose Alex ? Just because no one dares to cross the Herrera family ? Arent you worried about pissing off your uncle ? Hearing this , Austin hesitated for a split second .
Seizing the moment , I pushed him away and continued , Doesnt it seem strange to you ? Why do you think Alex is in Nifelheim City ? Why does he keep showing up around you ? And why do you think he hit you ? Austins throat bobbed slightly .
His gaze locked onto mine , his expression unreadable .
Then , he scoffed .
Are you trying to say my uncle is into you ? Stop dreaming ! I didnt flinch and replied , Thats not the point .
The point is , Im his wife now .
Your aunt .
I had only wanted to stall for time , but seeing Austins aggressive stance , I had no choice but to reveal the truth .
Austins eyes widened slightly in surprise before realization dawned .
His expression shifted .
Youre stalling .
Waiting for someone to save you ? His gaze locked onto mine for a moment , and then Austin let out a chuckle .
Suddenly , he yanked the blanket off me and climbed onto the bed , pinning me beneath him .
Alex isnt coming to save you .
Hes in a meeting .
And as for your dear friend ? Austin smirked .
She wont be back anytime soon .
A chill ran down my spine as I stared at Austin .
The man before me was familiar , yet at this moment , he felt like a complete stranger .
Angela was the daughter of the Adams family .
Even if Austin wanted to lay a hand on her , he wouldnt dare go that far .
Therefore , I wasnt worried about her .
Right now , my priority was protecting myself .
My heart pounded as I forced my voice to stay steady .
Austin , Im your aunt .
If you dare touch me , Alex will destroy you .
Hell kick you out of the Herrera Group and blacklist you completely .
Do you really want to throw away your future for someone who doesnt even love you ? Do you want to risk pushing Rosemary over the edge ? Something flickered in Austins eyes hesitation .
He seemed to consider my words , his body going still for a moment .
I barely had time to let out a breath of relief before Austin suddenly leaned in closer .
I snapped , Taking advantage of his distraction , I slapped him hard across the face and drove my knee into his groin .
Austin let out a sharp gasp , his expression twisting in pain and shock .
Without wasting another second , I reached for the emergency call button and pressed it .
Soon , doctors and nurses rushed into the room .
They froze at the scene Austins contorted face and my panicked expression .
I want to report him , I choked out , tears welling in my eyes .
He tried to assault me .
Some of my fear was real , but I was also playing it up .
1/2 D Chapter 30 Austin gritted his teeth , trying to suppress his pain as he quickly spoke .
Its a misunderstanding .
Shes my girlfriend shes just mad at me .
I was trying to apologize , but she got physical .
There were no cameras in the room .
I had no proof .
Even if I argued that we had broken up and I was already married , it would sound like a lie to them .
Then , footsteps echoed from outside .
I turned my head just as Rosemary stepped into the room , holding a bag of fruit .
The moment Rosemary saw the scene in front of her , the bag slipped from her hands , fruit scattering onto the floor .
For a brief second , Rosemary just stood there , frozen .
Then , she quickly crouched down to pick them up .
Austins expression shifted in surprise when he saw her .
Rosemary ? What are you doing here ? he asked , picking up the fruit .
Rosemary didnt answer .
Instead , she carefully walked over to me , hesitated for a second , then suddenly dropped to her knees , tears welling in her eyes .
Laurel , its all my fault , Rosemary cried .
Please dont blame Austin and Mom .
I promise , if you just get back together with him , Ill leave the Herrera family .
Ill go abroad .
I swear youll never see me again .
I arched a brow and turned to Austin .
What kind of show are you two putting on now ? Get up , Rosemary , Austin said , his voice laced with concern .
The floor is cold , and youre not in the best health .
If you get sick , what then ? The look in Austins eyes was so indulgent ; it was a bit nauseating to watch .
But Rosemary didnt move .
She just looked up at me with tearful eyes .
Laurel , you can take it out on me however you want .
I just want you to forgive Austin .
I studied her for a moment and asked , So , what ? If I dont forgive him , youre just going to stay on your knees until I do ? Austin shouted , Laurel , Rosemary is apologizing to you .
She even brought you fruit .
What more do you want ? Austins eyes were full of anger .
If it werent for the fact that there were so many people in the ward , he would have probably wanted to strangle me directly and make me forgive Rosemary .
I sat up straight , my tone sharp with irritation .
Im allergic to mangoes , Austin .
You say you love me , yet you cant even remember something that basic ? And let me repeat myself Im your aunt .
If you ever lay a hand on me again , I wont just let it slide .
Ill take legal action , and I wont care how much it humiliates your father .
With that , I turned to Rosemary , leaning in close to whisper in her ear .
If you want this piece of trash , hes all yours .