Laura’s Victory Second Chance

Robert’s heart sank. He had a gut feeling Laura wasn’t bluffing. He mused, “Did she find out about me and Olivia? Is

this her payback?’ He knew he had to pop the question soon, to show her he was serious.

Even now, he thought if he made a grand gesture, Laura would come back to him, like she always had.

Olivia, watching Laura in her dazzling dress, felt a pang of jealousy. Laura must have hooked up with someone wealthier, she fumed inside. Who could that be, to outshine Robert?”

Emma hurried over, visibly upset. “Don’t you love Robert? What’s this about?”

“I did, but not now,” Laura said with a shrug, as if it was no big deal.

“That’s absurd! You can’t just air that in public. It’ll-tarnish the Brown family’s image. Apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Brown!” Emma demanded.

Laura smirked, thinking. Tarnish the Brown family’s image? Please. Soon, I’ll be doing the same to the Sharpe family. She scoffed, “Apologize? I just broke up with Robert because we’re not right for each other. Why should I say sorry?

When Olivia had stolen Robert from her, Emma had simply said, “Your sister fits him better.” No one had apologized to Laura then.

Emma insisted, “Lau, we can’t afford to upset the Brown family. Your dad has business with Robert’s father. Just go and make amends with Elaral

“What about your other daughter? Send her to the Brown family, Laura retorted.

“What kind of talk is that?” Emma spluttered.

“Just being honest,” Laura laughed bitterly. “Isn’t that what you’re thinking?”

Emma’s face flushed with anger, her hand raised to slap Laura. She was used to a submissive Laura and couldn’t stand this defiance.

David stopped Emma’s hand. “We’re hosting this party. You’re making a scene, and it reflects badly on the Sharpe family,” he whispered, adding for Emma’s ears only. “Remember why we raised her all these years.”

Emma knew they still needed the Godfrey shares, and Laura was their key. She swallowed her anger and watched as Laura moved to the side, glancing at the door, seemingly waiting for someone. Emma muttered under her breath, “What a b***h.”

Emma found herself smoothing things over with Elara. “Elara, please don’t take it to heart, Laura’s probably just overwhelmed with her SATs around the corner,” she said, trying to sound casual.

Elara touched her hairpiece, a picture of self-assurance. “I don’t care if it’s SAT stress or something else. Words spoken can’t be unsaid. Even if my son marries a toad, it won’t be her,” she declared.

Emma forced a laugh, “Of course, I completely agree.

“Emma, your daughter’s getting too big for her britches. It’s getting hard to manage,” Elara continued, her tone sharp.

Olivia, within earshot, offered a warm smile. “Ma’am, please don’t be upset. Anger only brings wrinkles! Let me apologize for my sister, she chimed in, her voice sweet.

“Good girl, Olivia,” Elara approved. “Robert, you should spend more time with Olivia. Robert, are you listening to me?” she raised her voice.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Robert, lost in thoughts about Laura’s earlier words, was folted back to reality. He fingered the ring in his pocket, his mind racing. “What? Mom, what’s up?” he asked, his distraction evident.

His lack of focus only fueled Elara’s anger. I’m warning you, stay away from Laura. I won’t have her in the Brown family, she warned, her voice icy.

The atmosphere grew tense, and David caught his friend John Miller’s eye, hoping for a mood shift.

John stepped in, a smile on his face. “Olivia’s been through a lot. To welcome you back, I’ve got a little something. Here’s to a smooth sail from now on,” he said, presenting a piece of jewelry worth a fortune.

Olivia beamed. Thank you, Mr. Miller!” she gushed.

Though the day was meant for Laura, Olivia’s name was the one that drew all the attention. “Olivia, this is from me, another guest said, adding to the pile of gifts.

“Thank you,” Olivia replied, her graciousness drawing more praise.

The socialites swarmed around her, while Laura seemed to fade into the background, unnoticed-no gifts, not congratulations, just a deep sense of isolation.

Laura lifted her glass, draining it in one fluid motion. Her neck, arched gracefully, drew every eye, like a solitary red plum against the snow-striking, cold, and defiant.

Robert watched, his fascination with her growing. He decided to bide his time. When she felt most alone, that’s when he’d make his move, to leave an indelible mark.

As Olivia accepted the compliments, she shot a glance at Laura, a smirk playing on her lips. While both were Sharpe daughters, Olivia was the jewel, and Laura, the grass. Olivia couldn’t help but relish the thought of Laura’s heart, searing in its own-agonizing and acute.