Chapter 54 Fake Love Wears Thin
Marilyn couldn’t bring herself to say any of it. The truth was too brutal. She was scared Lauren might not be able to take it.
“Maybe marrying into the Brooker family won’t be the worst thing.” Lauren said with a soft smile, trying to ease Marilyn’s
worry.
“Ms. Bennett, why put yourself through this? After everything this family’s done to you, they don’t deserve a thing–not your
effort, not your sacrifice.”
Lauren stayed quiet.
I know the Bennetts aren 7 worth it. But Marilyn and Mia are. For them, I’d do anything.
She took a breath and said, “Danin, these noodles smell amazing. I better eat before they get soggy
Then she dug in, eating quickly and hungrily.
Marilyn watched in silence, letting out a small sigh. Her heart’s still too sof. Most people would be burning with rage after being treated like that
Lauren finished every last bit–didn’t even leave the broth behind,
Once Marilyn left with the dishes, the smile Lauren had forced onto her face slowly slipped away
In her heart, she made a quiet promise. Just hold on, Marilyn. Once I marry into the Brooker family and get that 1.4 million dollars. I get you and Mia out of this country. You two are the only ones I care about. And once you’re free from the Bennetts, I can finally act without holding back.
From that day on. Lauren basically lived in her room.
She only came down to eat and did her best to avoid the Bennetts entirely.
Everything stayed calm. Even Willow kept her distance, which was unusual.
Seven days passed in silence.
That morning, after washing up, Lauren headed out of her room to grab breakfast. The moment she opened her door, she found Alice standing there with a shopping bag in hand.
Lauren’s face went cold. What do you want?”
She’d kept this frosty attitude all week. Alice had made a few attempts to cozy up to her, but Lauren had shut her down every time–quietly but clearly.
Alice tried again, putting on her best motherly smile and holding out the bag like it was a gift from the heart. “Laurie, try this on. I picked out this dress just for you.”
Lauren didn’t move. “If you have something to say, just say it. No need to butter me up, Madam Alice”
Alice’s smile faltered. The tension in the air thickened
“Laurie, do we really have to keep things like this between us? I’m just trying to give you a dress. Let me do something a mother should do. Can’t you give me that much?”
Lauren gave a wide, mocking smile. You weren’t a mom before, you’re not one now, and suddenly you want to play the part? Look, if you’re gonna fake some touching mother–daughter moment, at least put some effort into it. Instead of handing me a dress, why not just give me money? With money, I can buy what I like–not just accept whatever you think I should wear. A dress like this? It’s for a formal party. It’s obvious you want something. So why pretend this is about being a good mom? Just be real. There’s a party tonight, right? And Mr. Brooker’s gonna be there. That’s why you need me to show up looking presentable, right?”
She didn’t hold back. Not one bit.
Alice’s eyes welled up right away. Like someone hit a switch. She shook her head, voice cracking. “Laurie, that’s not fair. How
Chapter 54 Fake Love Wears Thin
Finished.
“Oh So I’ve got it all wrong? Then I don’t need the dress. Take it back–1 don’t like it. Just give me the money instead.” She held out her hand.
Alice stood there stunned, completely stuck.
Lauren watched her fumble, and for once, she didn’t feel an ounce of pity–just pure satisfaction.
Lauren was about to close the door when Alice suddenly pushed against it, like she’d finally worked up the nerve to speak.
Laurie, there’s an auction in Hoverdale tonight. Mr. Brooker from the Brooker family will be there. I picked out the dress so you could see the man you’re going to marry
Lauren raised an eyebrow. “And if I meet him and don’t like what I see? Are you gonna call the whole thing off?”
Alice couldn’t answer.
The marriage deal had already been decided–without Lauren’s input. She never had a say in it. Like it or not, she was getting shipped off to the Brooker family.
So what was the point of meeting him now?
Alice wanted the benefits of marrying Lauren off, but not the backlash that came with looking like she sold her daughter for status. So she dressed it up like it was all love and concern.
Like heck it was.
ewe
Trying to play the caring mother while handing her off like a bargaining chip. It was the most hypocritical move of all.
Lauren wouldn’t have been nearly as disgusted if Alice had just admitted she didn’t care
But no–she faked it. Over and over. Pretended to love her, gave her hope, then threw her to the wolves every single time..
She was just a pawn in the Bennetts game. A puppet. A joke.
And that was what pissed her off the most,
Lauren’s eyes were sharp, steady. She saw through everything.
Alice’s face turned red with shame, completely exposed.
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