Chapter 12 Dont Want to Stay ? Then Leave #Finished Lauren looked at Willow calmly .
She hadnt done anything yet , but Willow acted as if she had been frightened out of her wits Trembling , she took several steps back , her face turning pale .
Laurie , please dont look at me like that .
Youre scaring me .
David furiously shoved Lauren aside and roared , What are you trying to do to Willow ? Lauren lost her balance , staggering backward until she crashed into the railing.
She nearly fell from the second floor , yet no one seemed to care .
David and Alice both shielded Willow , their faces filled with wariness and suspicion as they looked at Lauren Elliot prepared to reprimand her , but the words froze in his throat .
He thought about the torment she had endured in prison , and suddenly , he couldnt bring himself to say anything hurtful .
Laurens expression remained cold , but the slight curve of her lips betrayed her mockery .
So , this was my family The moment Willow showed even the slightest hint of distress , she became the target of everyones condemnation .
Back when she still cared about this family , a single glance and a single word from them could shake her emotions .
But now , she no longer cared .
Their misunderstandings no longer stirred any reaction in her heart .
She didnt explain ; she simply lowered her gaze .
Her refusal to react regardless of what they said , made Elliots heart ache unbearably .
He couldnt help but ask , Did you hit your head ? Are you hurt ? Lauren looked up , surprised .
For a moment , she couldnt reconcile this concerned Elliot with the one who had always ridiculed and humiliated her .
Habit is a terrifying thing .
He showed me the slightest bit of kindness , and I found myself unaccustomed to No , it doesnt hurt Compared to having her leg broken , a bump was nothing .
You ..
heard everything just now ? Lauren paused , realizing what he was referring to .
She responded with a soft Mm .
And that was it That was all ? I had terminated Bennett Corporations partnership with Gray Corporation for her .
That decision had cost both companies 140 million dollars overnight .
After all that , did I not even deserve a word of gratitude ? A wave of frustration surged from his chest to his stomach , twisting like a hundred needles piercing him at once .
pain flared up again .
As if punishing Lauren , Elliot paled and fixed his gaze on her .
His stomach In the past , whenever he had stomach aches , she was always the one most worried about him .
He looked at her with expectation , hoping to see some trace of concern some trace of pain- in her eyes .
Even if it was just a simple word of worry , then everything he had done today would have been worth it .
But there was nothing , Laurens gaze didnt linger on him for even a second , there wasnt even a shred of sympathy ..
If theres nothing else , Im going back to my room .
Her tone was calm , but her words cut like a dull knife , leaving wounds that bled slowly and deeply .
Under the gaze of four pairs of eyes , she turned , and despite her himp , descended the stairs with unwavering determination Elliot gripped the railing with both hands , his eyes filled with pain and disappointment as he watched her leave .
It wasnt supposed to be like this .
She used to care so much about me .
Whenever I had stomach aches , she would cry while searching for my medicine , wishing she could take the pain for me .
How could she not care anymore ? Lauren ! He gritted his teeth against the pain and shouted .
Lauren instinctively paused .
Seeing this , hope lit up in Elliots eyes .
His voice softened , laced with a hint of grievance .
Laurie , my stomach hurts .
He had given her an opening , an excuse to show she still cared .
But who said she had to take it ? Lauren looked up at Elliot , her lips curling into a faint smirk filled with mockery .
If Mr.
Elliot has a stomachache , you should call a doctor , not me .
Elliot heard the sound of his heart shattering .
Every ounce of expectation he had was rendered laughable by her indifferent arta Pain enmulfed him inctsnde bir hadi unable to hald un sau lanmer Ha enllanead anta hie knane Var he crill minned the 1/2 Chapter 12 Dont Want to Stay ? Then Leave railing tightly , staring at Lauren through the gaps between the bars .
Finished But she didnt even glance at him .
She turned away , not intending to help him at all .
Her coldness ignited Davids fury .
He roared at her retreating figure , Lauren , get back here and bring your brother his medicine right now ! Alice sobbed and pleaded with her , Lauric , youve always been the one to take care of him when hes sick .
How can you just stand by and watch Were family ; does it really have to come to this ? Even Willow chimed in , her voice carrying righteous indignation .
Laurie .
I know youve built up resentment after five years in prison , but how can you gamble with your brothers life ? Youre the only one who knows which medicine works better for Lauren stopped walking .
The Bennett family thought they had finally convinced her .
But when she turned back , they saw a smile on her face .
Her smile was as sharp as a blade .
So , you did notice all the things I used to do .
You just never cared : it never mattered .
Since thats the case , Ill take it all back .
From now on , whether the Bennett family thrives or falls , whether you Live or die , it has nothing to do with me .
After all , you never cared about me .
And now , Ive run out of care for you too .
Her words struck like a hammer , shattering the last bit of illusion David , Alice , and Elliot had Alice sobbed harder , tears streaming down her face .
She looked at Lauren with sorrowful eyes .
Laurie , thats not true ; youre the daughter I carried for ten months and gave birth to .
I wanted you more than anything .
Davids face darkened , his expression twisting with rage .
We gave birth to such an ungrateful daughter .
I shouldve known you were rebellious , cruel , and jealous , always targeting and bullying Willow .
We never should have taken you back All youve done is bring chaos into this family Alices sobs grew quieter .
She reached out and tugged at Davids sleeve .
Dont say that about our daughter .
David let out a cold snort and shot Lauren a fierce glare .
Willow spoke softly , her voice tinged with guilt Dad , its only fair for Laune to resent me .
I took her place as the Bennett familys daughter and enjoyed the love that should have been hers .
If it makes her feel better , Im willing to take the blame .
As she spoke , she let out a soft sob Laurie .
I can leave if thats what you want .
Just please dont upset Mom and Dad anymore .
And dont ignore Elliot when hes suffering , okay ? Lauren remained still calmly watching their performance .
She waited until they had finished their act before she spoke , her Tone slow and deliberate .
Are you done ? Im going to bed Her complete indifference sent David into a fit of rage .
His finger pointed straight at Lauren .
his eyes filled with disappointment .
Didnt you say you had no feelings for this family ? Then why did you come back ? You spent five years in prison .
Youre a convict , a stain on the Bennett family ! Who evenallowed you to return ? If you have no attachment to this family , then leave right now ! No ones stopping you .
Davids voice grew even colder .
These past few years without you have been the happiest weve ever had .
The second you came back , all you did was cop an attitude , like we owe you something Let the make my point clear we brought you into this world , and thats all we ever owed you .
Nothing more ? Send Gifts