Chapter 34 A Deal Sealed in Pain Lauren knew she couldnt just think about herself ; she had to consider Marilyn and Mia , too .
Before Alice could even sit down by the bed , Lauren raised her hand and pointed to the chair across the room .
Sit over there .
Alice froze for a moment .
The cold distance in Laurens voice stung her , but she obeyed and quietly took a seat .
Before Alice could speak , Lauren locked eyes with her and spoke first .
I know what youre going to say , Lauren said coolly .
If you want my forgiveness , its not impossible .
But I have one condition .
If you can meet it, Ill forgive you .
Alices face lit up with hope .
Laurie , whatever you need , just tell me .
If it means youll forgive me , Ill do anything voice was firm , her eyes steady and sincere Her The determination in her gaze was enough to convince anyone she truly ly meant it .
But Lauren didnt believe a word of it .
Really ? she asked , her expression calm and indifferent .
Alice nodded firmly .
Laurie , please trust me , okay ? This time , I wont let you down again .
Lauren stared at her , a flicker of mockery flashing across her eyes .
Alright .
Hearing her agree , Alice couldnt stop a smile from spreading across her face .
But the smile froze just as quickly as it appeared .
Laurens next words hit her like a slap .
All you have to do is kick Willow out of the house and cut ties with her for good .
Do that , and Ill forgive you .
Alices hand clenched tightly around the fabric of her shirt , her heart caught in a painful tug of war .
She looked at Lauren with pleading eyes , only to be met with Laurens cold , unwavering stare .
The ward fell into a heavy silence , After a long pause , Alice finally spoke in a dry voice .
Laurie … Willow shes been part of our family for so many years now .
Your father and I have always treated her like our own daughter .
If we suddenly kick her out and cut ties with her , what will people say about our family ? Besides … she hasnt really done anything that terrible .
Asking me to do that … its just … Lauren let out a cold laugh .
If she really didnt do anything terrible , Madam Alice , then why did you delete that security footage Alice froze , unable to utter a single word in defense .
Madam Alice , stop making excuses for yourself .
Youve never cared about what people say about our family .
After all , five years ago , when the police dragged me out of my own graduation party in front of every socialite in Hoverdale , you didnt care about the Bennett familys reputation then .
The truth is , youre just playing favorites .
Admit it ! In your eyes , Willow is a treasure , and Im just a weed .
Alice clutched her chest tightly , her face filled with sorrow .
Laurie , L … Lauren stared at Alices heartbroken expression and felt nothing but disdain .
With a faint , icy voice , she said , Its fine if you cant do it .
I expected this outcome .
I never really believed youd do anything for me .
1233 PM Chapter 34 A Deal Sealed in Pain Tears streamed down Alices face as she shook her head repeatedly .
+8 Pearls : A voice inside her warned that if she didnt make things right this time , her relationship with Lauren would be over , for good .
Suddenly , Alice stepped forward , grabbing Laurens hands tightly .
Her voice trembled with desperation .
Laurie , dont say that .
Please … just give me one more chance .
As long as Willow can stay , Ill do whatever you want me to Lauren remained silent .
Seeing her daughters silence , Alice grew even more anxious .
Laurie , I know youve suffered so much .
But I do love you .
I just … I just dont know how to show it .
Dont know how to show it ? Willow had the biggest and nicest room in the Bennett Family .
She got a 140,000 dollars monthly pocket money .
Her birthday dresses ? Each one started at six figures .
Everything she wore , from head to toe , was custom made .
Even her casual coffee outings easily cost her a few grand Alices love for Willow was loud , obvious , and extravagant .
Alices But when it came to Lauren ? Suddenly , Alice claimed she didnt know how to show it.
What a joke .
The truth was simple : Alice never really cared .
She wouldnt cherish Alice, yet she couldnt seem to let her , Not that it mattered anymore .
either .
Five years in prison had made things painfully clear .
If that wasnt enough to wake her up , nothing would be .
Lauren slowly lifted her gaze , locking her eyes with Alice for a long moment .
Her gaze was as heavy as a mountain , pressing down on Alice so hard that she didnt dare meet her eyes .
Lauren spoke slowly , her voice cold and firm .
Alright , Ill give you one more chance .
Willow can stay in the Bennett family , but only if you climb the 999 steps of St.
Alarics Cathedral on your knees, bowing three times at each step , and ask Reverend Matthew to bless for me .
If you do that , Ill forgive you .
How about that ? Alices face turned even paler than before .
Her lips trembled , and her eyes filled with fear and hesitation .
The 999 steps at St.
Alarics Cathedral were notoriously steep and treacherous .
Even for young people , climbing them .
required tremendous physical effort .
And now , at fifty years old , no matter how well she had maintained her appearance , Alices body was far from what it once was .
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