Chapter 54 Fake Love Wears Thin Marilyn couldnt 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 wont be the worst thing .
Lauren said with a soft smile , trying to ease Marilyns worry .
Ms.
Bennett , why put yourself through this ? After everything this familys done to you , they dont 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, Id 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 hearts still too sof .
Most people would be burning with rage after being treated like that Lauren finished every last bit didnt 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 youre 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 .
Laurens face went cold .
What do you want ? Shed 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 didnt move .
If you have something to say , just say it .
No need to butter me up , Madam Alice Alices smile faltered .
The tension in the air thickened Laurie , do we really have to keep things like this between us ? Im just trying to give you a dress .
Let me do something a mother should do .
Cant you give me that much ? Lauren gave a wide , mocking smile .
You werent a mom before , youre not one now , and suddenly you want to play the part ? Look , if youre 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 ? Its for a formal party .
Its obvious you want something .
So why pretend this is about being a good mom ? Just be real .
Theres a party tonight , right ? And Mr.
Brookers gonna be there .
Thats why you need me to show up looking presentable , right ? She didnt hold back .
Not one bit .
Alices eyes welled up right away .
Like someone hit a switch .
She shook her head , voice cracking .
Laurie , thats not fair .
How Chapter 54 Fake Love Wears Thin Finished .
Oh So Ive got it all wrong ? Then I dont need the dress .
Take it back 1 dont 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 didnt feel an ounce of pity just pure satisfaction .
Lauren was about to close the door when Alice suddenly pushed against it , like shed finally worked up the nerve to speak .
Laurie , theres 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 youre going to marry Lauren raised an eyebrow .
And if I meet him and dont like what I see ? Are you gonna call the whole thing off ? Alice couldnt answer .
The marriage deal had already been decided without Laurens 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 wouldnt have been nearly as disgusted if Alice had just admitted she didnt 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 , Laurens eyes were sharp , steady .
She saw through everything .
Alices face turned red with shame , completely exposed .
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