Chapter 13
Chapter 13
2004
Jonathan’s grip tightened around the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white. He felt his heart race, a pit forming in his stomach. “What the hell?” he muttered under his breath, his mind spinning with questions, confusion, and a gnawing sense
of jealousy.
Who is he? Why didn’t she mention anything? The sight of Laura walking away with another man made something snap
inside him, something he couldn’t quite control.
Meanwhile, Laura giggled lightly, her arm still linked with the man beside her. “Congratulations, Mr. Elsher. I bet your wife is pretty much occupied now that you have a baby on the way,” she said softly, her tone warm and friendly.
Mr. Elsher, her father’s secretary, chuckled in response. “Thank you, and yes, she is,” he replied with a smile, his voice filled with pride. “We’re both adjusting, but it’s been an exciting time.”
Laura smiled genuinely, her mood light and carefree. She continued walking with Mr. Elsher as the conversation flowed easily between them as if they had known each other for years.
The two walked into a nearby boutique and the door chimed softly as they entered. Immediately, the staff approached them with welcoming smiles.
“Good morning, Miss Levine! Mr. Elsher, welcome!” one of the attendants greeted, bowing slightly in respect. Laura returned
the smile and nodded.
“Morning! I’m here for the piece I requested,” Laura said, her tone friendly yet businesslike.
“Of course, right this way,” the attendant gestured, leading them further inside.
With a quick glance back at Mr. Elsher, Laura excused herself, “I won’t be long.”
Mr. Elsher gave a polite nod and smiled as a staff member led him to a nearby couch, situated close to the fitting room. “What would you like, sir? We can offer you some drinks and snacks while you wait for the miss,” the staff kindly offered.
“No, thank you. I’m good,” Mr. Elsher replied with a small wave of his hand. The staff member smiled and moved away, leaving him to wait comfortably.
Just then, Laura appeared, her excitement apparent as she walked in holding a white dress delicately draped over her arm.” I’m gonna try it on,” she said with a gleam in her eyes, her voice carrying an enthusiasm she couldn’t hide. Without waiting for a response, she hurried off toward the fitting room, eager to see how the dress would fit.
Elsher chuckled lightly, watching her disappear behind the fitting room door.
A few moments passed as Mr. Elsher sat patiently, occasionally glancing toward the fitting room. The soft rustling of fabric and the faint sound of a zipper being pulled could be heard as Laura tried on the dress.
Then, the door creaked open, and Laura stepped out. The sight was enough to catch even Mr. Elsher’s attention.
The dress was perfect–better than she had imagined. The sleek white gown hugged her figure flawlessly, its fabric smooth and elegant. A high slit on one side revealed just enough of her legs to keep the design bold yet tasteful, while the thin straps framed her shoulders delicately. The clean lines of the dress accentuated her silhouette, and the soft white contrasted beautifully with her smooth skin. Her hair, still loosely braided to the side, added a subtle touch of casual charm, balancing the formality of the dress.
Laura stood in front of the mirror, her eyes widening in awe. “Wow…” she whispered, running her hands down the fabric as if to confirm it was real. She turned slightly, looking at herself from different angles, the dress moving gracefully with her every step
Mr. Elsher smiled, sensing her delight even from across the room. “It really is made for you,” he commented warmly, offering his quiet approval.
Chapter 13
+25 BONUS
Laura turned to him with a bright smile spreading across her face. “It’s perfect,” she said, still in disbelief at how well it turned out. She twirled slightly, watching the way the dress flowed with her movement. “I can’t believe how good it feels.”
The staff, who had been observing quietly, approached her. “It fits you beautifully, miss. Would you like us to make any adjustments, or is this exactly how you envisioned it?”
Laura shook her head, still smiling as she caught her reflection once more. “No changes. It’s perfect just the way it is.”
Jonathan stormed into the house, the heavy front door slamming shut behind him. His jaw was clenched, each step loud and forceful as he stomped through the hallway, still replaying the image of Laura clinging to that man’s arm over and over in his
mind. His frustration simmered, bubbling just beneath the surface.
As he approached the living room, the sound of soft giggles and lively chatter echoed, clashing with his mood. His frown deepened. When he turned the corner, the sight only heightened his annoyance.
There, in the center of the room, his brother Nathaniel stood tall, smiling modestly as their mother and Tabitha fussed over him. Nathaniel was dressed in an expensive tuxedo–sharp and perfectly tailored to his frame. His mother’s eyes gleamed with pride, and Tabitha couldn’t stop squealing with excitement, adjusting Nathaniel’s bowtie with giddy laughter. 1
“Look at you, Nate,” Tabitha giggled, “You look so dashing!”
Mrs. Reed beamed. “Absolutely perfect. You’re going to steal the show at the engagement party!”
Jonathan’s stomach twisted. Of course, it’s Nathaniel again, he thought bitterly. His brother basked in the attention he was always given. He felt the anger rise in his chest.
Nathaniel, noticing his presence, smiled warmly. “Oh, hey, little brother. You’re back.”
Jonathan’s fists tightened at his sides, his frustration boiling over into a sharp glare. He couldn’t bring himself to speak as
the room seemed to revolve around Nathaniel–yet again. He couldn’t bring himself to speak. The words stuck in his throat,
bitterness swirling in his chest like a storm about to break. Without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, his footsteps heavy against the floor.
Tabitha, who had been watching him from the corner of her eye, immediately noticed the tension radiating from him. She sighed, sensing something far deeper than the usual sibling rivalry simmering beneath his anger. “I’ll be right back, mom,” she said softly, giving a brief glance toward her mother and Nathaniel, who remained caught up in their moment.
Tabitha hurried after Jonathan, catching up to him in the hallway upstairs just as he reached the front door of his room.
Jonathan!” she called out, her voice firm but not unkind.
”
He stopped but didn’t turn around, his shoulders rising and falling with each labored breath. Tabitha quickened her pace until she was right behind him.
“What’s going on with you?” Tabitha asked, her voice laced with concern.
“Nothing. Go back to your other brother,” Jonathan spat, his words laced with bitterness.
Tabitha crossed her arms, unimpressed by his attitude. “Oh, come on. I know you’re jealous of Nathaniel, but I know you more than you think, Jonathan.” She raised a brow at him, her expression firm yet curious. “So… out with it.”
