Laura’s Victory Second Chance

Chapter 35

David thought for a moment and then said, “Your favorite is crab.”

Once he and Emma answered, a wave of guilt washed over them. It felt like making a test with Laura as the strict teacher marking their answers, and both of them were sweating bullets.

The onlookers were just as nervous, whispering to each other, trying to guess if David and Emma had answered correctly.

A breeze blew through, making Laura’s hair sway gently. Her long lashes flickered, and despite the smile on her lips, it was hard to tell if she was truly happy or just masking her anger.

Emma asked weakly, “Is that right?” Her voice held a hint of uncertainty.

“Both wrong,” Laura replied with a soft smile. “My favorite color is red, and crab meat is actually what I hate the most.”

“Seriously? How could Emma get that wrong, especially when Laura’s wearing a red dress? This just shows how little these parents care,” someone murmured.

“That’s impossible! I’ve only ever seen you wear plain colors–like pink or white.”

“When I peeled the crab for you last time, you were thrilled!”

Emma and David were questioning about Laura’s answer. Laura’s smile widened, but it looked more painful than joyful.

“Mom, when I was eight, I wore a red coat to visit a business partner’s house with you guys. I wore the same coat as the kid there, and she made fun of me in front of you.

“To make her happy, you told me to take off my coat, even though it was freezing outside. I got sick when I came home. After that, I rarely wore red. Even if I bought it, I just hung it in the closet.”

She took a breath, changing direction. “As for crab meat, remember when a crab pinched me and I bled? I’ve been scared of them ever since. I was only smiling because it was the first time Dad peeled crab for me. Of course, I’d be happy then.”

David and Emma exchanged glances, the memories flooding back.

Emma recalled the look of hurt on Laura’s face when she had to take off her coat. Back then, Laura stood quietly and obediently while Emma was more worried about upsetting others than how cold Laura would be.

Laura’s gaze drifted off into the distance. “I always knew I was adopted and that my biological parents were gone. I thought of you as my closest family.

“After you had my younger brother, I was terrified you’d kick me out, so I tried to be the perfect daughter and sister. I kept my frustrations to myself and did my best to keep you happy.

“Now I’ve realized it was useless even if I read your expressions and followed your wishes and it’s all because there’s no real blood connection between us.

“What you really cared about used to be Matthew, and now it’s Olivia. Matthew’s casual words could make me kneel for a long time, and Olivia’s accusations seemed to hold so much weight that you never cared about my reputation. If it weren’t for my efforts to prove my innocence, I’m not sure where I’d be now.

“No matter what I did, you never really saw me. I appreciate how you raised me, but the money you’ve spent? That’s just my way of repaying your kindness. Now that it’s used, it’s time to move on.”

Both David and Emma felt the weight of their mistakes. Laura had been like a perfect doll to them, but they had never bothered to think about her feelings.

Matthew had always teased Laura. She endured countless punishments without defending herself, and it had become second nature.

Whenever Olivia accused Laura, they never took Laura seriously. They believed whatever Olivia said, thinking Laura’d just take it all without a fight.

Now, they realized how wrong they’d been. Laura was a person with feelings and self–respect. Olivia had taken Robert away from Laura and tried to manipulate situations to her advantage. The Sharpe family had wronged Laura in so many ways.

David’s face softened with regret. “Lau, please give us another chance. We know we messed up, and we promise we’ll treat you better from now on.” Laura’s eyes glistened with tears under the sparkling chandelier, making them shine like stars on a clear night. A gentle breeze lifted her hair as she smiled softly and said, “So I told you… it’s too late.”

After all these years, her genuine kindness had only led to heartbreak. Laura had once thought David and Emuna were blinded by Olivia, but it turned out she had just been overthinking things.

1/2

Chapter 35

Greed couldn’t change who people really were. From the beginning, the Sharpe family’s interest in adopting her was purely selfish.

“Mr. Sinclair,” Laura called out, her voice steady, “I won’t pursue the remaining amount.”

“Ms. Godfrey, that’s completely within your rights,” James replied, nodding.

“I’ll come to the law firm tomorrow to take care of the other paperwork. I’m just too exhausted today. I’ll head out now.”

“Alright, Ms. Godfrey. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you.”

The tension between Laura and the Sharpe family was palpable, and onlookers exchanged sympathetic glances as they took in the scene.

But the girl they pitied looked stunning as she declared, “As for those who defamed me, my lawyer’s letter is on its way to you. From now on, I have no ties with the Sharpe family.”

“There is no more Laura Sharpe. Only Laura Godfrey.”

With those words, Laura walked away, leaving behind a stunned crowd. David and Emma exchanged worried glances, wanting to follow her but feeling the pressure of their guests.

Elara nudged Robert. “Why aren’t you going after her?”

Now was the perfect time for Laura to vent her frustrations, and Elara wanted Robert to fix his mistakes.

Even without Laura saying anything, Elara could sense that she held something of great value to David. Whatever it was, it could be a game- changer.

Robert’s attitude shifted as he thought about everything he’d just heard. Laura had never spoken badly about the Sharpe family in front of him, and he couldn’t fathom living that kind of life. “But what about Liv…?”

Elara felt like banging her head against the wall. “Robert, listen. If you don’t go after Ms. Godfrey right now, don’t even bother calling me Mom again!”

If they weren’t surrounded by people, she would have been much more direct.

Meanwhile, Olivia lay back, feeling Robert’s absence keenly. Her grip on her skirt was tight with frustration. The carefully scripted drama she had planned was already a mess, and Laura had stolen the spotlight.

She had wanted to oust Laura from the Sharpe family, but not like this! Instead of being celebrated, she felt like a nobody, while Laura walked away with pride.

Olivia seethed with jealousy. ‘How could life be so unfair?‘ she thought.

Suddenly, Elara’s icy voice cut through her thoughts, a low whisper meant only for Olivia’s ears. “If you keep messing with Robert, I swear I’ll ruin you myself.”

Robert didn’t see the underlying drama, but Elara was well aware. She thought, ‘It’s clear that this little troublemaker is not a pawn but a player, trying to drive a wedge between Robert and Laura and push Laura out of the Sharpe family.

‘It’s just that she made a mistake like me. If I had known Laura was Alistair’s daughter, things would’ve been different. I hope it isn’t too late. Robert you have to make up with Laura now!