Laura’s Victory Second Chance

Chapter 4

Emma dialed the jewelry store, her voice hopeful. But the reply was swift and disappointing. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but that necklace is already spoken for, the store employee informed her.

Emma’s voice turned icy. “My daughter has her heart set on it. You’ll find a way to get it for us, won’t you?”

“I apologize, but the ‘Amor Eternum’ is our one-of-a-kind signature piece. Another customer has secured it, and we’re preparing for delivery.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed Emma’s face, but Olivia played the understanding daughter. “It’s alright, Mom. It was too pricey anyway, and I didn’t love it that much.”

Emma, touched by Olivia’s selflessness, felt a pang of guilt. There’s a fashion show tonight, featuring Meredith Vaughn. We’ll go, and I’ll make sure you have the most stunning dress there.”

“Thanks, Mom! You’re the best!” Olivia beamed.

Laura, observing their tender moment, interjected with a chill in her voice. “Sure, my sister can’t show up in anything less than the best at her welcome back. But, Mom, don’t forget about my eighteenth birthday party.” Her smile was sly. “Tve turned eighteen. Shouldn’t I receive the card my dad left for me now?”

At the mention of the card, which held a sta**ing sum, Emma’s expression shifted. “Why the rush? It’s just a card. You think I’d keep it from you?”

Olivia chimed in, her voice gentle. “Laura, you have the SATs coming up. Money isn’t a concern right now. Mom’s keeping it

le. We can discuss it when college starts.”

Emma had made the same promise years ago, and Laura had never seen the card until her dying day. “No need to wait for college. You said I’d get it after my birthday party, as per our agreement.”

Emma’s face clouded over. “I can’t believe you’re quibbling over a card after all I’ve done for you.”

“That’s harsh, Mom. I’m just trying to get what’s mine, as my dad intended. What’s the problem? Or have you already spent the money? You don’t want to return it?”

Emma’s voice hitched with a twinge of guilt as she stammered, “Why would I use your money? The Sharpe family’s got plenty.”

The doorbell chimed, cutting off the tension.

“Hello, is this the Sharpe residence?” a voice called out.

Olivia, curious, stepped forward. “Who is it?”

elivery for a jewelry purchase, came the reply. The staff member opened a box, revealing the unique necklace

Olivia had just coveted.

Olivia’s eyes

widened in delight. “Mom, this is the one I wanted! Didn’t they say it was sold? What’s it doing here?”

“Maybe your dad got it as a surprise, Emma teased.

Sat, Sep 21

Chapter 4

Olivia grinned as she thought, ‘Right. Being ‘the one and only’ can mean family too. Dad always says I’m his only girl. She was the only one in the world with that necklace, which meant Laura was out of luck. Olivia was determined to outshine her at the banquet.

Pushing her hair back, Olivia feigned ignorance. “Maybe it’s for my sister.”

The staff was explaining the meaning of the necklace, and Olivia played innocent, glancing at Laura. “This is the only one in the world. It must be a gift from Dad for you.” She was on the verge of overdoing her modesty just to gloat a bit. Laura didn’t even dignify it with a response.

The staff asked, “Which one of you is the young lady of the Sharpe family?”

“That’s her,” Emma said, pointing at Olivia, then turned to Laura. ‘Sweetie, this necklace is one-of-a-kind. Your sister just got back, and it’s like a welcome gift from Dad. We ve got something special for your coming-of-age.

Don’t sweat it, okay?”

Olivia hesitated, pretending to be reluctant. “But it’s the only one. It’s more fitting for Laura. I can’t take such a beautiful gift.

“It’s for you. Just take it,” Emma insisted. The mother-daughter act was getting a bit much.

“You’re right, Dad would be upset otherwise. Please, give it to me,” Olivia said, ready to accept the gift

But the staff cut in, “Are you Ms. Godfrey?”

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