Chapter 7
966words
I pulled my thoughts back to the present as Mia in my arms curiously asked me again.
Just yesterday I learned that Mia had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and needed to go abroad for surgery.
The little one was afraid she wouldn't survive the operation.
She held my hand and Sterling Grant's hand, wanting to visit an amusement park one more time before going abroad.
Sterling seemed to care a lot about this and had arranged it early on.
Later, Mia didn't want to return to the hospital.
Sterling brought both her and me to Bright Garden.
I unconsciously looked back at the unclosed door, then answered her.
"We, we're friends, I guess."
After all, we had fought together just a few days ago.
"Are you boyfriend and girlfriend?"
Not really? I could only shake my head.
"Is big sister lying to Mia, or are you just too shy to admit it?"
I pressed my lips together.
"I, I'm not lying to you..."
She shook her head, her big eyes sparkling.
"I don't believe you. Today when you fell asleep in the car because you were tired, uncle carried you while you slept."
"Later, he even secretly kissed you, and I caught him doing it."
"But uncle told me to keep it a secret, not to tell you about the stolen kiss. He also said..."
Before finishing her words, she quickly ducked under the covers.
"I'm not saying anymore..."
I looked up to see Sterling Grant standing at the doorway. As our eyes met, my heart inexplicably skipped a beat.
The next second, I quickly ducked under the covers.
The incident of Zachary Porter being beaten half to death by Sterling Grant was still unresolved.
By the time I returned, Zachary Porter and Miles Lawrence were both sitting on the sofa at the Lawrence family home.
My mother, despite being ill, stood nearby with a pale face, too timid to speak.
Zachary Porter's face hadn't fully healed yet, with patches of blue and purple bruises. His eyes were uneven in size, and he took turns using them to look at me.
"Hurry up and get over here to apologize to Second Young Master Porter."
My mother's hands were trembling.
"Mom, don't be afraid."
Frost Lawrence, who had been sitting to the side, stood up with a threatening smile on her face.
"Your mother's mental illness isn't about to act up again, is it?"
My mother's hands trembled even more rapidly.
Sterling Grant was right. Being threatened, fearing for others' safety, choosing to endure, retreat and sacrifice, repeatedly handing your weakness to the other party so they can better manipulate and control you—that truly is the most foolish thing.
I initially thought that as long as my mother opened her heart and returned to the Lawrence family, being accepted again by them, her illness would quickly improve.
However, after I agreed to marry that idiot Zachary Porter in place of someone else, Miles Lawrence and his daughter didn't give my mother and me the respect we deserved as members of the Lawrence family.
So this time, I have no choice but to place all my hopes on the person who taught me this principle.
"Mom, let's go."
As I was helping my mother leave, Frost Lawrence stopped us.
"Lily Lawrence, what game are you playing now?"
I smiled.
"This marriage—whoever in the Lawrence family wants it can go ahead and marry."
Then I turned to look at Zachary Porter standing to the side.
"You don't really want to marry me either, do you?"
Zachary Porter's expression froze, and he gripped the phone in his hand even tighter.
"This matter, your Lawrence family owes my Porter family an explanation. As for you, Lily Lawrence, forget it... we'll find someone else."
Miles Lawrence and his daughter became anxious at once.
Frost Lawrence grabbed me, refusing to let me leave.
"Lily Lawrence, you're going back on your word. What exactly do you mean? Don't forget, your father's ashes."
This again?
I shook off her hand, approaching her completely unthreatened.
"Don't worry about it. Someone will help me."
Frost Lawrence didn't believe my words.
"Who do you think will help you? Don't tell me you're thinking of asking the Grant family?"
I raised my lips in a smile.
"Why not?"
She laughed even louder.
"Want to ask Uncle Grant for help? The one who made you eat shrimp until you vomited? Haven't you learned your lesson?"
"Besides, I'll soon be marrying into the Grant family and becoming its mistress. If you're thinking of seeking help from the Grant family, keep dreaming."
I slightly curled my fingertips.
"Did Uncle Grant ever say he would marry you?"
"You..."
Frost Lawrence's face turned pale at my words. To avoid losing ground, she still maintained her arrogant demeanor.
"Grandmother Grant has already decided on me."
I curved my lips slightly.
"Grandmother Grant decided on a Lawrence family woman, maybe I could qualify too."
"You..."
At this, Frost stamped her foot in anger and raised her hand.
"Shameless bitch, how dare you compete with me?"
I caught her hand in mid-air.
"Some things you have to try to know. Perhaps Uncle Grant might actually like me."
After saying this, I ignored Frost, pushed her aside, and helped my mother walk out of the Lawrence family home.
Just as we descended the steps, I saw Sterling Grant walking toward me.
The call on his phone wasn't disconnected yet, and I could faintly hear Frost's frantic voice on the other end.
So...
A hint of amusement slowly melted into his dark, cold eyes, as if he was in a very good mood.
"You learn fast. Come, let me teach you a few more tricks."
