Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Mysterious Text

With that, I walked out of the room in anger. As I left, I heard my mother scoff in disbelief.

“Woah,” she said, “he’s sure getting bolder and out of control.”

I ignored her comment and made my way to the guest room. Laurel and Anita weren’t there, so I figured they’d be in the living room. I headed there, and there they were, seated and chatting again.

I took Laurel's hands, leading her towards the door but she suddenly stopped me.

“Wait.” She tapped my hands.

She turned back to Anita who was looking at me with disdain for taking her best friend away from her.

“Let’s talk over the phone, love,” she said, pulling her into a warm hug.

“Fine,” Anita said, returning her hug tightly. “Don’t let anything that happened today get to you. I’ll keep in touch, take care.”

Laurel nodded and pulled away from Anita, making her way back to where I was standing.

“Let’s go.” She said firmly, leading the way out of the house.

As we walked to the car, the silence between us was heavy. The drive back home was uneasy until I finally decided to break the silence. But as I spoke, Laurel also started to say something.

“You go ahead first,” I said, gesturing for her to speak.

“No, you do,” she said, forcing a smile on her lips.

I nodded. “Well, don’t think of anything my parents said back there,” I began. “They’re just worried about me, also given the history I have with your sister and your foster family as a whole. Mom will give in eventually.”

She nodded as she spoke. “Their concerns are quite valid and totally understandable. They’ve been through a lot because of those people, so do not hold it against them,” she said softly.

“I heard the conversation you guys had earlier,” she continued, folding her arms.

“Wait, we were that loud?” I interrupted with surprise-filled in my tone.

She let out a small laugh. “Yeah, you were practically yelling. One would think you’re actually in love with me or something.”

I turned to her, feeling a cluster in my chest. If only she knew how true that statement was. If only she knew that I had liked her since a year ago, and regretted turning her down after she left. But this was my second chance, and I was going to make the most of it well, even though it wasn’t a real marriage. At least I’d get to be with her and call her my wife.

I looked back at where I was driving as she continued.

“Please don’t do anything just yet,” she said. “Don’t release the news to the press until your Mother approves of our marriage.”

I bit my lip, considering her request but no, I just couldn’t do that. Not with the threats over Laurel’s head even if they were without her knowledge. I needed to announce our marriage as soon as possible, to send a clear message to the ones wishing her harm. So they would know that she is now mine and that messing with her meant messing with me.

“Laurel, it’s fine,” I said, trying to convince her. “My mom can be difficult at times, but she'll come around eventually. It just takes a little convincing, and my Dad will help me with that.”

It seemed that Laurel wasn’t convinced by my words, as she let out a sigh, shaking her head slightly.

“No, I don’t think that would do. What if I try convincing her myself?” She suggested.

My eyes widened in surprise. “No, Laurel, you can’t do that.” I protested, but she was determined.

“Trust me on this, Rhett,” She said, turning to look at me. “Maybe if she gets to know me better, she’ll try to see me for who I am. Just give me a few details about her and her daily activities, and I’ll try to meet with her. Does she have any hobbies or interests outside of work?

I let out a sigh, hesitating for a moment. “Laurel, I honestly do not want you to do this but if you insist. She plays golf at the Richie’s every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 pm. You know the famous Richie’s yeah?”

“Of course, I know the Richie’s,” she replied. “It’s where big businessmen and women go to play golf. But it might be difficult for me to get in there.”

I thought for a moment, then a solution came to mind. “Well, I have a membership there if you don’t mind. You can use my card and details,” I offered.

“Really? That would be great!” Her face beamed in excitement and she wore a huge smile on her face.

I couldn’t help but admire the way her smile transformed her face. I mean, she was already pretty, and that smile was just the cherry on top. I quickly shook the thoughts from my head and focused on my driving, and soon enough, we arrived home.

Just as we were about to get out of the car, Laurel’s phone beeped with a new text message from an unknown number. She picked it up and opened it, her eyes widening in fear as she read.

“Laurel?” I called, concerned by the sudden change in her expression but she didn’t respond and just kept staring at the screen of her phone.

I gently took the phone from her hands, my heart sinking as I read the message:

‘Watch your back. You think you’re safe now, but this is just the beginning. I’m coming for you.’

I looked back at Laurel, whose expression was still filled with fear and shock.

“What is this?” I asked with worry obvious in my tone. “Do you know who this is from?”

“I- I don’t know,” Laurel whispered shakingly. “I have no idea who would send something like this.”

I opened the car door and got down. I walked over to the other side where Laurel was seated. With gentle care, I helped her out of the car and assisted her into the house, placing her on a comfortable chair.

“Laurel, look at me,” I said, taking her hands and lifting her chin so that our eyes met. “Get a grip on yourself. You are safe, I assure you. Don’t let that threat bother you, because you are now under my care and I’ll make sure no harm comes to you.”

She took a deep breath, nodding firmly as she took in my words.

“Thank you, Rhett,” she whispered, playing a small smile on her lips.

I stayed for a few moments and finally bid Laurel goodbye. As I made my way back to the Opulentia Hotel, I couldn’t help but think about the mysterious text Laurel received. I knew exactly who those threats were from, and why they wanted to harm her. I now realized that they were serious, and they wouldn’t stop until they had gotten what they wanted.

I couldn’t bear the thought of Laurel being in danger again, and I knew I had to take matters into my own hands. I needed to let them know that if they messed with Laurel, then they were also messing with me.

Picking up my phone, I dialled Garry’s number without hesitation.

“Garry, release the news to the press,” I said, my voice firm and decisive.

I knew this was against what I and Laurel had discussed a few moments ago, but that was a decision I had to make at the moment.

“Finally bro!” Garry exclaimed in excitement. “I’ll do that right away.”