Chapter 101
“Stop!” A small figure came rumming down the stairs.
Laura heard the sweet, childish voice and turned to see Arianna. “Ari, go itaire”
Arianna didn’t listen. She ran over, spread her arms, and stood protectively in front of Laura, looking up at Mane wirts pleading eyes. “Daddy, please don’t hit Mommy. If you have to hit someone, hit me, but don’t hit Mommy”
“Ari…” Laura was moved by Arianna’s actions. “Mommy’s fine?
“Mommy, you’re lying. You’re not fine, Arianna said, her voice soft but firm. “Mommy, even though I’m small, I can protect you. I want to protect you”
Laura was deeply touched by Arianna’s innocent words. A wave of sorrow washed over her, and tears Murred her vision. She had been holding back her tears, refusing to let them fall.
She hugged Arianna tightly. “Thank you, Ari. Mommy’s a grown–up”
“Daddy, Mommy, can you stop fighting? I’m scared, Arianna said, looking between her parents.
“Ari, it’s your mom’s fault. She keeps arguing with your dad and making him angry. If you don’t want them to fight, tell your mom to stop upsetting your dad,” Sofia interjected, causing more trouble.
“Grandma, Daddy hitting someone is wrong. That’s what my teacher said,” Arianna said, reaching out to hold Matteo’s hand. “Daddy, you should apologize to Mommy, Mommy’s kind. She’ll forgive you
Matteo gently pushed Arianna’s hand away. “I didn’t hit her. She’s the one who wants to leave our family. If she goes to work, what will happen to our home? What will happen to you?”
“Daddy can work outside, and Mommy can too,” Arianna said, siding with Laura. “Mommy’s taken care of me for over three years. She gave up her job for me. Now that I’m older, I can take care of myself. I support Mommy.”
The three–year–old’s maturity was heartbreaking in Laura’s eyes. Laura gently touched Arianna’s face. She felt no joy, only pain. She thought she hadn’t given Arianna a good family environment. As a girl, Arianna didn’t receive love from her grandmother or father.
Despite her young age, Arianna understood everything. It meant that her small, fragile heart had already been hurt.
“Laura, look at what you’ve done to Ari. She’s telling her dad to apologize and supporting you in leaving this family,” Sofia scolded, pointing at Laura. “Do you want her to grow up like you? You’re ruining her life!”
“Laura, you can’t even take care of a child properly at home. Are you useless?” Matteo added, feeling he had lost all authority as a father in front of his child. “If you can’t take care of her, then don’t.” Matteo pulled Arianna out of Laura’s arms.
“Daddy, let me go.” Arianna struggled. “I want Mommy.”
“Matteo, give Ari back to me.” Laura stood up, trying to take Arianna back.
Matteo held Arianna tightly, not letting Laura near her. “Laura, didn’t you say you don’t want this family anymore? Why do you care about the child? Didn’t you say you want a job? How will you have time to take care of her?”
“Mommy, I want Mommy,” Arianna cried, kicking her legs and reaching out for Laura.
“I’ll make time,” Laura said, her heart breaking as she looked at Arianna.
Matteo easily held Arianna’s hands. “Since you’ve made your choice, I’ll find someone to take care of Ari. You can focus on finding a job.”
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09:35 Sat, 8 Mar M
Chapter 101
“Laura, since your heart isn’t with the Webb family anymore, we don’t need you here. Get out? Sofia seized the opportunity. to kick her out.
“No, I won’t leave. I want to be with Ari” Laura refused to cave in.
“Ari is a Webb. She stays with the Webb family,” Matteo said, unwilling to let Laura take their daughter. Even if he didn’t particularly like his daughter, she was still his blood, part of the Webb family,
“No, I don’t want you. I want Mommy. I only want Mommy. Waaah… Arianna burst into tears at the thought of being separated from Laura.
“Ari, don’t cry. Mommy won’t leave you.” Laura’s tears finally fell.
She looked at Matteo’s cold expression. “Matteo, our issues shouldn’t involve the child. She’s innocent. She shouldn’t be a pawn in our fight.”
“This is your choice,” Matteo said coldly. “I’m letting you go find a job. Isn’t that what you want?”
Matteo carried Arianna upstairs.
Arianna kept crying for Laura, her sobs breaking Laura’s heart.
Laura clutched her chest, biting her lip as tears streamed down her face. She tried to follow, but Sofia and Chloe blocked her path.
“Laura, didn’t you hear? My son doesn’t want you anymore. Don’t be shameless. Just leave. You’re an eyesore, Sofia said, feeling triumphant as Laura was cast aside.
“Laura, Mom isn’t that heartless. If you bow and apologize to her, Chloe and I will talk to Matteo and stop him from kicking you out.” Chloe played the mediator.
“I’m not leaving,” Laura said firmly. As long as Matteo hadn’t divorced her, she wanted to stay. “Matteo and I are married. I have the right to live here. You have no right to kick me out. Let me go. I need to see Ari. She’s still crying.
“Ari is a Webb. Matteo is her father. Do you think he’d harm her? Kids cry, but they get over it,” Sofia said, refusing to let Laura pass. “Laura, do yourself a favor and leave. Stop clinging to Matteo. I’ll make sure he divorces you. Don’t get too comfortable.”
“I won’t divorce him,” Laura said. She couldn’t afford to divorce him now, not without a solid plan or custody of Arianna.
“If you can’t give birth to a son, don’t hog this position.” Sofia’s face darkened. “Since you’re being stubborn, don’t blame me for being harsh.”
Sofia called the family’s two security guards. “Throw this woman out of the Webb residence.”
The guards dragged Laura out of the house.
“Let me go! I need to see Ari!” Laura struggled, but no one showed her mercy. She was thrown out of the villa’s gate, to the ground.
falling
Ignoring her scrapes and pain, she got up and rushed toward the gate. It was too late. The gate closed in front of her, leaving her outside the Webb residence.
A clap of thunder echoed, and rain poured down, drenching Laura instantly.
“Ari!” Laura pounded on the gate, screaming hoarsely. “Open the door! Matteo, open the door! Let me in! Ari…”
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