HAPTER 026
LAURA’S POV
Grandpa Campbell’s words cut through the room, hanging the air like a thick fog suffocating everything around me. Richard was forced to keep quiet.
I gripped my wine glass so tight I thought it might shatter
Why her?
I was supposed to be the one married to Jason and not her.
Why does she get his grandfather’s affection while I get nothing?
He hadn’t even acknowledged me properly since I walked
A cold stare, a stiff word questioning who invited me – that’s all I got. But Ava? She could do no wrong.
I needed Grandpa by my side for me to be able to win Jason heart properly. He was the only issue I had in the family.
But I don’t know why he hates me. I haven’t done anything wrong in his eyes to deserve his hatred and I couldn’t help but blame Ava for that.
After the dinner, Ava sat beside Grandpa, his wrinkled hand resting on her shoulder as he smiled at her like she was his pride and joy.
I took a long sip of my wine, the bitterness on my tongue matching the storm brewing inside me.
I won’t let her win.
If Grandpa wanted to treat Ava like she was the perfect daughter–in–law, fine. But I wasn’t going to let him forget I was here.
I shifted my gaze to Richard, Jason’s father, sitting at the other end of the table. He wasn’t laughing or smiling like the others. He just sat there, his sharp eyes taking everything in.
When our gazes met, he gave me the faintest nod. A quiet reassurance.
I saw Ava walking to one side of the room to answer a call and I walked toward her, a fake smile plastered on my face.
She looked up at me, her expression calm but guarded.
In anger, I deliberately tipped my glass forward. “Oops!” I said, red wine spilled across her dress, spreading like a stain of victory.
Ava gasped. “Laura!”
“Oh no! I’m so sorry!” I said, covering my mouth. But inside, I was smiling. “How clumsy of me!”
Jason was already moving toward us, but I wasn’t done.
I reached for Ava’s untouched glass of water, pretending to steady it, then deliberately let it slip from my hand. It shattered loudly on the floor. 1
Everyone’s heads turned.
“Careful!” I exclaimed, stepping back dramatically and that’s when I let myself fall, hitting the floor hard.
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CHAPTER 026
+25 BONUS
Jason stood, hesitating for a moment before letting go of my hand and stood leaving me on the floor as the tension thickened.
Grandpa looked at Richard next, his voice sharp.
“And Richard, stop adding fuel to the fire. I’ve had enough drama for one evening.”
I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing my tears to flow faster.
The old man was always taking her side.
But even as Grandpa’s commanding tone quieted the room I could see the doubt lingering in Jason’s eyes as he looked at Ava.
That’s enough for now.
The seeds of doubt were planted, and I had plenty of time to make them grow.
CHAPTER 027
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CHAPTER 027
