Chapter 3

Laura's gaze locked onto the phone screen, the picture of Vincent and Diane fueling her turmoil. Her mind raced with questions: When did their secret affair start? Was it before or after her engagement?

The doorbell shattered the silence, pulling Laura back to reality. She approached the door, hesitant.

"Mom?" Laura's voice trembled, shock etched on her face.

Katherine, her adopted mother, stood before her, an unexpected presence. Their relationship had always been strained from the very first day.

Laura's adoption, facilitated by Beatrice Seymour's kindness has never been fully accepted by the Seymour family, especially Katherine. Her concerns about Laura's presence threatening her biological daughter's position had created tension between the two simmering feelings of resentment and displacement.

"Come in," Laura said, ushering her in.

Katherine's gaze swept the room, her lips twisting into a forced smile. "I see your taste has improved since my last visit. Is it because of your upcoming marriage to a chaebol?"

Laura's smile hid her unease. Katherine's rare visits usually came with biting reminders of her outsider status – a fake Seymour.

"How are Dad and Vivienne?" Laura asked, deflecting attention.

Katherine's expression turned bland. "They're fine. Your father sends his regards."

The air was heavy with tension as Laura and Katherine sat, locked in an uncomfortable silence.

"So..." Laura trailed off, unsure what to say. Their last meeting five years ago had ended in discord, fueled by Laura's misunderstanding with Vivienne.

Katherine handed Laura a brown envelope. "Your grandmother sent this."

Laura's face brightened, her smile faltering as she met her mother's scathing gaze.

"Thanks," Laura said.

"You must be thrilled to be Grandma's favorite, right?" Katherine's voice dripped venom. "Eveh though you are not truly part of the family" Katherine spat.

Laura's eyes narrowed. "I don't understand what you mean, Mother."

Katherine scoffed. "You're a talented actress, Laura. Why become a lawyer? You'd excel on stage."

"Drop the mask, Laura. Show your true self," Katherine taunted.

Laura forced a smile, recognizing her mother's intent: to remind her of her inferior status.

"Mother—"

"I am not your mother!" Katherine snapped.

"You were foisted upon me fifteen years ago. Don't claim a bond that doesn't exist."

Laura gulped hard, interrupted by the doorbell timely ring.

Laura rose, grateful for the reprieve. "Excuse me." She said, answering the door.

As she walked to the door, Katherine's venomous words lingered.

Laura opened the door to find Vincent, her suppose fiancé, standing with a concerned expression.

"Hey, I hope I'm not interrupting," Vincent said, noticing Laura's troubled face.

"Actually, my mom is here," Laura replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vincent's eyes widened in surprise. "I'll come in." 

Laura nodded, leading him inside.

Vincent's presence shifted the atmosphere, and Katherine's demeanor changed.

"Vincent," Katherine said, her tone measured. "I wasn't expecting you."

"Mother," Vincent replied, his voice polite. "I brought some documents for Laura, and we are visiting grandfather today,"

Laura's gaze locked onto Vincent's, and for a fleeting moment, she saw only warmth and devotion. His eyes sparkled with love, betraying no hint of the darkness she knew lurked within.

"How could someone with such tender eyes ever harm her?" The contrast between past and present left Laura reeling.

As Vincent handed her the folder, his fingers brushed against hers, sending an unexpected wave of comfort through her body.

The gentle touch stirred a mix of emotions within Laura. It was a stark contrast to the pain and betrayal she had endured at his hands in the past.

Yet, she knew better. Memories of Vincent's past betrayal still lingered, a painful reminder that love could mask deceit.

Katherine's gaze narrowed. "I see you're still relying on others for support."

Laura stiffened, prepared for another verbal attack.

But Vincent intervened, his voice calm. "Mother, Laura's strength is undeniable. I'm merely here to support her."

Laura's eyes widened, stunned by Vincent's words. His kindness was a far cry from the pain he'd inflicted in her past life.

For an instant, Laura's resolve wavered. Could she truly seek revenge against someone who now showed her compassion?

But her subconscious lingered, unforgiving. Memories of past betrayals still seared her mind, tempering her emotions.

Katherine rose, her eyes flashing with venom, "I hope your support won't run dry. Laura is good at draining others."

Her gaze turned to Vincent, disappointment and disdain etched on her face. Her disapproval palpable. "It would have been nice if you chose a true Seymour." she spat, implying Laura's inadequacy.

Her eyes then shifted to Laura, a cold, calculated glint within them. "I will see you at the wedding." Katherine said, her tone dripping with malice.

With that, she turned and left, leaving behind a trail of tension and unspoken threats simmering and awaiting its next explosive release.

"Looks like your mother is in a foul mood. I haven't seen her this way before," Vincent observed, breaking the silence.

Laura flashed him a smile. "Yeah, having a bad day at work, I guess." Laura said. She hid her true thoughts, guarding the secret of her adopted status as a Seymour.

Vincent didn't press the issue, unaware of the underlying tension.

After excusing herself, Laura returned dressed in a stunning short blue gown. 

"You look nice." Vincent's eyes appreciated the transformation. 

"Thanks." Laura smiled.

The ride to Mr Edward's house was marked by awkward silence, broken only by the car radio's entertainment show.

 "How was your resignation? Ms. Seo must've been sad to see you go." Vincent attempted to break the ice

"She was, but I couldn't help it." Laura's response was guarded. "They would find another lawyer, lawyers are everywhere," 

Vincent sensed her reluctance and continued, "Lawyers are everywhere, but none as good as you. You're an exceptional lawyer, Laura. Your clients must be scrambling to find someone half as good." 

Laura raised an eyebrow. "Really, am I that good?"

Vincent's enthusiasm was genuine. "Yes, you are. That's why I'm thrilled to share some news." He paused, excitement building. "The documents I gave you outline a job application for Associate Attorney at Russell Conglomerate."

Laura's eyes widened in shock. "You can't be serious. I was a non-equity partner at Hamilton & Associates, and you want me to start over as an associate?"

Vincent's expression turned defensive. "I tried for Counsel, but Mother wouldn't agree."

Laura scoffed. "A counsel? You want me to take a demotion"

"Just accept it, Laura. Mother will see your worth and promote you soon." Vincent urged

 "No." Laura's response was icy.

Vincent was taken aback by her firm refusal and palpable aura.

Vincent was taken aback by her firm refusal. "Do you have any idea how lucky you are? My mother allowed—"

Laura cut him off, her tone biting. "How lucky? Do you think marrying me is a favor?" her tone tinged with surprise.

Vincent backpedaled. "I didn't say that."

But Laura's anger was already simmering.

Just then, her phone rang, breaking the tension.

"Hello?" Laura answered abruptly.

 "Hi Sugar, where are you? I've been waiting." Diane's frustrated voice was recognizable.

"Oh, I forgot, I am really busy, being Mrs Russell is like a full-time job, my schedule is really packed." Laura's response dripped with sarcasm.

"You are busy?" A frown appeared on Diane's face. "What about the wedding gown?" Diane tried to hide her irritation. 

"Hmm, why don't you find something to occupy yourself with while you wait, I will try and squeeze you into my schedule. Bye," Laura hung up without letting Diane respond.

"Who was that?" Vincent asked, parking the car

 "No one." Vincent asked, parking the car,

As they entered Mr Edward's house, the butler welcomed them with a warm smile and offered drinks.

Mr Edward soon joined, beaming at Laura. Mr. Edward Russell had always been fond of her, treating her with kindness even in her past life.

"Ah, Laura, dear, you look lovely," Mr Edward said, his eyes twinkling.

Laura's expression softened, grateful for his warmth.

The lunch gathering at Mr. Edward's villa was a pleasant affair, but Laura deliberately prolonged the conversation to irritate Diane, who was waiting at the "Eternal Elegance" bridal store.

After four hours, Laura asked Vincent to drop her off, eager to spite Diane and spark jealousy.

As they entered the store, hand in hand, Diane's angry expression was palpable.

"Sorry I kept you waiting," Laura said, feigning innocence. "Grandfather wanted to see me."

 "It's okay, I haven't been waiting that long." Diane's response was laced with sarcasm.

Vincent excused himself, leaving the two women alone.

Throughout the evening, Laura boasted about her conversation with Mr. Edward and Vincent's job offer hinting at her potential vice chairwoman position while Diane seethed silently.

"Haven't you made a choice yet?" The manager asked after Laura tried out more than 20 gowns.

Laura smirked. "Everything looks nice on me; I'm really beautiful."

"That's true." Diane begrudgingly agreed.

"What's the most expensive gown?" Laura asked.

The manager described the exclusive, unworn "Monique Lhuillier Aurora" gown, priced at $600,000, with intricate lace, silk, and 500 hours of hand-beading

Laura's eyes sparkled. "I'll take it."

As she stepped off the podium, her heel slipped, but a firm masculine hand caught her.

"Whoa, careful there," the rescuer said, his deep familiar voice sending shivers down Laura's spine.

She turned to face her savior, her heart racing with anticipation.

The familiar face belonged to Lawrence Palmerston, an old acquaintance.

Their eyes locked, and Laura felt the air thicken with tension.

"Lawrence?" Laura whispered, surprised.