Chapter 21
+25 BONUS
“I want chicken ravioli soup.”
Sean’s lips were pale, and one hand pressed against his stomach. Mrs. Lincoln immediately recognized the symptoms of his recurring stomach problems.
“Mr. Perry, I can’t make that,” Mrs. Lincoln replied, her tone indifferent, still holding onto her resentment. “The flavor you like was something Miss Xander poured her heart into. Even the ravioli filling was carefully chosen by
her.
“To be honest, I could never match her level of thoughtfulness.”
She did what she was paid to do–nothing more, nothing less. At her age, Mrs. Lincoln wasn’t about to go the extra mile without a good reason.
She didn’t feel the need to explain herself. Just looking at Sean annoyed her, so she turned away and headed outside to busy herself in the yard.
Sean sat there, staring blankly at the untouched breakfast on the table. Memories of the meals Layla had lovingly prepared for him flashed through his mind, and before he realized it, his vision blurred with tears.
At the Xander residence, Xena had locked herself in her room, ignoring anyone who knocked.
Her family waited anxiously outside the door.
“Xena, what’s going on? Come out and talk to us. Locking yourself in your room won’t solve anything!”
“You‘
you so they
‘ve been gone since the other night. Dad and Mom have been worried sick. At least let them see you so t know you’re okay!”
Finally, the door creaked open.
Xena appeared with her long hair in a tangled mess, her eyes puffy and swollen. Her hoarse voice barely managed to call out, “Dad, Mom, Shane…”
“Sweetheart, what happened to you?”
Mrs. Xander’s heart broke when she saw the red handprint on Xena’s cheek. “Who did this to you? Tell me!”
Xena shook her head, tears streaming down her face, but she refused to speak.
Mr. Xander’s anger boiled over. “You were bullied, and you won’t even say who did it? Are you trying to drive us crazy?”
Shane, clenched his fists and snarled, “Xena, just tell me who it was. I’ll make sure they pay for this!”
“No…” Xena’s voice trembled as she cried. “It’s my fault. I deserved it. Dad, Mom, can we go see Layla? I want to apologize to her in person.
“If she forgives me, maybe she’ll be willing to go back to Sean. I truly want them to be happy together. It doesn’t matter what happens to me.”
By the end, Xena was sobbing uncontrollably, burying her face in her mother’s arms.
“Sweetheart, don’t cry. You’re going to make me cry too,” Mrs. Xander said, her voice choking with emotion.
She turned to Mr. Xander. “Layla’s behavior is unacceptable! Are we really going to let her push her sister to the
Chapter 21
brink like this?”
+25 BONUS
“If anything happens to Xena, I’ll never acknowledge that wicked woman as my sister!” Shane added angrily.
Mr. Xander’s expression darkened as he looked at Xena’s trembling shoulders.
If they kept indulging Layla, who knew what kind of trouble she would cause next?
Grinding his teeth, Mr. Xander spat, “Fine, I’d like to see what it’ll take for that girl to finally stop!”
Three days later, after extensive inquiries, Mr. Xander found out that Layla was staying at Luxe Villa.
All of North City knew Luxe Villa was a development under the Lucas family, Its residents being wealthy and influential figures. Even William himself lived there.
Recalling how William had taken Layla away at the engagement banquet, Mr. Xander couldn’t help but worry. Could Layla have actually gotten involved with that untouchable figure?
If she stirred up trouble, the entire Xander family would be dragged down with her!
Fearing the worst, Mr. Xander didn’t delay any further. He gathered the family and headed straight to Luxe Villa. No matter what, they had to bring Layla back!
