From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 286

After taking a few obedient sips of chicken soup, Bonnie finally spoke, her voice calm and steady. “Did you hear what Harrell and I were talking about just now?”

“Yeah, I heard.” Laurinda tore into her chicken leg in a lazy, relaxed way, eyes half-lidded and clearly not interested.

Bonnie watched her, the tension in her chest slowly loosening.

“You don’t have anything you want to ask?”

“Nope. If you want to talk, I’ll listen. If you don’t, I’m not going to make you. I respect you. Everyone gets their own private life. Just like when I got together with Adolphus, you and York never tried to butt in, right?”

“Love is personal. Only you know what’s best for you. If you like Harrell, go for it. If you don’t think he’s right, just say no. You don’t need to make yourself miserable over it.”

“Just remember, no matter what happens, York and I are your family. X Organization is your home. That’s all you need to know. For everything else, just do what feels right.”

Bonnie felt a sting in her nose and had to blink fast. She’d always known it. The family she chose would always have her back, no matter what.

“He’s amazing. I just… I don’t feel like I deserve him.”

Laurinda was startled by Bonnie’s words. With Bonnie’s background, she could have any guy she wanted. Why would she say something like that?

“What’s so special about Harrell that makes you feel you’re not good enough?”

Bonnie shook her head. “It’s not about his background. It’s me. You know what my family is like. I get to be free now only because they don’t need me for anything yet. But if the day comes when they do, there’s no telling what they might do to Harrell. I can’t be selfish and drag him into all that. I don’t want to hurt him.”

Laurinda went quiet. Most people wouldn’t get it, but she did. She’d seen this kind of thing happen way too many times.

On the way home, Adolphus glanced at Laurinda, noticing how quiet she was. He reached over and held her hand.

Almost like he could sense her waking, Adolphus opened his eyes too. He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“You’re awake? Did you sleep alright?”

“Yeah. I slept great. Just… I’m starving.” Laurinda’s stomach felt hollow and a little uneasy.

Adolphus put his arm around her and helped her sit up. He grabbed a jacket from beside the bed and draped it over her shoulders.

“Go get washed up. I’ll make us some breakfast. How about tomato and egg noodles?”

“That sounds perfect. Can I have some cold side dishes too? Do we have any?”