Chapter 22 If I Was Born Just to Suffer, Then You Shouldn’t Have Had Me
Lauren sat on the bench for a long, long time–so long that the sky dimmed and the streetlights flickered on, one by one.
The warm glow spilled over her, but she remained motionless, staring blankly into the distance. Cars roared past, the gusts of wind they left behind tangling in her hair, just like her chaotic, broken life,
Lucas stood in the shadows nearby, silently watching her.
Her thin, lonely silhouette pierced through him like a thousand invisible needles, the pain spreading to every inch of his body.
He wanted nothing more than to walk up to her, pull her into his arms, and tell her how much he regretted everything–that he would do anything to make it up to her if she would just give him a chance.
But he didn’t dare.
He was terrified that if he got any closer, she would recoil, disgusted. That the chasm between them would grow even wider, impossible to bridge.
So all he could do was stand behind her, keeping his distance, watching.
As the night deepened, Lauren finally got up, dragging her tired, heavy body forward, step by step. toward the Bennett
family’s house.
Lucas snapped out of his thoughts and instinctively followed from afar…
By the time she reached the Bennett estate, it was completely dark.
The moment she stepped closer, she saw Marilyn standing anxiously at the villa’s entrance, her eyes scanning the road.
The second Marilyn spotted her, the worry on her face disappeared, replaced by a relieved smile as she hurried up to greet
her.
Maam, you’re finally back.”
As she spoke. Marilyn carefully examined Lauren. The sight of the bandages on her forehead and her pale face made her eyes fill with concern. “Ma’am, what happened to you?”
Lauren shook her head slightly. “It’s nothing.”
Marilyn still looked uneasy. “Are you sure?”
Lauren nodded again, inhaling deeply to suppress the bitterness in her chest. She steadied her voice as much as she could and asked, “Marilyn, how’s Mia?
A bright smile bloomed across Marilyn’s face, full of gratitude and relief. “Thanks to sir, the school won’t expel Mia.”
She sighed. “If it weren’t for sir stepping in. I wouldn’t have known what to do. Ma’am, sir is actually a good person. If you two could just clear up your misunderstandings, he would be a great brother to you.”
Lauren said nothing. Her lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smirk.
Looking at the gratitude in Marilyn’s eyes, she felt nothing but a deep, suffocating sense of irony.
People like Elliot–after hurting others, they could still manage to make their victims feel grateful. How absurd.
She didn’t bother asking Marilyn what exactly had happened to Mia at school. The details didn’t matter. What mattered was that the person behind it was Elliot
If he wanted to, he had a thousand ways to torment people. This time, he used Mia against her. Next time, it could be Marilyn
She wanted to just walk away from all of this.
Chapter 22 It Was Born Just to Suffer, Then You Shouldn’t Have Had Me
Lauren forced a small smile. “As long as Mia’s okay, that’s all that matters”
With that, she turned and walked toward the villa, her steps dragging.
Finished
As soon as she entered, she saw the Bennett family sitting around the dining table, laughing and chatting, enjoying a warm, happy meal together
The table was covered with delicious dishes; the atmosphere lively and full of joy.
Her arrival shattered it instantly.
Elliot put down his chopsticks, his expression laced with open disdain. Not a word of concern, just immediate mockery
“Oh, you actually came back! I thought you ran away again.
Alice frowned, shooting him a look. “Elliot, don’t talk to your sister like that.
Then, turning to Lauren with a warm smile, she gestured for her to come over. “Lauren, don’t take it to heart. Come have dinner
Her smile was gentle, but Lauren simply replied flatly, “No, you guys go ahead.”
She had no appetite for this family.
Alice’s face stiffened for a second, but she quickly recovered. “You shouldn’t skip dinner. It’s bad for your stomach. At least ear a little.”
Lauren’s gaze swept over the table, her lips curling into a cold, mocking smile.
“Sorry. I’m not used to eating leftovers
Her words dropped like a stone into still water, making Alice’s smile freeze
The cheerful atmosphere at the table instantly turned suffocating
David frowned deeply, his expression darkening, exuding the authority of a displeased father.
Willow, sensing the tension, quickly put down her chopsticks and gave Lauren a look filled with sincere concern.
“Hey, we waited for you for a long time. But when you didn’t come back, we thought you’d already eaten, so we started. without you. We just barely started eating, so don’t be upset. Come si
Alice, seizing the lifeline, quickly added. “Yes, yes” Lauren, come eat. We made all your favorite dishes tonight.”
Elliot suddenly slammed his chopsticks onto the table, his eyes narrowing in warning
“Lauren, Mom, Dad, and Willow were worried about you. You came home this late, and we didn’t even say a word about it. Don’t act ungrateful. Stop your nonsense and sit down already. Stop acting like the whole family owes you something.”
Lauren looked at their fake, hypocritical faces, and the fire inside her blazed hotter.
She just wanted to be left alone. Why was that so hard?
Why couldn’t they just pretend she didn’t exist?
So she was the one “making a
e a scene“?
Fine
If they wanted a scene, she’d give them one.
Lauren inhaled sharply, then pointed at the dishes on the table. “Six dishes and a soup. Almost everything’s gone. Willow, tell me again–this is just barely started?
Willow
d’allows expression stiffened her mouth opening as if to explain, but no words came out
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Chapter 22 11 Was Born Just to Suffer. Then You Shouldn’t Have Had Me
Finished
Lauren turned to Alice next
“Your grace, how exactly am I supposed to eat? Lick the plates?”
Lauren, I-
Alice barely got a word in before Lauren cut her off
You said these are all my favorite dishes? Then tell me what do I like to eat?”
silence Alice averted her eyes
“Can’t answer” Fine. I’ll tell you” Lauren sneered. “I don’t have the luxury to be picky. I eat whatever fills my stomach. The only things I avoid are the ones I’m allergic to
She paused, then gestared at the table. “And wouldn’t you know it–out of six dishes, three would send me straight to the hospital. I’m allergic to seafood, so I can’t eat crab or shrimp. I’m allergic to pineapple, so that pineapple chicken is our too
Alice’s face burned red with embarrassment
But Lauren waspk done. Her gaze landed on Elliot
“You said Mom and Dad care about me! This is their version of care! Giving me food I’m allergic to and calling it my favonte? If this is care, you can keep it. Do you want it?“.
Elliot’s face turned ashen. He had never expected Lauren to turn a simple dinner into a full–blown confrontation.
He wanted to lash out, but she was right. The frustration clogged his throat, choking him.
David was trembling with rage. His face twisted with fury as he slammed his chopsticks onto the table with a loud crack, making the entire tableware shake
You ungrateful disgrace” he roared. We gave you life and you treat us like your enemies?”
Lauren looked at him, unflinching
“Did I ask to be born
Her voice was eerily calm.
“If bringing me into this world was only to make me suffer, then you Shouldn’t have had.
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