Chapter 245 The Original Family
Concerned about both upsetting Laura and the potential loss of financial support, her parents once again began to leverage their familial ties.
"Laura, that's not what we meant. We know how much you've done for this family. Tony finally found a girlfriend, and her parents are government officials. This is a big step up for us. We can't let Tony lose face," Linda said, sobbing, "Once Tony is settled, you'll have someone to rely on. We're doing this for you."
Laura wiped her tears, tilting her head back to keep them from falling.
She remained silent, and her father continued on the phone. "You have three days to come up with twenty thousand dollars. If Tony's wedding doesn't go smoothly, don't bother coming back home."
Laura couldn't take it anymore and hung up the phone.
She was the stain on the family, the one who brought shame to her parents and brother. All her efforts had become a joke.
On the other end of the line, Linda and Mario Simmons exchanged glances. Mario asked, "Did she hang up?"
Linda replied, "Yes, she did."
"She is really disobedient," Mario said angrily, "Call her back and tell her to get the money quickly."
"You were too harsh just now. How could Laura be happy with what you said?" Linda responded, "I'll try to comfort her later."
At that moment, Tony came back in and asked, "Mom, Dad, is the cash ready? Sandra Garcia's family is pushing for it."
Seeing her son return, Linda smiled and said, "Just wait a bit longer. I called Laura, and we'll have it soon. Have you eaten? You must be hungry. I'll make you something."
"I'm not eating at home. I have a dinner date with Sandra. I just came back to tell you to get the cash ready as soon as possible. Sandra's family is buying us a BMW. With in-laws who are government officials, my career will be much better."
"Really? Sandra's family is so generous. Don't worry, we'll get the cash," Linda said happily, "Now, don't keep Sandra waiting. You need to keep her happy and not make her angry."
"Her spoiled attitude—if it weren't for the fact that she's an only child and her family is buying us a BMW, I wouldn't even consider her. Her temper is so bad."
Linda laughed. "Just bear with it for now. Once Sandra gets married, I will take care of her. "
"Alright, Mom, Dad, I'm off. By the way, don't tell Laura about my wedding. If she returns and Sandra's parents discover her actions, I will face humiliation."
Mario, full of affection, said, "Don't worry, we won't let her come back. Go be with Sandra, and don't worry about us."
As soon as Tony left, Mario urged Linda to call Laura again and find a way to get the money quickly.
In the shared apartment
Laura listened to her phone ringing incessantly, growing more and more agitated. The ringtone felt like a death knell, pushing her to the brink of collapse.
Her roommate came outside to knock on the door. "Laura, your phone's been ringing non-stop. Laura?"
"It's nothing." Laura couldn't take it anymore and put her phone on silent. Finally, the world was quiet.
She didn't dare turn off her phone, fearing she might miss an important call from a client or her boss.
In the adult world, there is no room for capriciousness. Even the desire to let loose for a moment came with the worry of potential consequences."
Her roommate didn't think much of it and said, "I'm off to work. Mr. Clark has an appointment with me today."
Just as her roommate was about to leave, Laura opened the door and said, "July, can you have dinner with me tonight? It's my birthday."
"Is it your birthday today? Happy birthday, Laura! But I can't cancel on Mr. Clark. How about this? I'll come back early and have a meal with you to celebrate. I'll bring you a gift, okay?"
"Okay."
"Bye, Laura. Cheer up; it's your birthday. I'll bring you a gift later."
After her roommate left, Laura anxiously returned to her bedroom.
Her phone screen lit up; it was a call from her supervisor. She didn't dare ignore it.
Laura answered, her voice mechanical and lifeless. "Hello, Julia. Okay, I'll be there soon."