Chapter 257
""I'm still in a meeting at the office; it might not wrap up until 5:30. Could you please apologize to your parents on my behalf?"" Benjamin's voice was gentle.
""No worries, but you better not be late. My dad can't stand people who don't keep their word.""
""Don't worry, it's a big deal for me, too. I won't let you down. I've already picked out gifts your folks will love, and I'm eager to get our engagement settled so I can bring you home,"" Benjamin said with a sincere smile.
Laura's heart felt warm and fuzzy at his words.
After hanging up the phone, she drove to pick up Luke, and then they headed to The Jade Palace.
They arrived right at 5:30, and Laura ordered the dishes. Elliot joined them shortly after.
It was 6 pm, but Benjamin still hadn't shown up.
Luke was growing impatient. ""What's taking him so long? It's rude to make us wait.""
Laura tried to assuage her father's annoyance. ""Dad, it's rush hour. There's bound to be traffic.""
Rose nodded in agreement. ""We can understand. Just be patient.""
Laura called Benjamin, but the call didn't go through. ""He must be close if he's not answering,"" she said hopefully.
But another half hour passed, and Luke lost his temper. ""Standing us up on our first meeting and not even bothering to call? He clearly doesn't care. I don't agree with you marrying him.""
This time, Rose didn't speak up. Elliot's face was dark with anger. ""End it with him after this, Laura. There are plenty of fish in the sea.""
Laura turned pale, biting back tears in the face of her family's disapproval, feeling disappointed and embarrassed.
In the past, she might have let his flakiness slide, but standing her family up on their first meeting like this—did he really love her?
Rose sighed, ""Laura, the most important thing for a woman is to find a man who truly cherishes you. You're young; there's no need to rush. Let's just eat now. The food's getting cold.""
The meal was excruciatingly awkward.
It ended without a word from Benjamin.
After parting with her family, Laura drove to Benjamin's office, only to find it dark and deserted.
She felt a growing anxiety, fearing he might have had an accident.
Not knowing his parents' numbers, she hesitantly called Isla.
To her surprise, a familiar male voice answered, ""Hello, Laura.""
Looking at her own blurry reflection on the window, Laura let out a self-deprecating laugh. Was she a fool to worry like this? ""Why didn't you answer my call, and why is Isla's phone with you?""
""Laura, I'm sorry. Isla had a car accident this evening, and I'm at the hospital. It was an emergency, and I didn't have a chance to check my phone,"" Benjamin explained with guilt. ""Oh no, it's so late. Have you all eaten? I'll make it up to you.""
""There won't be a next time,"" Laura said, her voice hollow.
""Laura, this really is an emergency,"" Benjamin pleaded into the phone.
""Oh, isn't it always with Isla?"" Laura snapped back, her patience wearing thin. ""Let me guess, she's dead, crippled, or orphaned, and only you can save her, right?""
Mike felt a chill run down his spine at her words. ""Laura, how can you even say that? It's horrible. Do you think Isla wanted to get into a car accident? Even if you don't like her, don't you have any compassion?""
Laura Miller let out a scornful laugh. ""Just answer me, Mike. Is she dead? Is she paralyzed? Disabled?""
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