Chapter 184 The Final Decision
Lauren was really upset. She knew telling Kimberly this would break her heart, but she had no choice.
"Alright, stop talking. Take care of Matthew and yourself. I'm leaving at dawn tomorrow. I won't go back to the Walker family; I'll live on my own," Kimberly said stubbornly, tears streaming down her face.
Lauren felt like a terrible person. She always made Kimberly worry like she owed her something.
Kimberly, heartbroken, stood up shakily, ready to pack her things.
Lauren rushed over and hugged her. "Mom, don't be mad. I didn't mean it. I just can't stand the thought of you living a hard life with me..."
"Lauren, what's going on? Why are you saying this?" Kimberly looked at Lauren's tear-streaked face and realized something was wrong.
Lauren wiped her tears and stepped back. She laughed and cried at the same time. "Mom, I can't stay in City A anymore. I'm planning to leave."
Kimberly was shocked. "You're leaving City A? Where will you go?"
Lauren shook her head. "I haven't decided yet. I'll figure it out in the next few days. Mom, I can't predict the future, and I don't want to burden you. Matthew's growing up fast, and I can take care of him. Mom, forgive me for being selfish. I might not visit you often."
"Lauren, you..." Kimberly looked at her sadly, realizing how desperate she must be to make such a decision.
Kimberly sighed deeply. "Maybe a fresh start is good for you. But have you talked to Ethan? Does he agree?"
Lauren shook her head. She planned to discuss it with Ethan and ask for his help.
"I haven't sorted everything out yet. I'll talk to him later. Give me some time to make a proper plan," Lauren said.
Kimberly held Lauren's hand. "No matter where you go, I'll follow you."
"Mom, I'm sorry," Lauren said tearfully, seeing the wrinkles at the corners of Kimberly's eyes, feeling both heartache and guilt.
Kimberly gently wiped Lauren's tears. "Lauren, why are you apologizing? Now that you have Matthew, you should understand my feelings even more. Don't say sorry and blame yourself. I have nowhere else to go, so just take me in, okay?"
Lauren nodded repeatedly. She would never let down Kimberly's love for her.
Kimberly continued, "But, Lauren, think this through. Can you really give up everything here?"
Lauren fell into deep thought. 'Can I give it all up? I don't know. I just want to escape the complexities here. Call it impulsive or escaping reality, I'm tired and can't pretend to be strong anymore.'
Seeing Lauren's desolate expression, Kimberly understood that this couldn't be rushed. Kimberly would plan it carefully.
Lauren thought all night. Leaving City A completely would help her avoid the storm, but she'd lose a lot. She hesitated about leaving and starting over.
The next day, Lauren went to buy groceries as usual. Walking on the familiar streets, she felt strange looks.
Some people avoided Lauren and looked at her with disdain, making her skin crawl.
Lauren forced a bitter smile. She couldn't find peace. A few news articles had turned her into a notorious figure in the eyes of the public.
Naturally optimistic, Lauren thought these people didn't know her and had no real impact on her life, so she tried to ignore their opinions.
She went to a vendor to buy some fresh vegetables, but was suddenly told they were reserved for someone else.
She smiled awkwardly and said it was fine, but it felt strange. Without thinking much, she went to another vendor. Same story—vegetables were "reserved."
It hit her then. The vegetables weren't reserved. The vendors' disdainful looks said it all—they were deliberately not selling to her.
Lauren felt a wave of discouragement. If everyone hated her, she wouldn't be able to buy vegetables here.
Feeling sore and too weak to walk, she cried her heart out before heading to the supermarket, grabbing a few vegetables, and rushing back home.
Kimberly saw Lauren return pale and asked worriedly, "Lauren, why did it take you so long today?"
Lauren paused, turned to look at Kimberly, her eyes still blurred with tears.
"Mom, I have to leave City A. Although I don't want to, I no longer have the right to live here," Lauren said with a bitter smile.
"What happened? Did someone give you a hard time? Lauren, don't be afraid. I'm here. Tell me what's wrong, and I'll help you," Kimberly said, trying to comfort her.
Lauren wiped her tears and smiled. "I'll be honest, Mom, I can't live in City A anymore. Everyone laughs at me and excludes me. I can't survive here."
At this moment, Lauren's effort to hold back her tears made her even more pitiful.
"Alright, I said before that no matter where you go, I'll follow you. If you're determined to leave, I support you," Kimberly said.
"Thank you, Mom," Lauren said with a pale smile, feeling no warmth in her body.
Luckily, Kimberly was by her side, or she feared she might fall into depression.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Kimberly, feeling down, went to open it. She had called Ethan to come and persuade Lauren, but Lauren had already made up her mind.
"Kimberly, Lauren, you haven't eaten, right? I brought some soup. Drink it while it's hot," Ethan said cheerfully as he walked in.
Ethan had been troubled these past few days. He was at the press conference yesterday. Seeing Lauren rush to the stage to face the crisis with Quentin, he realized how deeply she loved Quentin and that she had never forgotten Quentin.
The moment of witnessing Quentin's protective nature towards Lauren made Ethan understand that even in his absence, she would still be safe and shielded from harm.
Usually, Kimberly would warmly welcome Ethan, but today she stood still, staring sadly into space.
Lauren smiled and said, "Ethan, you don't have to bring anything next time. We feel bad. By the way, I need to tell you something."
Ethan didn't mind Lauren's words and smiled. "What is it? Go ahead."
