Chapter 269 A Life with Different Values
So, Ethan had this dream of living the chill life with Lauren, right? Just him and her, all lovey-dovey forever. But, man, chasing after her, he kinda lost the plot. Got so wrapped up in his beef with Quentin, he forgot what he was even fighting for.
Now, Lauren could say whatever, and sure, it hit him, but he wasn't really listening.
Funny thing, people survive the crazy times but get wrecked when things are calm. Before Lauren said yes to being his girl, Ethan was pulling out all the stops to win her over. But now, with Lauren and Quentin at each other's throats, his dream life was about to kick off, and he didn't even recognize himself anymore.
Lauren was his now, and he was stoked, but it wasn't that "phew, we made it" kind of happy. It was more like, "Ha! Take that, Quentin!"
Ethan grinned like a kid with a new toy, "Lauren, you'll see, picking me was the best move. Quentin's got nothing on me."
Lauren looked at him, feeling all sorts of things. This Ethan was a stranger. He should just focus on living his own life well; why play games to get Quentin's attention?
Ethan's eyes were all lit up, like a wolf eyeing its prey.
Lauren sighed to herself. 'No way Ethan's gonna spill the truth now. I can't even argue with him.'
She said, "Ethan, I get it, okay? Just stop. Whatever your beef with Quentin is, it's bad news for everyone."
Ethan's face twisted at her words. He figured she pieced it together from the office drama. Lauren was always sharp like that.
Trying to play it cool, Ethan dodged the Quentin talk and focused on what worked for him.
He said, "Lauren, a guy needs his girl to back him up. Now that we're together, I don't need you to do everything, but I do need your trust and support without any hindrances."
Lauren was speechless. The sweet, understanding Ethan was now all pushy and intense.
She said, "Ethan, I'm telling you this because I care about you."
In a flash of anger, Ethan snapped, "I doubt it. If it wasn't Quentin, would you even care? Face it, Lauren. No matter what, you're up against the Robinson Family. Stop embarrassing yourself."
Lauren's eyes went cold. "I know that. If you don't want my advice, fine. Pretend I didn't say anything. Go back to the company; I'll manage on my own."
With that, she stubbornly dragged her luggage to the elevator.
Ethan, fuming and regretting his harsh words, didn't chase after her. They were both mad, and going after her now would just make it worse.
Seeing Ethan didn't follow her, Lauren felt a bit of relief. She knew things were rocky between them. She sighed, wanting to start fresh but finding it so damn hard.
Lauren got back to the home alone, and Kimberly opened the door. Kimberly was all excited, thinking Lauren's return meant she was down to live with Ethan.
Lost in her daydreams, Kimberly didn't even notice Lauren had taken a cab. She helped Lauren with her luggage, nosing around about her situation while unpacking.
"Lauren, since you're back, you should head to the White Villa, meet Ethan's parents, and get those wedding plans rolling," Kimberly said, eager to see Lauren and Ethan tie the knot so she could chill.
Lauren kept unpacking, cool as a cucumber. "No rush."
"I'm feeling rushed! What if I don't wake up one day and your stuff isn't sorted? How can I have peace of mind?"
"Mom!" Lauren was fed up with Kimberly's constant death talk. "Stop saying that; it's bad luck."
"Who knows? I'm old and can't wait forever." Kimberly smiled, knowing this always got to Lauren.
Sure enough, Lauren caved. "Alright, I'll talk to Ethan later."
"And now that you're back, why not go to the Robinson Villa and bring Matthew home? Ever since he went there, I've been losing sleep. I'm worried Quentin might take him away," Kimberly kept pushing.
Lauren sighed, put down her clothes, and sat on the bed, looking at Kimberly. "I'm not going to fetch Matthew. When the time's right, Quentin will bring him back. Mom, I've explained this countless times. I promised Jessica, and I'm not breaking that promise."
Kimberly pouted, sulking. "Is a promise to someone who's gone that important? I want Matthew here with us every day, not out somewhere unsafe!"
"Mom!" Lauren snapped. "Jessica was good to me. How can you talk about her like that?"
Kimberly knew she messed up. She looked at Lauren sheepishly and softened her tone. "I just think you should live your life. Why worry so much about others?"
Lauren pressed her lips together. Fewer and fewer people got her now. Even if the whole world didn't understand or back her, she'd stick to what she believed was right, not bending to fit in.
Feeling awkward, Kimberly sighed loudly and left Lauren's room.
Over at the Robinson Family Villa, Matthew was fitting in like a champ. Even though Quentin ignored him, Matthew would run to him every day, warming his cold, lonely heart.
Quentin had set up a room for Matthew to sleep alone. But every night, Matthew would sneak into Quentin's room, crawl into his bed, and rest his head on Quentin's arm, saying he was used to sleeping that way.
Quentin tried a bunch of times to send Matthew back to his room, but the kid always snuck back. Quentin had no choice but to give up half his bed to the little troublemaker, Matthew.
