Chapter 58 - Sweet Victory!

After he was done with his business in the toilet, Graven went back to the veranda to resume his conversation with the folks.

Three hours later.​​

Nicholas and Simon retired for the night in their respective rooms while Graven went to the back of the mansion to go to his house.

He was walking in the pathway when his brother Cooper emerged behind the tree, blocking his path.

"Brother, I thought we made it clear when we have a conversation before that you will only come back here on the day of my wedding. Why is it that you are here again?" Cooper asked, glaring at him.

Graven sighed. "I'm here to discuss some important matters with our father concerning the family business. I've been doing this a lot of times in the past and you didn't question me, you don't care if I come and go in this house. But why now you are making a fuss every time I come here? Is it because of jealousy? Are you afraid that your future wife will come after me? Is she the reason why you don't want me to come here?" he asked.

Cooper nodded his head. "Exactly!"

Graven took a deep breath. "Don't worry, I'm not staying here any longer. By tomorrow, early morning, I'll take my leave," he said and about to resume walking towards his house.

"Wait...what is that piece of paper that Laura had given you? I saw it, don't lie to me! Let me see it!" Cooper demanded.

Graven groaned. "It's just a receipt that falls from my pocket. Laura saw it fell from the ground so she picked it up and gave it to me," he lied.

"Liar!" Cooper yelled. "Give it to me! I wanna see it with my own two eyes!" he demanded fiercely.

Graven sighed. Here we go again! His brother is acting like a spoiled child again. Although his tantrum is irritating, but not reason enough to lose his temper. He smiled. "I know it's all about jealousy, right? You are worried that your future wife has a thing for me? Don't worry, I have no feelings for your wife. But if you don't believe me, then... why don't you bring Laura here so that I can tell her myself that I have no feelings for her. In front of you, I want to tell her that she's not my type. Will that make you happy?" he offered.

Cooper grinned. "That's what I like about you, brother! You know how to make your little brother happy! Alright, since you are the one who made the offer... then I'll take it! Wait...I'll bring Laura here!" he said and took his leave immediately.

Graven watched his brother's retreating back, shaking his head.

A shadow came out behind the tree. "Your little brother is throwing tantrums again? eh? So infuriating!"

Graven looked at his right man, Horace. "My brother is just an immature child who never grows old. It's not worth losing my temper over his childish tantrums," he said.

"Okay, as you say so. I'll go back to the house and make myself disappear," Horace said and took his leave, walking towards the house.

Meanwhile, inside the mansion.

Cooper located the servant in the laundry room folding clothes, he beckoned her. "Come here, I have something for you to do..." he said.

"What is it, Sir?" asked Neeza.

"Go to Laura's room and inform her that my brother wishes to talk to her, hurry up! Bring her to the mini-park and take your leave. Don't tell her that I'm the one who told you about these things, if you tell her, you will have no salary for three months!" he threatened her.

"Okay, Sir!" Neeza replied in a terrified voice and bowed her head, she turned around and climbs the stairs in a hurry.

Cooper watched the servant climbs the stairs, a broad smile appeared on his lips. He wants to see what Laura's reaction will be after his brother insulted her. He would be enjoying and savoring it. This will put Laura in her place and stop fantasizing about his brother.

He left the mansion and went back to the mini-park.

Meanwhile, on the second floor.

Neeza reached Laura's room and knocked on the door three times. "Miss...I have something important to tell you! Please open the door!" she said urgently.

Laura opened the door a minute later. "What is it, Neeza?"

"Sir Graven wants to talk to you, he is waiting in the mini-park right now!" Neeza said.

Laura's eyes widened in surprise. She was speechless for a few seconds. Then her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Alright, let's go to the back of the house!" she said excitedly. She exited the room and closed the door.

The women walked into the hallway and descended the stairs. They went to the kitchen and used the exit there to reach the mini-park quickly.

They exited the kitchen door. Laura and Neeza walked briskly towards Graven's house.

Laura saw Graven standing on the cemented pathway, waiting for her. His face was illuminated by the lamp post.

"I'll take my leave now, Miss," Neeza said and walked away without waiting for Laura's reply.

Laura wore a sweet smile on her face when she approached Graven's location. She was happy that he was the one who asks for her presence. She is indeed his beloved Luke!

The expression on Graven's face was unreadable.

She walked to his side, floating gracefully like a swan. "You ask for me?" she asked right away when she reached his side.

Graven cleared his throat and looked at her in the eyes. "Sister-in-law...I'll be honest with you...stop fantasizing over me... you are not my type... and please behave yourself because you are going to marry my brother soon! Don't harbor romantic feelings towards me! I won't reciprocate it! I hope you understand my sentiments," he said coldly and turned on his heels going back to his house, leaving her rooted on the spot like a statue, stunned and speechless.

Laura's mouth was agape in shock. She can't believe Luke would say those painful things to her. Fresh tears sprang into her eyes, she had a hard time breathing. Her heart was being squeezed painfully inside her rib cage. She put her right hand on her chest, trying to caress her bleeding heart.

She stood in the middle of the path watching Graven entering his house without care.

He closed the door and disappeared inside the house, not even sparing her a glance.

Laura's face grimaced in pain. She gathered her strength and turned around, walking towards the location of the kitchen door. She prevented her tears from falling, she won't allow anyone to see the tears in her eyes. She will let her tears fall after she's back in her room. Right now, while she's still outside, she must retain her composure and pretend that nothing happens.

She reached the door of the kitchen and disappeared inside.

Meanwhile, back in the mini-park.

Cooper was grinning happily, his brother was direct to the point, insulting Laura without giving her the chance to defend herself. That was a sweet victory for him and for the first time in his adult life, he was thankful for his brother's effort and siding up with him.

He left the mini-park, whistling happily.