Lina was frustrated but there was nothing much she could do without spilling the beans.
Once everything was ready, Edwin turned his attention toward Laura, who remained engrossed in the animated spectacle.
“Why don’t you join us for a meal?” he proposed.
Laura harbored no inclination to partake in their repast.
ninjanovel.com
She dabbed at her fingers with a napkin and remarked casually, “I’m quite full. You can carry on.”
Peter appeared poised to interject, but Lina, bearing a selection of stir-fried dishes, came to Laura’s defense.
“Young girls often prefer nibbles over full-fledged meals! Furthermore, she likely doesn’t find your current conversation topics all that enticing. You two enjoy your meal and chat away; we’ll manage just fine on our end.”
Peter couldn’t help but deem the arrangement rather unreasonable.
Their household was far from an archaic, patriarchal domain where women were banished from the dining table.
Laura rose from her seat.
“I’m experiencing a slight headache. I’1L retire to my room to rest.
Peter’s demeanor swiftly softened.
He urged, “Then go rest. Maybe take some pills if you’re feeling really unwell.”
Laura emitted a noncommittal hum and retreated to her bedroom.
Lina trailed behind her. Laura leaned against her bed, immersing herself in reading comic books, pastimes as straightforward as a child’s.
Lina tenderly brushed her fingers against Laura’s forehead.
After a protracted silence, she inquired softly, “What’s his intention?”
Laura set aside the comic book she held.
She remained in contemplation for a brief moment before speaking in hushed tones.
“I’m unsure, to be honest. But I believe that once he’s engaged, he should stop from troubling me any further. Someone of his stature cannot afford to suffer a loss of reputation.”
Lina sensed that her daughter was being wronged.
Certainly, there had been some historical animosity between the two families, but Edwin had already exacted his vengeance upon Laura. Why persist in tormenting her?
Surely, he couldn’t be planning to make Laura his mistress, could he?
She would never consent to such an arrangement.