Caught

Two weeks had passed, but I still couldn’t get what I heard out of my head. Since that day, I hadn’t spoken to Edward. Whenever he was home, I would go straight to my room or pretend to be busy on my phone. I didn’t want to see him, I didn’t want to hear him—I just didn’t want anything to do with him.

“Laura, can you pass the salt?” Edward asked while we were having dinner.

I ignored him. Deal with it yourself.

“Laura?” His voice was louder this time, but I still didn’t look at him. Instead, I grabbed the salt shaker myself, sprinkled some onto my plate, and placed it back in the middle of the table as if I hadn’t heard anything.

I could feel my mom’s gaze on me, but I didn’t care.

“Laura.” His tone was firmer now. When I still didn’t respond, his spoon clattered against his plate. “What’s wrong with you? Are you okay?”

I froze for a moment. Slowly, I lifted my gaze and stared at him. “Nothing,” I replied coldly.

Mom and Edward exchanged glances.

“Laura,” Mom finally spoke, but I didn’t look at her. “What you’re doing is rude.”

I smirked. “Rude? Why? What did I do?”

“Laura, stop it,” Mom warned.

“Stop what? I’m not even saying anything, am I?” I set my fork down and leaned back in my chair. “You’re the ones making a big deal out of this.”

Edward sighed and shook his head. “Emily, just let it go—”

“No,” Mom cut him off. “This isn’t right. I don’t know what your problem is, Laura, but you can’t treat Edward this way. He’s not a bad person.”

I let out a dry, humorless laugh. “Not bad? Are you sure?”

“Laura, that’s enough,” Mom said firmly, but I couldn’t hold back anymore.

“Why, Mom? Because you don’t want to hear the truth? Because you want to convince yourself that your fiancé is perfect? That he has nothing to hide?”

I saw Mom’s expression darken. “What are you talking about?”

“Nothing.” I stood up and grabbed my glass of water. “I’m not saying anything.”

“Laura—”

“I’m done. I’m full,” I said coolly before turning and heading straight to my room.

I heard the loud slam of a door behind me before I leaned against mine.

Mom was mad.

But I was even angrier.

Michelle—Cole’s girlfriend. I only found out from Sue, but anyway, she had Cole preoccupied, and I couldn’t be happier.

For the past four days, my life had been peaceful. No teasing, no unsolicited comments, and best of all, no “Hey, dear step-sis” from him.

Perfect.

I was happy I could focus on school. No distractions, nothing bothering me—except for the lingering doubts about Edward. But I avoided thinking about that. I had more important things to do.

“Laura, are you even listening?” Sue snapped her fingers in front of me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Huh?” I looked at her, then at Kat, who was also staring at me weirdly.

“There you go again, zoning out,” Kat complained, rolling her eyes. “So? Are you coming this Friday? You already skipped last time.”

I shook my head. “Nope.”

“You’re such a killjoy!” Sue groaned. “We’re supposed to enjoy our teenage years, you know?”

“Then go ahead, have fun.” I leaned my head against the armchair and pulled out my notebook from my bag. “I need to finish this research, so good luck.”

“Ugh, seriously? You used to go out with us even when you had research to do. What’s your problem lately?” Sue narrowed her eyes at me, looking suspicious.

“None that I’m aware of,” I answered quickly.

“Looks like there is.”

“There isn’t.” I rolled my eyes and flipped through my notes. “And besides, you know I don’t like parties.”

“Who are you, and what have you done to Laura?” Sue dramatically grabbed my arm. “Explain, please?”

Kat just sighed. “Don’t push it, Sue. She really doesn’t want to go.”

I muttered a quick thanks to Kat for that.

Sue pouted. “Fine. But you’re coming to the next hangout, okay?”

“Sure, sure,” I answered just to get her off my back.

Before they could reply, the bell rang—time for our last subject. We all stood up and walked out of the cafeteria together.

That’s when I noticed a group of girls squealing like crazy. I was about to ignore them until I heard a name that made me roll my eyes.

“Oh my God, Cole is so handsome!”

“Girl, he’s so hot! And that smile? UGH!”

“Michelle is so lucky! They’re totally a thing now!”

Michelle and Cole.

Wow.

I didn’t know why, but I felt a slight sting in my chest.

That’s not your problem anymore, Laura. You’re happy he’s not teasing you anymore, right?

So, even though I felt a little irritated, I ignored it and kept walking.

After my fourth class, I smiled when I found out our last subject was suspended. Finally, I could go home early. I quickly packed up and said goodbye to Kat and Sue.

When I got home, it was quiet. Mom wasn’t home yet—good. I had a chance to relax before finishing my paper.

But before I could enter the house, I noticed something outside.

A car was parked in front of our house.

Edward’s car.

At first, I thought nothing of it. But then I noticed something… off.

He wasn’t alone.

A woman was with him.

And then—before I could even process anything—he was kissing her.

Right there. Inside his car.

It felt like my whole world crashed.

Edward was cheating.

Shit.

I took a step back—fast and silent—so he wouldn’t see me. My body turned cold, and my hands trembled as I gripped my bag tightly.

I knew he was hiding something.

I wanted to take a picture. I wanted proof. But I was too shocked to move.

I just stood there. Watching.

And before I could pull my phone from my bag, Edward pulled away.

I quickly backed away, moving as quietly as possible so he wouldn’t see me.

Then, I ran inside, straight to my room, shut the door, and locked myself in.

My heart was pounding. My hands were shaking.

Edward. The man my mom was going to marry.