Chapter 28 Chapter 28 Lauras tough exterior crumbled the moment Doris said I can protect you now . Those simple words shattered the walls shed built around her heart , and for the first time in what felt like forever , Laura felt warmth seep into the cracks of her battered soul . Oh , Doris … Laura whispered , her voice breaking . Doris pulled Laura into a gentle hug , her arms steady and reassuring . Laura , I know youre exhausted , and I know youre strong . But you dont have to do this alone anymore . Laura clung to Doris like she was a lifeline , her hands clutching tightly at the fabric of Doriss coat . She buried her face in Doriss shoulder and finally let the tears shed been holding back flow freely . Doris said nothing but just stroked Lauras back , giving her all the space she needed to let it out . After a long while , Lauras sobs began to quiet . She stepped back and wiped her tear streaked face . Her eyes , though red and swollen , had a clarity to them in the dim evening light . Laura met Doriss eyes and admitted , Yeah , you are right . The house was bought with money from Ryan because of you , so Dad asked me to get 130 thousand dollars from Matteo for Ruperts wedding . It has nothing to do with Matteo . How could I even bring myself to ask him for money ? Yesterday , when Dad pushed me about the money , I gave him every last penny Id saved 30,000 dollars in total . Then today , he called again , demanding the rest immediately . I had no choice , Doris . I had to borrow 100 thousand dollars from Meghan to send to him . Doriss fists clenched . She took a deep breath to steady her voice and replied , Laura , Dad knows youre too kind to say no , and thats why he keeps pushing you . Lets be real : youve given him the money , and youll never get it back from Dad . But this stops now . Ryans one million dollar debt is not your burden to carry . If you keep giving in , Dad and Rupert will keep taking from you , and they wont even thank you for it . Worse , theyll think its your responsibility . Laura , listen to me you have to tell Matteo . He should know this . If you hide this from him , hell blame you once he learns this . As long as we both firmly refuse to give Dad money , he cant force us anyway . Some complaints from him are better than the consequences of his squeeze , got it ? If Dad threatens to ask for money from Matteo , dont stop him . I believe Matteo knows how to handle Dad . Laura nodded , her lips pressed into a thin line . Doris let out a relieved sigh , though she wasnt entirely sure Laura would follow through . She reached into her bag and pulled out a card , pressing it into Lauras hand . Take this . There are 65,000 dollars on this card . Use it to pay back Meghan . Ill figure out the rest . Laura shook her head and tried to push the card back . I cant take this . This is my mess . Ill handle it myself . Youre married now . Your money should go toward your own family . This was money I saved before I got married , Doris said , hoping to ease Lauras guilt . No , I cant take it , Laura said in a firm tone . Doris , Im older than you . You have to listen to me on this . Doris crossed her arms and answered , No way . This time , youre listening to me . Youve always been there for me . Now , its my turn . 1/3 Chapter 28 As they were trying to persuade each other , the sound of an engine disrupted their argument . A sleek black Mercedes pulled into the driveway , its headlights cutting through the twilight . The tinted window rolled down , and Matteo leaned out , his brow furrowed slightly . Laura ? Doris ? What are you two doing out here ! Laura seized the moment and quickly slipped the card back into Doriss bag before turning to greet Matteo . Honey , youre back Hi , Matteo . Doris said with a polite smile . Matteo stepped out of the car , loosening his tie as he walked over . Doris , its not often you visit us . Come inside and join us for dinner . Laura jumped in to answer , I already asked her , but she said she had something urgent to do . What could be so urgent ? Come on , have dinner first , Matteo turned to Doris and suggested . Doris hesitated , knowing full well why Laura was trying to send her away . But she wasnt in the mood to have dinner now . The smile on her face faded , and she said in a serious tone , Maybe next time , Matteo . Hey , I do have something to talk to you about . Lauras smile faltered , and she nervously bit her lips . She said , trying to sound casual , Doris , Matteos had a long day . Why dont you talk another time ? Laura knew Doris must be angry after seeing how Matteos mother treated her . Plus , the money issue made Doriss emotions more heated . Laura didnt want Matteo to know the mess , so she tried to send Doris away to avoid more trouble . Doris gave Laura a look , seeing right through her attempt to dodge the issue . She could feel Lauras unease , but there was too much at stake to keep quiet . Laura , let her talk . I want to hear it , Matteo said , clearly picking up on Lauras reluctance for Doris to say more . Doris kept her tone calm but firm . Matteo , I know you work hard , but Laura isnt exactly lounging around either . Shes taking care of your mother , your grandma , Arianna , and the housework . Even if it goes unnoticed , her effort is there . Itll be appreciated if you can show Laura more care . Shes your wife , the woman you once couldnt stop talking about , the one you promised to take care of for life . I hope you dont forget that . Youd disappoint more than just her if you did . Doris was careful with her words . She knew Laura wanted to keep the peace in her marriage , and using sharp words would only create more tension between the two of them . Oh , what does that mean ? Matteo said , narrowing his eyes . Lauras been complaining to you that Im not treating her right ? Lauras not the type to complain . She never says anything bad about you , Doris replied . She glanced at Laura before continuing , Anyway , Ill leave you two to talk . Laura , Ill visit again soon . Alright , Laura said with a nod . After Doris left , Matteo and Laura walked back into the house together . Only then did Laura notice that several items that had been on the sofa earlier were gone . Ari , Matteo called out , where are the bags and boxes ? Arianna looked toward Sofia and replied , Grandma took them . Laura turned to Sofia , her tone resolute . Sofia , those are mine . Please give them back . 2/3 3/3 Feb 73 Chapter 28 Sofia instantly put on a long face , looking clearly annoyed . Yours ? The money youre spending comes from my son . Why shouldnt I take what I want ? Youre living under my roof , spending Matteos hard earned money on God knows what . Sofia turned to Matteo , her voice dripping with feigned concern . Son , do you see how shes using the money you give her for the house ? Shes wasting it on buying fancy supplements and an entire set of luxury skincare products . She doesnt lift a finger around here , just spends and spends ! Laura clenched her fists , her voice shaking with frustration . Sofia , I didnt touch a penny of the household budget . Those were gifts from Doris , Sofia let out a mocking laugh and said , Oh , please . Since when did your family have money for such expensive things ? You expect me to believe that ? Arianna stepped forward , her small voice piping up . Grandma , its true . Aunt Doris bought them . She even made me a cake . Sofia waved her hand dismissively and gave Arianna a slight push . Shut up , kid . You know nothing . The push wasnt hard , but Arianna lost her balance and fell to the floor . Laura rushed to pick up her daughter , her tone sharp . Sofia , give me back what Doris bought me , now . Sofia gasped , clutching her chest in mock outrage . Matteo , do you hear her ? Look how your wife talks to me ! Matteos face instantly turned dark , and his voice was heavy with disapproval . Laura , even if those things are yours , does it matter if my mom takes them ? Youre supposed to respect her . She raised me alone after my father passed . Do you know how hard that was for her ? You cant let her have some gifts without making a scene ? How could you yell at her for some petty things ? Laura stood her ground , her spine straight as a rod . Matteo , respect goes both ways . Im happy to give her things willingly , but taking without asking is stealing . Stealing ?! Sofia shrieked while pounding her chest dramatically . Matteo , did you hear that ? Shes calling me , your birth mother , a thief ! I cant take this anymore . Ill go back to my house tomorrow . Let her have this house all to herself since Im such an inconvenience ! Matteos expression grew even darker . He turned to Laura , his voice low and commanding . Apologize to my mom . Now ! Lauras head snapped up in disbelief , and she retorted , Why should I apologize ? Shes the one who took my things without asking . Enough ! Matteos voice roared through the room , and before Laura could react , he slapped her hard across the face . The crack of it echoed in the stunned silence . Matteo said through gritted teeth , Laura , You disappointed me this time . I really regretted marrying you . Laura stumbled slightly but didnt fall . Her cheek burned , but the pain that gripped her heart was worse . She stared at Matteo , her face stoic even as tears threatened to spill . She she Comment alway e real 田 AD Send gift No Ads 70 % +13 Chapter 29 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!