Chapter 13 Chapter 13 2004 Jonathan's grip tightened around the steering wheel , his knuckles turning white . He felt his heart race , a pit forming in his stomach . " What the hell ? " he muttered under his breath , his mind spinning with questions , confusion , and a gnawing sense of jealousy . Who is he ? Why didn't she mention anything ? The sight of Laura walking away with another man made something snap inside him , something he couldn't quite control . Meanwhile , Laura giggled lightly , her arm still linked with the man beside her . " Congratulations , Mr. Elsher . I bet your wife is pretty much occupied now that you have a baby on the way , " she said softly , her tone warm and friendly . Mr. Elsher , her father's secretary , chuckled in response . " Thank you , and yes , she is , " he replied with a smile , his voice filled with pride . " We're both adjusting , but it's been an exciting time . " Laura smiled genuinely , her mood light and carefree . She continued walking with Mr. Elsher as the conversation flowed easily between them as if they had known each other for years . The two walked into a nearby boutique and the door chimed softly as they entered . Immediately , the staff approached them with welcoming smiles . " Good morning , Miss Levine ! Mr. Elsher , welcome ! " one of the attendants greeted , bowing slightly in respect . Laura returned the smile and nodded . " Morning ! I'm here for the piece I requested , " Laura said , her tone friendly yet businesslike . " Of course , right this way , " the attendant gestured , leading them further inside . With a quick glance back at Mr. Elsher , Laura excused herself , " I won't be long . " Mr. Elsher gave a polite nod and smiled as a staff member led him to a nearby couch , situated close to the fitting room . " What would you like , sir ? We can offer you some drinks and snacks while you wait for the miss , " the staff kindly offered . " No , thank you . I'm good , " Mr. Elsher replied with a small wave of his hand . The staff member smiled and moved away , leaving him to wait comfortably . Just then , Laura appeared , her excitement apparent as she walked in holding a white dress delicately draped over her arm . " I'm gonna try it on , " she said with a gleam in her eyes , her voice carrying an enthusiasm she couldn't hide . Without waiting for a response , she hurried off toward the fitting room , eager to see how the dress would fit . Elsher chuckled lightly , watching her disappear behind the fitting room door . A few moments passed as Mr. Elsher sat patiently , occasionally glancing toward the fitting room . The soft rustling of fabric and the faint sound of a zipper being pulled could be heard as Laura tried on the dress . Then , the door creaked open , and Laura stepped out . The sight was enough to catch even Mr. Elsher's attention . The dress was perfect - better than she had imagined . The sleek white gown hugged her figure flawlessly , its fabric smooth and elegant . A high slit on one side revealed just enough of her legs to keep the design bold yet tasteful , while the thin straps framed her shoulders delicately . The clean lines of the dress accentuated her silhouette , and the soft white contrasted beautifully with her smooth skin . Her hair , still loosely braided to the side , added a subtle touch of casual charm , balancing the formality of the dress . Laura stood in front of the mirror , her eyes widening in awe . " Wow ... " she whispered , running her hands down the fabric as if to confirm it was real . She turned slightly , looking at herself from different angles , the dress moving gracefully with her every step Mr. Elsher smiled , sensing her delight even from across the room . " It really is made for you , " he commented warmly , offering his quiet approval . Chapter 13 +25 BONUS Laura turned to him with a bright smile spreading across her face . " It's perfect , " she said , still in disbelief at how well it turned out . She twirled slightly , watching the way the dress flowed with her movement . " I can't believe how good it feels . " The staff , who had been observing quietly , approached her . " It fits you beautifully , miss . Would you like us to make any adjustments , or is this exactly how you envisioned it ? " Laura shook her head , still smiling as she caught her reflection once more . " No changes . It's perfect just the way it is . " Jonathan stormed into the house , the heavy front door slamming shut behind him . His jaw was clenched , each step loud and forceful as he stomped through the hallway , still replaying the image of Laura clinging to that man's arm over and over in his mind . His frustration simmered , bubbling just beneath the surface . As he approached the living room , the sound of soft giggles and lively chatter echoed , clashing with his mood . His frown deepened . When he turned the corner , the sight only heightened his annoyance . There , in the center of the room , his brother Nathaniel stood tall , smiling modestly as their mother and Tabitha fussed over him . Nathaniel was dressed in an expensive tuxedo - sharp and perfectly tailored to his frame . His mother's eyes gleamed with pride , and Tabitha couldn't stop squealing with excitement , adjusting Nathaniel's bowtie with giddy laughter . 1 " Look at you , Nate , " Tabitha giggled , " You look so dashing ! " Mrs. Reed beamed . " Absolutely perfect . You're going to steal the show at the engagement party ! " Jonathan's stomach twisted . Of course , it's Nathaniel again , he thought bitterly . His brother basked in the attention he was always given . He felt the anger rise in his chest . Nathaniel , noticing his presence , smiled warmly . " Oh , hey , little brother . You're back . " Jonathan's fists tightened at his sides , his frustration boiling over into a sharp glare . He couldn't bring himself to speak as the room seemed to revolve around Nathaniel - yet again . He couldn't bring himself to speak . The words stuck in his throat , bitterness swirling in his chest like a storm about to break . Without another word , he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room , his footsteps heavy against the floor . Tabitha , who had been watching him from the corner of her eye , immediately noticed the tension radiating from him . She sighed , sensing something far deeper than the usual sibling rivalry simmering beneath his anger . " I'll be right back , mom , " she said softly , giving a brief glance toward her mother and Nathaniel , who remained caught up in their moment . Tabitha hurried after Jonathan , catching up to him in the hallway upstairs just as he reached the front door of his room . Jonathan ! " she called out , her voice firm but not unkind . " He stopped but didn't turn around , his shoulders rising and falling with each labored breath . Tabitha quickened her pace until she was right behind him . " What's going on with you ? " Tabitha asked , her voice laced with concern . " Nothing . Go back to your other brother , " Jonathan spat , his words laced with bitterness . Tabitha crossed her arms , unimpressed by his attitude . " Oh , come on . I know you're jealous of Nathaniel , but I know you more than you think , Jonathan . " She raised a brow at him , her expression firm yet curious . " So ... out with it . " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!