Falling for my ex’s uncle novel

Chapter 47

I casually glanced at Rosemary and said, “You're right; I do have thick skin, but not as thick as yours. You’re the one who calls him brother yet secretly dreams of sharing his bed.” I smirked after speaking, feeling a twinge of satisfaction.

Rosemary didn’t seem fazed by my words. Instead, she reached out and looped her arm through mine, pressing her lips together in a feigned polite smile that sent a strange jolt through my chest. “Laurel, you won’t get what you want. You’ve ruined my reputation, and you won’t walk away unscathed,” she said, her voice sweet but with a hidden edge.

I paused, but before I could respond, she suddenly threw herself backward, tumbling down the stairs. Wow, she really is crazy. I could have caught her, but I didn’t want to ruin the high-fashion dress Angela had bought for me. Besides, if she wanted to make a spectacle of herself at Alex’s birthday party, I was more than happy to oblige. After all, if she wanted everyone to remember her as the crazy one, a little sacrifice was necessary.

The entire room’s attention shifted to Rosemary as she rolled down the stairs. When she landed, many faces registered shock and disbelief. I stood there, watching with mild interest as she writhed on the floor. It wasn’t the first time she had played this little accident game, and as always, she performed it perfectly. She really should be in movies; her acting skills were wasted at this party.

When Austin saw Rosemary fall from the second floor, he rushed to her side immediately. He quickly helped her up, his face full of concern and sympathy. Gently, he brushed the hair from her forehead and asked, “Rosemary, are you okay? Is it just your forehead, or do you hurt anywhere else?” Tears welled up in Rosemary’s eyes as she shook her head. Her voice quivered as she whispered, “I’m fine.” She opened her mouth as if to say something but closed it again, looking vulnerable and helpless. Her pale face and fragile demeanor made her look pitiful—the perfect damsel in distress.

Austin looked up, his eyes turning cold as they locked onto me. I stood perfectly still, meeting his icy gaze, feeling as if he wanted to tear me apart. “Austin, it wasn’t Laurel; I wasn’t pushed by her,” Rosemary said, her voice strained with emotion as she tried to defend me. Despite not admitting it was me who had pushed her, her pitiful expression made everyone around us start to suspect I was the culprit. And the way she was defending me—what a good girl.

At that moment, Amanda rushed over to Rosemary’s side, gently holding her and patting her hand. Her face twisted with anger as she said, “Rosemary, don’t be scared. Tell us who pushed you, and Mom will make sure you’re taken care of.” Rosemary looked up at me, her eyes full of accusation, but she quickly lowered her gaze, her whole body trembling in fear. She resembled a child threatened by a wicked stepmother, making me seem like the evil queen from a fairy tale. Her performance was so dramatic; it almost made me wonder if she had a future in theater.

She stayed silent, gripping Austin’s shirt as if it were her last lifeline, her eyes wide and scared, like a wounded little animal. I rubbed my temples and sighed. “Rosemary, my bad; I didn’t catch you when you fell, but you can’t blame me. You were holding onto my arm, and I’m wearing a couture dress. If I had fallen too, it would’ve been a disaster.”

At my words, all eyes turned to Rosemary.

“How can you be like this?” she said, refusing to back down. “Laurel, apologize to Rosemary.”

Amanda’s voice commanded urgency as everyone around began murmuring in agreement. I couldn’t help but find it all wryly amusing.

Despite the chaos, I sensed Rosemary relishing the attention, perfectly aware of the drama she was creating.