Novel Storm
48
Her father, Harry Gareth, let out a low growl, his frustration evident. “There is no meaning in such superficial efforts,” he snarled. “He didn’t even turn up when we said we would buy him a meal.”
“He’s busy, Dad,” Lara attempted to placate him, her voice tinged with a mixture of concern and caution.
“Is he so busy that he can’t even find time to have a meal?” Harry’s eyes bore into his daughter with disappointment, his voice laced with an undercurrent of anger. “What on earth is going on between you and Alpha Kilian? How much has your relationship progressed?”
Lara’s head fell, her eyes avoiding her father’s intense gaze, and she fell silent, fully aware that her response would not satisfy him.
“Well, would you look at that? You always clam up when I ask this,” Harry bellowed, his frustration erupting into a raging storm. “What exactly is Alpha Kilian thinking? Is he planning to give you a proper title?”This is from NôvelDrama.Org.
Lara’s mother, Caroline, stepped forward, her presence a soothing balm amidst the turmoil. “Enough, Harry. Aren’t you tired? Go take a shower and stop worrying about our daughter’s relationship.”
“I…” Harry began to protest, but Caroline’s firm voice cut through his defiance.
“What? What could you do about it?”
“Fine, fine. I’ll stop talking,” Harry conceded, his rebellious spirit subdued. He cast one last gaze of concern at Lara before retreating to the bathroom, defeated.
Caroline turned her gaze to Lara, her eyes filled with understanding and sorrow. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Your father just wants the best for you.”
“I know that, Mom…” Lara replied, her voice heavy with resignation.
Caroline beckoned Lara to sit beside her on the couch, an embrace of support in her gesture. “Just like your father, I would like to ask you the same question. What is going on between you and Alpha Kilian?”
“Mom-” Lara tried to interrupt, but Caroline cut her off, her tone resolute.
“You’re not getting out of this. You must tell me the truth,” Caroline insisted.
Lara hesitated for a moment, then opened her mouth, her words hesitant. “We… We haven’t broached the subject yet.”
“You haven’t talked about it yet?” Caroline’s incredulity was apparent, mingled with a touch of impatience.
“I don’t know how to start, but I think he understands,” Lara murmured, her tone tinged with uncertainty.
“Understand? What does he understand?” Caroline’s voice sharpened. “I’m telling you, Lara, even if he really does understand, he will continue to play dumb if you don’t bring it up. Are you going to keep silent and let him waste the best years of your youth?”
“I don’t know how to approach it… What should I do, Mom?” Lara’s plea held a hint of desperation. The desire to confide in Alpha Kilian had burned within her, yet the fear of shattering their friendship held her back.
Caroline pondered for a moment, her gaze fixed intently on Lara. “Ask him out tomorrow. I’ll talk to him and see what he’s planning to do!”
“Mom, that’s… No, that’s not appropriate. There is nothing going on between us, and yet you’re going to ask him that. What if he’s not interested in me?” Lara’s voice quivered, a mixture of fear and longing.
“That would be great!” Caroline exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with determination. “I can take you overseas with me. You won’t have to stay by his side and waste your time.”
“No, Mom. I like him, and I want to be with him. I don’t want to leave him,” Lara asserted, her voice firm, her gaze unwavering. She knew her pursuit may seem futile, but she couldn’t imagine a life without Alpha Kilian.
Caroline’s heart fractured as she observed Lara’s unwavering determination. She had raised her daughter with love and care, knowing how precious she was to her. After a moment of contemplation, Caroline made a decision. “Did you ever think about what you will do if he doesn’t reciprocate your feelings?”
Lara’s gaze dropped, her heart heavy. “I still don’t want to leave him…”
“Lara!” Caroline’s voice held a mix of frustration and concern.
“Mom, I know I shouldn’t feel this way, but it’s true. I’ve never felt such a strong connection with anyone before. I’m willing to do anything, sacrifice everything for him. As long as he can be with me, there’s nothing I won’t do…” Lara’s voice wavered, her vulnerability laid bare.
Caroline looked at her daughter, her own heart breaking at the sight of Lara’s anguish. “Lara, you’re only setting yourself up for heartbreak.”
“I’m not afraid of heartbreak. I’m just afraid of losing him forever,” Lara replied, her voice laden with sorrow.
Caroline paused, her thoughts in turmoil. “If that’s the case, then I will help you find a way.”
A flicker of hope ignited in Lara’s eyes at her mother’s words. “Are you serious, Mom? Do you have an idea?”
Caroline nodded, her expression resolute. “Yes, I do. But…” She hesitated, her gaze troubled.
“What is it, Mom? Please, tell me!” Lara urged eagerly, her anticipation palpable.
Caroline leaned closer, her voice a soft whisper. As Lara listened, her eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and uncertainty washing over her. “Mom… Could that really work?”
Caroline spoke, her words measured. “It’s at least worth trying. It’s better than doing nothing.”
Lara chewed on her lip, deep in thought. “There’s something else… I’m not sure how to approach it.”
“Go on,” Caroline encouraged, her voice gentle yet firm.
And so, Lara revealed everything to Caroline about Nelly.
As she finished recounting her story, Caroline’s brow furrowed deeply, her expression troubled. “Lara, I’m afraid this woman is your biggest obstacle,” she declared.
Lara bit her lip, feeling the weight of that truth. It was a battle she feared she would have to face.
“Mom, what should I do?” she asked, her voice tinged with desperation.
Caroline’s voice held a note of determination. “What is the most important thing to a woman? Once she has lost that, the most beautiful relationship in the world means nothing,” she said, her words laced with a sense of urgency.
Lara listened, her realization sinking in. It might be the only way to confront and overcome Nelly.
After Harry finished his shower, he emerged from the bathroom to find Caroline and Lara still deep in conversation on the couch.
Approaching them, Lara swiftly rose from her seat. “You should rest, Mom and Dad. I’ll be going home now and will be back in the morning.”
“I understand that my nagging has bothered you,” Harry mumbled.
“It’s not like that, Dad. I know you only want what’s best for me,” Lara replied sweetly, leaning against his shoulder. “After all, you’re the one who loves me the most in this world, and I’m well aware of that.”
Her affectionate gesture dissolved the remaining negative emotions in Harry’s heart, and he offered her a genuine smile.
Caroline, watching from her seat, a soft smile playing on her lips, spoke up. “It’s late. You should go home now. We can discuss more tomorrow.”
Lara nodded, her heart filled with gratitude, and she left.
…
Once the door closed behind her, Harry turned to Caroline, his curiosity piqued. “What were the two of you talking about?”
“Just girl talk,” Caroline dismissed.
“What is really going on with Alpha Kilian? Does he have any interest in Lara at all? If not, tell Lara to move on and find someone else. There are plenty of other options,” Harry demanded.
“Okay, okay. I understand your concerns. You don’t need to worry about this anymore. I have a plan,” Caroline assured him.
“Really?” Harry raised an eyebrow skeptically.
Caroline shot him a playful smile. “Of course. Don’t you have confidence in me?”
With her youthful appearance, Caroline still exuded charm and beauty, her smile captivating.
Harry regarded her, his expression softening. “Fine, fine. I trust you.”
Suddenly, Caroline reached out and trailed her fingers lightly over his neck, her voice taking on a seductive tone. “Honey, don’t you want to explore something new? It’s been a while since we’ve done that…” Her eyes filled with a sultry allure.
Harry’s gaze intensified, his interest sparked.
In the blink of an eye, he seized Caroline and pulled her down beneath him. “You always challenge and surprise me. You might well be the death of me someday,” he growled, a mixture of desire and amusement in his voice.