Chapter 860 Education
Ross' words slithered into her ears like venom, leaving her frozen, her hands trembling at her sides.
And then—just like that—Ross's tone shifted.
He straightened up, eyes sparkling with casual amusement as though nothing had just been said.
"Oh? A PS5," he said cheerfully, spotting the console on the shelf. "Let's play."
Lois could only stare at him, horror and disbelief twisting inside her, as Ross reached for the controller with the same hands that had just promised to ruin her life.
***
"I don't believe that he will do what he said," Lois muttered, pacing slightly as her fingers nervously twisted at the hem of her sleeve.
Her eyes darted toward the door, almost expecting Ross to appear at any moment.
"My mom won't fall so low… she wouldn't give in to a man like him, not now, not when he's planning to marry my sister Laura." Her voice trembled slightly, betraying the anxiety she was trying so hard to suppress.
Still, the image of Ross's confident, predatory smile lingered in her mind, and a chill ran down her spine.
Could he really be serious?
Lois hated to admit it, but a small, nagging doubt had planted itself deep inside her.
She clenched her fists, trying to fight it. She loved her boyfriend, Billy, more than anything in the world.
They had been together for years, their bond built on trust, loyalty, and countless shared moments.
The very idea of succumbing to Ross's advances—or allowing her mother or sister to be drawn into his schemes—made her stomach twist in anger and fear.
Despite her fear, Lois knew she had to act.
She couldn't just stand by and let events unfold without trying to intervene, no matter how hopeless it seemed.
She took a steadying breath and led her sister Laura into one of the quieter rooms of the house, away from the crowded chaos of relatives, friends, and wedding planners.
The muffled sounds of chatter and laughter floated in from outside, but in the room, the air felt tight, charged with unspoken tension.
"What's this about, Lois?" Laura asked, folding her arms across her chest, her expression both wary and firm.
"If this is about you asking me to break up with Ross, forget it. That can't happen anymore. I've already given him everything." Her words were soft, but the resolve behind them was unyielding, like a shield against Lois's intrusion.
Lois's heart sank, but she refused to relent. She stepped closer, lowering her voice, trying to reach the sister she loved.
"Still, I have to try. I can't just watch this happen. And what about Gerald? Did you even tell him the truth?" There was a tremor in her voice now, betraying the desperation she felt.
Laura's eyes softened, a flicker of guilt passing across her face.
She looked down for a moment, as if weighing her sister's words against her own desires.
"I told him everything," she said finally, her voice calm but firm, carrying the weight of a decision that could not be undone.
"He knows the truth, Lois. I couldn't hide it from him, even if I wanted to."
Lois's chest tightened, a mixture of relief and frustration washing over her.
She wanted to scold her sister, to shake her for being so reckless, but at the same time, she understood the depth of Laura's feelings.
She could see the certainty in Laura's eyes, the love and devotion she had for Ross, and it pained Lois to realize there was little she could do to change her sister's heart.
For a moment, silence settled between them, thick and heavy.
The weight of unspoken fears and desires hung in the air.
Lois finally let out a long, shaky breath, her shoulders sagging slightly.
"I just… I just don't want to see you get hurt, Laura. I don't care how strong you think he is or how perfect he seems. I've seen men like him, and they always find a way to… to manipulate everything and everyone around them."
Laura reached out, taking her sister's hand gently.
"Lois, I know you mean well. I know you're trying to protect me. But this… this is my choice. I've made it, and I can't undo it now. I love him, and I'm willing to face whatever comes because of that love."
Lois squeezed her sister's hand, torn between anger, worry, and the stubborn hope that somehow, some way, Laura would see reason. "I just… I just hope you know what you're doing, Laura. Because once you go down this path, there's no turning back."
Laura smiled faintly, a mix of defiance and tenderness. "I know, Lois. And I accept the consequences. But for now… can we just try to enjoy the moment before everything changes? There's still time to breathe before the wedding chaos starts."
Lois hesitated, then nodded reluctantly, letting the tension ease slightly.
But inside, her mind continued to race, calculating every possible outcome, every move Ross could make, and every step she might have to take to protect her sister, her family, and her own heart.
With that last-ditch effort made—and inevitably failing—there was nothing more Lois could do.
She felt the bitter weight of reality pressing down on her chest, an ache that came not from anger but from helplessness.
No matter how much she worried, no matter how hard she had tried to sway her sister, Laura had made her choice.
The truth was undeniable: Ross had claimed his place in their lives, and now there was no turning back.
***
The wedding preparations moved forward with remarkable speed.
Money was never an issue for Ross, and his influence ensured that every detail was handled efficiently.
From the elaborate floral arrangements to the grandiose venue in Paris, every element of the ceremony reflected opulence and perfection.
Invitations were sent, chefs were hired, and designers worked tirelessly to craft a spectacle worthy of global attention.
Even Lois had to admit—reluctantly—that the event was shaping up to be breathtaking.