The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 109
Leilani stopped and looked back at her mother Her eyes were calm to the point of indifference.
“Mrs. Sloan, if you love her so much, why did you bother acknowledging me? You should have just kept her as your only daughter. It would save her from having to act out this ‘sisterly love’ routine in front of me all day. And she wouldn’t have to live in fear, putting on shows to maintain her status as the fake heiress.”
Leilani didn’t even want to call Zadie and Hackett ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad.’ In her eyes, neither of this couple deserved the title.
Bringing this up caused Zadie’s face to change drastically. “You!”
Leilani’s words struck a nerve. Zadie was filled with regret. How could she not want to do exactly what Leilani said? But Leilani was her own flesh and blood, carried for ten months. It was only maternal instinct that made her want to acknowledge Leilani.
If not for her, Leilani would still be a village girl. Now, not only
was Leilani ungrateful, ut a mistake-she should have
she was difficult in every way. Giving birth to her was truly w
just given birth to a stone instead!
“Enough!” Hackett’s face was dark. “Leilani, do you have any respect for this family?”
Leilani pulled at the corner of her mouth, her eyes devoid of warmth. “Family? A family that forces me to marry a scumbag?”
Hackett laughed in extreme anger, thinking Leilani was short-sighted and arrogant. “What’s wrong with the Lamberts? No matter what Padgett is like, he’s better than your current disrespectful attitude!”
Leilani was too lazy to argue
Urther and turned to leave.
Seeing this, Tamara bit her lip and suddenly spoke up timidly. Milford?”
The air in the living room solidified instantly.
Leilani… d
you… still like
Leilani paused, slowly turning her head. Her gaze was terrifyingly cold. Tamara felt a chill run down her spine under that stare, but she bit the bullet and continued. “If can’t let him go, I can…”
you really
“Shut up.” Leilani cut her off, her tone freezing. Don’t use your disgusting games to speculate about me. If I hear you say anything like that to nauseate me again, I won’t be polite!”
With that, she strode away without looking back.
This time, no one dared to stop her. Behind her Tamara’s sobbing and Zadie’s comforting
18:40
words intertwined, while Hackett’s face was as dark as water.
“Look at her!” Hackett was furious.
Tamara lowered her head, tears falling heavily, her voice choked. “Dad, don’t be angry. Leilani was just impulsive…”
“Impulsive?” Hackett sneered. “I think she simply doesn’t put the Sloan family in her eyes!”
Zadie hugged Tamara distressfully and looked up at her husband. “Hackett, about Tamara and Milford’s wedding… should we move it up? To avoid any complications.”
Looking at Leilani, it didn’t seem like she had completely let go of Milford. Was she actually planning to steal her sister’s fiancé? How despicable! Truly a child raised by country bumpkins, lacking all manners!
Hackett pondered for a moment, then nodded heavily. “Tomorrow I’ll go to the Sherwoods to discuss it. We’ll set the wedding date as soon as possible.”
Hearing this, the corners of Tamara’s mouth ticked up imperceptibly before returning tr her pitiful appearance, snuggling into Zadie’s arms and weeping softly.
Josiah stood where he was, watching Leilani’s back disappear out the door, then looking at the groaning bodyguards on the floor and the ashen faces of his parents. He felt strange inside. But he couldn’t quite put his finger on what was wrong…
212
18:40
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.