Our Salvation

Thirty minutes later, Murray, Craig, and Lucy returned.

Murray’s tie was crooked, and Craig’s hair was disheveled.

There were several visible love bites on Lucy’s neck. She glanced at Harper and me with a triumphant expression.

Everything about them declared just how intense and intimate their time outside had been.

Everyone was watching the scene unfold in anticipation. They waited to see how Harper and I would react.

In the past, we would have erupted on the spot, desperately trying to drag Murray and Craig’s attention away from Lucy and back to us.

However, things were different this time.

Harper leaned close and whispered into my ear, “Laurel, I don’t know why, but seeing them now… I don’t feel a thing.

“Since they’re so wrapped up in each other, they probably don’t even care who we’re actually engaged to.”

I could not help but smile when I saw how calm both of us were.

“Exactly. We’re meeting our fiances tomorrow. Let’s head out and pick out a gift for them.”

Our unusually composed reaction left the brothers across the room completely bewildered.

Murray walked up and sneered at us.

“Laurel, you’re actually being sensible this time. You’re not as childish as you used to be.”

“Have fun,” I said with a shrug. Then, I took Harper’s arm and led her away.

Just outside the gathering, the two brothers stopped us.

“It’s getting dark. It’s not safe out here. We’ll take you home.”

Before we could refuse, Lucy approached us. Her eyes welled up with tears.

“Craig, Murray, if you guys are leaving, I don’t want to stay here either. Let’s all go together.”

She glanced at Harper and me, then pretended to hesitate and spoke up timidly.

“Never mind, I’ll just take a cab. Five people in one car might be a bit too crowded for you two.”

After that, she turned to leave but was immediately pulled back by Craig.

“It’s fine, Lulu. You take the front with Murray. I’ll squeeze in the back with them.

“Once we drop them off at their house, you can move to the back and sit with me.”

Murray, who was driving, nodded in agreement and promptly opened the front passenger door for Lucy.

Harper and I looked at each other. We were caught between anger and incredulous laughter at the ridiculous harmony they were projecting.

Craig also seemed quite pleased with his arrangement. He pulled open the back door and guided Harper into the most cramped corner in the back.

Lucy turned around from the front seat with a smug look.

“Sorry, Laurel, Harper. Murray and Craig just care about me a lot.”

I coldly shoved Craig aside and pulled Harper behind me.

“We don’t need a ride. We’re not going home.”

Murray frowned as he looked at me.

“What’s with the attitude? Just get in the car.”

“Laurel already said we don’t need a ride. You two go ahead. We’re going to the mall, so just let us be.”

Harper smirked disdainfully as she looked straight at the two brothers.

“Besides, it’s cramped enough with five people in the car. Even if you don’t mind, Laurel and I can’t stand the smell of strong perfume.”

Harper glanced at Lucy and covered her nose in disgust.

Lucy’s face flushed instantly. She looked at Murray and Craig in frustration as if seeking their help.

Craig, however, wore a smug expression and grabbed Harper’s hand.

“Going to the mall? Did you and Laurel finally realize you were wrong, and you’re buying us apology gifts?”

Murray walked toward me confidently.

“Alright, since you’re being so sincere with your apology, I won’t hold a grudge.

“Just cut it out with the act of this feigned indifference. It’s really tacky.

“As long as you behave and stop interfering in my personal life, I’ll go marry you like you want.”

He arrogantly shoved a bracelet into my hand, as if he was tossing a coin to a beggar.

“Consider this bracelet my engagement gift to you. Just text me once you’re home.”

The two condescending men then left with Lucy, who looked on the verge of tears.

Sharing a speechless look with Harper, I tossed his bracelet into the sewer.