Storm II

The count's office was filled with silence and tension. It had been two hours since the incident happened and still, there weren't any final decisions made by Count Harrison. Tine looked as if she hadn't taken a shower, her dress and hair were a mess.

Tine was dreadful because she was caught red-handed and didn't know what to do anymore. The more excuses she makes, the worse the situation would get.

Count Harrison taps his finger onto the table, trying not to let his temper get to him, and stays quiet. He knew that Tine somewhat despised Laura, but for what reason? He wondered. He couldn't understand how that could be when Laura was such a graceful and kind girl.

Count Harrison thought hard about what he should do about Tine. He couldn't believe his own daughter had tried to kill Laura. He wondered what Laura did to deserve this treatment.

"I have made my decision." Count Harrison stood up to walk to the girls and stopped in front of Laura and Tine. He knew he had to do this, otherwise, it would be unfair.

"Tine you will not be allowed to go out of the estate for a month. Also, no writing letters to the outsiders." Tine lifted her face up and bit her lip.

Deep down she didn't want to accept that it was her fault and wanted to put the blame on Laura. Wicked things suddenly filled into Tine's head. She stood up laughing crazily and pointed at Laura, who seemed frightened.

"Sure father, I will accept that punishment. Remember this Laura, you're not going anywhere wait for me."

Laura calmly looked at Tine and pretended not to look frightened. She did not expect Tine to go crazy, and it wasn't her intention for this to have happened either. Count Harrison then quickly ordered his guards to escort Tine back to her room and to make sure she doesn't get out.

After the door shut, Count Harrison massaged his temples. He never expected this type of situation to happen. But seeing Laura frightened and scared, he didn't know how to comfort her.

Count Harrison blamed himself for ruining her birthday. He pitied her and was willing to fulfill any of her requests to compensate for it.

"Is there anything you desire?" Laura continued to act sad and hurt. She nodded her head and hesitated to tell the count.

Count Harrison sat beside Laura and held her hands tightly. He apologized to Laura and assured that things like that wouldn't happen again. That's what he hopes. But things were just starting.

"I wish to see sister Abby." Count Harrison blinked twice before responding.

'Who wouldn't miss their family' he thought.

"Of course you can. If you want to go tomorrow, then you can. My only condition is that you bring Mary with you."

"Okay…" Count Harrison felt bad for ruining her day. Indeed, Laura felt like her day was ruined, but at least Tine had finally started to make her move.

"You should have some rest."

"I will. Good night, father."

"Good night."

Laura stood up and was escorted back to her room by Mary and Lester. They were both worried for Laura, who seemed like she could faint any moment now, but it was all an act.

Laura entered her room and sat on the couch. She rested her head on the couch and closed her eyes. Mary worriedly watched Laura, who looked worn out. She wanted to comfort Laura but was hesitant to do so.

Just thinking about it, Mary started to have a bad impression of Tine if she didn't already. She never expected Tine to try to poison Laura. Mary imagined how Laura would look like if she had drank the tea.

The thought scared her and hoped an incident like that would never happen again. Laura noticed Mary looking at her. She turned to her side and assured Mary that she'll be alright.

But still, Mary wasn't convinced. Laura looked weak on the outside, but on the inside, she was like a monster ready to devour anyone who dares to fight her. Ever since Laura entered her room, her hands wouldn't stop shaking.

It was because she was happy and scared at the same time. Indeed, she did change the future, but she still wouldn't know what Tine could do to her next. Many ideas entered Laura's head, of how she could die on the hands of Tine. Just thinking about it scares her.

The worse death she could encounter would be getting executed again. That was one of the worst memories that had lingered in Laura's mind. Laura's hand continued to tremble, and she tried stopping it, but she couldn't. She wished for someone to comfort her.

"Mary, I'll be alright and so get some rest." Mary frowned, as she was unable able to help Laura feel better. But she thought she had a chance to do so tomorrow, and so she thought that taking her to leave would be best for now.

"I will. Good night, Miss."

"Good night."

Laura brushed her hair and looked at the mirror in front of her. She touched her face and saw her eyes were still red.

'Why am I still trembling?' Laura brought her legs onto the couch and hugged her knees. She felt scared. Not because of Tine, but she was scared because she didn't want to die again.

Even if Tine was being punished, she still didn't feel satisfied with it. She really hoped for Tine to die. The memories of being behind the iron bars frightened Laura.

It wasn't the place she would want to go back to again. She felt so lonely. Laura didn't want to be alone in a dark place again. She wanted to be free, free of drama, and all this. Not only that, but she also wanted to find someone who can change her completely.

A man who can accept her for who she really is. And the only man who fitted the description was Erwin Ferguson. Images of Erwin popped into Laura's head. She wondered why Erwin's image had comforted her. Was it because of his personality or his eyes?

Laura didn't have a clue and didn't want to admit that deep inside, she was slowly falling for him.

"Erwin Charles Ferguson… Why do you keep appearing in my life?"

But every time Laura was reminded of him, her mouth couldn't help but form a small smile. Somehow she felt comforted after thinking about him. Laura walked to her dressing table and got the ruby bracelet out of the drawer.

The ruby shined brightly as she placed it under the moonlight.

Laura saw a pocket watch and remembered getting it from Re. She held the pocket watch with care and noticed it looked old but usable. She wiped the dust off the pocket watch and held it up on air and noticed a gem shining brightly.

Laura brought it closer to her eyes and saw a small emerald behind the glass. Her eyes widened and wondered to herself if it was real. Laura rubbed her eyes and wondered if she was just seeing things.

However, it was real. She panicked for a while and thought how Re's master could give her such an expensive gift. She thought she needed to see Re's master and personally thank her. Laura felt tired, so she laid down on the couch and didn't care if it was cold.

Just like that, she fell asleep while holding the bracelet. The next day Mary scolded Laura for sleeping on the couch. She scolded Laura for an hour. Mary couldn't help but still feel worried about Laura.

Laura woke up to a hammering headache but didn't care about it. She thought it would be gone if she ate something.

"Miss, the count had given you permission to stay in the orphanage for a while."

"Right, I almost forgot about it."

"I'll prepare some casual clothes for you and so you should go and change now."

"I will."

=====

After spending the whole morning in the estate, Laura was ready to leave and go to the orphanage. Laura felt excited as it had been a while since she had seen them. Every single day felt like years for Laura, and she hoped that everyone was still there.

Lester escorted Laura out of the estate and wished for her to stay safe and healthy. Sadly Lester wasn't able to go because he would be managing the estate while Count Harrison and Percival are out. Laura entered the carriage and Mary followed.

Mary was excited to see the people who had taken care of Laura. She wanted to express her gratitude for raising Laura into the fine lady she is today. Laura's head continued to throb, but she continued to ignore it. She thought it was nothing.

Laura closed her eyes and took a nap. As she was about to drift to deep sleep, Mary woke her up gently as they were already near the orphanage.

Laura stretched her arms up in the air and looked out of the window. Her eyes shined as she saw the familiar structure in front of her. She smiled and softly said,

"I'm home."