Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 77

He was so full of life, always pushing forward, unstoppable like a fresh breeze.

Bonnie admired that about Lawrence. She envied his easy confidence, his warm family. She wished she could be part of all that, to belong, to be swept up in the wind with him, carried high into a bright, endless sky like a kite.

The feeling hit her hardest the first time she visited the Lane family and met Lawrence’s parents. She couldn’t help but compare—if these became her future in-laws, that wouldn’t be so bad. Actually, it sounded pretty wonderful.

Back then, Hannah was still in Russia for her exchange program, so Bonnie would go to the Lane house a lot. When Shirley found out, she scolded Bonnie harshly.

She called her useless, said she was throwing herself at people and had no pride as a young woman.

Lawrence overheard and took the phone from Bonnie’s hands. He talked to Shirley quietly, out of Bonnie’s earshot. He spoke for a long time, and after that, Shirley never brought it up again.

Bonnie never knew what Lawrence had told her mom. Lawrence would just encourage Bonnie to say no if she wanted, to stand her ground, to choose what she wanted without fear.

Over that year together, Bonnie really did change. Maybe that’s why, after Shirley slapped her in anger and disappointment, Bonnie finally found the courage to say she wouldn’t come back again.

She told her mom she was free now.

But now, standing in this neat, spotless home Shirley kept so perfectly organized, Bonnie realized something for the first time. In running away to try and find her freedom, she’d left her mom alone to deal with everything.

A tight ache built in Bonnie’s throat. She went to the living room for a glass of water. Just as she swallowed, her phone rang from the bedroom.

She set her cup down and walked to check. It was Aiken.

Bonnie cleared her throat and picked up the call. She barely said hello before Aiken’s voice came through, laughing. “Hey, did you just wake up or were you crying? Your voice sounds a bit off.”

Bonnie couldn’t help but laugh. “Are all cops this sharp? It’s nothing, my throat’s just scratchy.”

Aiken joked, “It’s my job to keep an eye on people. Especially you… You’re my top priority.”

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