Chapter 62: Arms

Mona's words gave Sally pause. After hanging up, Sally lay on the bed, pondering. Although Mona was exceptionally smart, one of her greatest strengths was her clarity of purpose. She was right. If Sally wanted to marry Sandy, she shouldn't worry so much about others. "Dana's love for Herman has nothing to do with me," Sally thought. "My priority is to prevent Lauren from marrying into the Effie family." Her fingertips tapped the doll's head; an idea formed.

In the Bennett family's living room, most members were present, including Darren, who hadn't been seen in a long time. He lay on the sofa, propping his chin. Mr. Bennett Sr. was still upstairs. Sally sat beside Darren. "How are you doing? Are you coming home?" she asked.

Mrs. Bennett also looked at Darren expectantly. Darren glanced up but ignored Sally. He'd returned because of Lauren. Without her, he wouldn't have come back. A call from his mother, alleging Lauren was Herman Shaw's mistress, had shocked him. He'd found it impossible to believe; he couldn't accept Lauren being anyone's mistress. He also remembered Bob's envious comment, calling Lauren his friend.

"What was he envying? That I'm Lauren's brother?" Darren wondered, still confused. He was intelligent but sometimes lacked self-control. He recalled Lauren's indifference that day and fell into thought.

After leaving Bob, Darren had a blood test. The results surprised him; a certain substance indicated someone in his family had tried to harm him! He'd moved out since then, unsure whom to trust, and hadn't told anyone. He loved and trusted his family, making it difficult to suspect or confront them; hence his departure. Perhaps going abroad would be best.

Having realized his irritability wasn't inherent, Darren consciously suppressed it. He was calmer than before.

Mr. Bennett Sr. still hadn't come downstairs, but Mr. Bennett Jr. was furious. He'd called Lauren repeatedly, demanding answers about her relationship with Herman Shaw.

Mrs. Bennett said to Mr. Bennett Jr., "We don't know the truth yet. Let's wait for your father to make a decision." Even she was very angry at the possibility of Lauren being Herman Shaw's mistress.