One hour later.

Laura went to her father's bedroom and knocked on the door. ​​

Simon opened the door. "What is it, daughter?" he asked.

"Father, can I ask you about something?"

"Sure, get inside," Simon said and opened the door wide for his daughter to enter. He closed the door behind him.

Laura sat on the chair in the corner.

Simon lowered himself on the chair facing his daughter.

"What do you want to know, daughter?" he said.

Laura cleared her throat and sighed a bit. "I want to ask you about Graven..." she began.

Simon's brows furrowed. "Huh? What about him?"

"Are Cooper and Graven close to each other?" she began with the safest topic first.

Simon frowned. "Based on Nicholas's narrative, the boys used to be close when they were younger and then drifted apart when they entered adulthood," he answered.

"Ah, I see...so where does Graven conduct his businesses? I mean...does he has a place where he usually hangs out in the center of the town, perhaps?" she asked fishing for information.

Simon rubbed his chin for a moment. "Hmm... I dunno. When Nicholas and I talk, we talk about business but we don't talk much about Graven. I have no idea where Graven lives right now. I don't know if he has some kind of office in town or not," he replied. Then he examined his daughter's face keenly, puzzled by her inquiries relating to Graven.

Laura was silent for a few seconds.

"Wait...daughter...why are you so interested to know about Graven? C-could it be that...that you are attracted to that guy?" he asked his daughter. There's no denying that Graven is perfect in many ways compared to the lousy Cooper.

Laura lowered her gaze afraid that her father will discover her secrets. But then, she can't resist testing the water. "Father, would have it been easier if I will marry Graven instead of Cooper?" she asked nonchalantly.

Simon's eyes widened instantly. "Hell no! How could you say such a thing! Nicholas and I already agreed that you will marry Cooper, and that's the final decision. You just can't change your mind and say you chose Graven because you find him handsome! Is that the reason why- daughter?"

Laura released a deep sigh. "I just thought that Graven is more suitable for me!" she insisted.

Simon scolded his daughter. "But you can't change groom like you are choosing apples in the market. Cooper has feelings too! He was looking forward to your wedding and make you his wife. What would the poor guy feel if you ditch him and chose his brother instead? That would be a big insult to Cooper's pride and would only create a devastating effect on the brother's relationship! No, you can't change groom anymore!" he said firmly.

"But Father, I really want to!" Laura insisted.

"This topic is over! Let's not talk about this anymore!" he closed the subject. "Go back to your room now!" Simon said. This conversation he had with his daughter is giving him a headache.

"But Father, help me find a way to talk to Graven even once! Please help me..." she pleaded, tears shimmering in her eyes. "I want to go to the mining site and talk to him!" she declared.

"Are you crazy? You are spouting nonsense! Graven knew that you are going to be his sister-in-law. Do you think he will accept you as his wife? You are just imposing your whim on other people. It's unladylike of you! I did not raise you to be like this!" he said furiously. Simon was horrified by his daughter's stubbornness and sticking to her gun even if she is wrong.

Laura sighed, she can't tell her father about the truth yet. Not unless she can be sure that Graven and Luke are of the same person. She noticed that her father was sporting an angry expression on his face. She'd better leave now so that her father's anger will cool down. She rose to her feet. "I'm leaving now, Father. I'm so sorry if I angered you," she said. She walked towards the door and made her exit.

Simon was left alone in his bedroom, fuming.

~

Laura went back to her room.

She lies in bed and stared at the ceiling of her bedroom, thinking of the worst-case scenario. What if Graven will never come back again?

Aargh! She needs to think of something!

But why does her mind can't think of a solution?

Maybe because she was tired and panicking? She needs to take a nap, even for a few hours so that her brain can relax. And after waking up, her mind can finally think of a better solution!

Right!

She closed her eyes and willed herself to sleep.

Half an hour later. Laura succeeded in drifting into sleep.

Two hours later.

Laura finally awakened from her slumber with a fresh mind.

She stared at the ceiling of her bedroom.

An idea formed in her mind.

What about if she will send a letter to Graven asking if he is Luke?

That's right!

She needs to ask Neeza's help with this idea. Maybe the maid can enter Sir Nicholas's office to find some post mail with Graven's address on the coal mining site.

If she can't go out to see Graven, maybe writing a letter to him is her only chance to learn the truth.

Now, the only thing left to do right now is to get inside Sir Nicholas's study room...or...?

Ah! she has another idea...she will ask Neeza's help since she has the key to Graven's place! That's right! Maybe there's some mail there with postal addresses or something like that.

But she must do it discreetly! No one should know that she's going to enter Graven's house tonight!

She will leave her room to find Neeza.

She opened the door of her room about to leave when she saw the maid approaching her room.

"Miss Laura, do you want something? I can bring it to you," Neeza offered.

"Nah, I have nothing in mind," Laura shook her head. "Come inside the room, I need to ask you something..." she said and opened the door wide for the maid to enter.

Neeza entered the room.

Laura beckoned the maid to the bed. "Come here, sit down," she said patting the place beside her.

Neeza sat beside Laura.

"What is it, Miss?" asked Neeza.

"Do you know where to get Graven's key to his house?" Laura asked.

"Yes." Neeza nodded her head.

"Can you get that key all the time?"

"Yes," Neeza answered.

"Good!" Laura said, breathing in relief. "Can you get the key for me? I will enter Graven's room tonight when everybody has fallen asleep already," she said.

Neeza's eyes widened. "Huh? But what are you going to do in Graven's house, Miss?" she asked.

"I'm just trying to find something...just don't ask. Don't worry... I'm not going to steal anything there," Laura explained.

"B-but I'm afraid I will get in trouble. I only enter that house if I do some cleaning. I never open it due to personal reasons. Sir Nicholas will get mad at me if he will find out!" Neeza protested.

Laura sighed. "Don't worry, we will do it during midnight when everyone is already sleeping. And we will do it discreetly. No one will know!" she assured her.

"But Miss Laura, I can't do it!" Neeza said, about to cry.