Chapter 671
Chapter 671:
Bella looked at her younger cousin with mild exasperation. “But Bernice, I’m going with my friends. You don’t even know them p>
Bernice countered eagerly, “That’s not a problem! I can get to know them. Isn’t that how friendships start? Please, Bella, just take me along p>
As the discussion unfolded, Katelyn descended the stairs, her presence commanding attention. She had been resting for weeks and now looked much better, her light makeup enhancing her refreshed demeanor.
“Where are you two planning to go?” Katelyn asked, her tone curious.
Bernice turned to her mother enthusiastically. “Mom, Bella is going to this escape room game with her friends! It’s said to be a really challenging and exciting version. I want to go too p>
Katelyn raised a brow. “An escape room game p>
“Yes! It’s so much fun. You should come too, Mommy!” Bernice added, though her suggestion lacked conviction.
But Katelyn shook her head. “You know I’m not into such things you young people enjoy p>
Bella, sensing Bernice’s persistence, relented a little. “I just texted my friends, and they said it’s fine if you join us. They even mentioned that it’s more fun with more people. Do you have anyone else you’d like to invite p>
Though Bernice seemed agreeable at home, her true nature at school painted a different picture. She had a tendency to dominate conversations and display arrogance, which alienated her classmates. As a result, she was often left out and seldom had anyone to spend time with.
School life was, for the most part, dull for Bernice. She preferred retreating to the comfort of home whenever she could.
Katelyn, aware of this, couldn’t help but worry about her daughter. Yet Bernice had spun a different narrative, assuring her mother that she was popular among her peers and well-liked.
𝕊𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕔𝕖 𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕖:
When Bernice said this, her conviction was almost convincing enough to fool even herself. “Yelena, would you like to join them?” Katelyn asked, shifting her attention to Yelena.
Katelyn had another motive—she hoped to foster a better bond between Bernice and Yelena. Over time, she had come to appreciate Yelena’s composed and gentle demeanor.
Yelena shook her head lightly. “I’m not really interested p>
Katelyn nodded and didn’t press the matter, respecting her decision.
But Bernice wasn’t ready to let it go. With a sly smile, she teased, “Yelena, you’re just afraid of losing, aren’t you? That’s why you don’t want to go. You can’t handle the idea of failure p>
Yelena, calm and unbothered, didn’t even bother to look at Bernice. She knew there was no need to engage.
“Hey, do you hear me? Why aren’t you saying anything?” Bernice pressed, her voice growing sharper. “You’re always such a killjoy. Everyone else is enjoying themselves, but you? You drag down the mood wherever you go. No wonder nobody likes you p>
Before Bernice could finish, Katelyn’s stern voice cut through the air. “Bernice, that’s enough! Don’t speak nonsense p>
Bernice blinked, taken aback. She hadn’t expected her own mother to take Yelena’s side. Her lips quivered, and a wave of emotion rushed over her.
She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but her voice trembled as she replied, “Mom, I’m not making things up! It’s true. Nobody likes Yelena p>
Donna, who had been quiet until now, finally stepped in, her voice calm but firm. “Yelena is just a reserved person. That doesn’t mean she’s unlikable. People are different, Bernice. Some form connections quickly, while others take their time. That alone doesn’t define if they are good or bad—it’s just who they are p>