Chapter 470
Chapter 470:
Yelena barely acknowledged her, flicking her gaze toward a nearby poster and gesturing lazily. “Whatever. That one seems nice, if you ask me p>
Bella turned to look and felt her enthusiasm drain. Yelena had picked a family-friendly comedy, the kind that screamed generic and had been universally panned.
Seriously? Of all the movies, she picked this?
Forcing a neutral tone, Bella hesitated. “Um, I heard this one isn’t exactly… great p>
Yelena, unfazed, offered a casual shrug. “Tastes differ. Some people probably loved it. I haven’t seen it yet, so I’m not about to judge. Might as well see for ourselves, right p>
Before Bella could gather a counter, Donna interjected with a cheerful nod. “I’m in! A light comedy sounds like a great idea. Sometimes it’s nice to just laugh a little.” Donna’s excitement was genuine.
Life already threw enough curveballs; when Donna watched movies, all she craved was a little lighthearted escapism. Heavy, tear-soaked dramas? Not for her. She wanted laughter, not stress.
Yelena, seemingly indifferent to the movie choice, had actually picked the comedy with Donna in mind. Earlier, she’d caught Donna watching something similar in her room and had decided to subtly make her feel comfortable with this choice.
Bella’s frustration simmered, but with Donna and Yelena united, her protests stayed unspoken.
She reluctantly followed the group to the theater, where Cayson, ever the peacemaker, bought them sodas, popcorn, and an assortment of snacks.
With the entire theater at their disposal, they picked prime seats and settled in.
The movie’s plot was ridiculous, but undeniably funny. Donna’s laughter rang out freely, filling the space. Her joy was contagious.
Callum barely glanced at the screen the entire time. Instead, his gaze stayed fixed on Donna. Each time she laughed, his lips curled into a faint smile, his eyes softening as if her happiness was all that mattered.
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To him, the movie was secondary—being with Donna was the real highlight.
Afterward, Donna was radiant, her mood buoyant as the family had a great time together.
As they stepped out after a hearty dinner, something caught Donna’s attention—a claw machine near the restaurant entrance.
Callum noticed instantly, leaning closer. “Do you want to give it a try?” he asked gently.
Donna shook her head with a chuckle. “I’m too old for that kind of thing p>
Yelena’s lips curved into a sly grin. “Who says age has anything to do with it? I love these machines p>
She reached into her bag, rummaging with purpose, and in a moment, pulled out a handful of coins like a magician producing a rabbit from a hat.
Donna raised an eyebrow, surprised.
Yelena shrugged, holding them out. “Here, Mom. Go on, give it a shot p>
“What a childish thing to do!” Bella said, her tone sharp with disapproval. “I didn’t think Mom would be into something so silly p>
The comment landed like a slap. Donna’s hand faltered mid-reach before pulling back as if burned.
She forced a laugh, her smile strained. “Maybe not this time,” she said lightly, though the flicker of embarrassment in her eyes was unmistakable.
Yelena’s smirk vanished. Her expression hardened, her gaze narrowing into an icy dagger aimed straight at Bella.
Bella’s confidence wavered under the weight of the glare, her heart stuttering.
“lf you think it’s silly, then simply don’t participate while we do,” Yelena retorted, her sharp gaze locking with Bella’s.
Bella’s eyes darted nervously before she quickly turned away, unable to meet Yelena’s piercing stare.