Chapter 500
Chapter 500:
Losing her patience, Bella slammed the dough onto the table with a loud thud, attracting several glances.
Bella offered an awkward smile and quipped, “Oops, my hand slipped p>
People quickly diverted their gaze, intensifying Bella’s embarrassment. She wished the moment would just end.
“How much longer will you take? Yelena’s already made several,” a child commented, adding to Bella’s frustration.
Already at her limit, Bella retorted, “If she’s so great, go to her then p>
The children, though tempted to leave, remembered the headmistress’ instructions and stayed put.
However, their interest clearly leaned towards Yelena, their heads turning almost entirely in her direction.
“I’m done! This is too frustrating!” Bella declared, exasperated.
Donna approached, soothingly offering, “Bella, be patient. Let me help you p>
Bella, struggling to maintain her composure, adopted a vulnerable tone. “Mom, I’m so useless,” she said, her eyes welling up with tears.
Donna felt a twinge of sympathy seeing Bella like this.
“It’s okay,” Donna comforted. “It’s your first time. It’s normal not to be perfect p>
Bella glanced at Yelena and lamented, “But Yelena’s so talented. She nailed it on her first try p>
Hoping for reassurance, Bella was taken aback when Donna, looking at Yelena, remarked, “Maybe Yelena takes after me, with a knack for this p>
Realizing her comment upset Bella, Donna quickly apologized. “Bella, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. Don’t be upset p>
Bella, her lips quivering, shook her head, her voice choked with emotion. “No, I’m not upset. Just sad that I’m not your child. Or I might have inherited your talent for making desserts p>
Tears threatened to spill from Bella’s eyes, and Donna’s heart ached. She hadn’t meant to hurt Bella, not fully grasping her sensitivity.
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Recently, Donna had been somewhat dissatisfied with Bella’s behavior. Today, for instance, she had wanted Bella to change her clothes, but Bella refused.
There were other things adding to Donna’s frustrations too. Yet, the moment Donna caught sight of Bella turning away to discreetly wipe her tears, a sharp ache gripped her heart.
Although Bella wasn’t her biological daughter, she had raised her for over twenty years, treating her as her own flesh and blood.
Donna gazed at Bella with gentle eyes and said softly, “You are my daughter—yesterday, today, and always. Nothing will ever change that. In my heart, you and Yelena are no different p>
Bella’s eyes welled with tears as she flung her arms around Donna, her sobs spilling out uncontrollably.
The reporters clicked away, capturing several photos of Donna and Bella in this poignant mother-daughter embrace, completely ignoring Yelena as if she weren’t even there.
With her back turned to the reporters, Donna was completely unaware that they were busily snapping pictures of the moment.
Bella felt a sense of triumph. She cast a quick glance at Yelena, who appeared entirely absorbed in kneading the dough, seemingly unaware of the scene unfolding.
Bella’s heart sank. She thought Yelena must be seething inside. When the cakes were finally pulled from the oven, the children flocked around the table with eager anticipation. This was finally Bella’s chance to shine—Donna had asked her to help slice and distribute the cakes.
The children buzzed with excitement as they crowded around, yet they remained well-mannered, patiently lining up for their slice of cake.
Despite their orderly behavior, their eagerness and the way they licked their fingers clean still disgusted Bella.
A scowl formed on Bella’s face as she watched them. “It’s like they’ve never seen a cake before. Absolutely revolting,” Bella muttered under her breath.
Standing next to Bella, Yelena caught every word of it.
Yelena shot Bella a cold glance and said curtly, “Mind your words p>
Bella shot Yelena an annoyed look and retorted, “Are you jealous? You weren’t part of that sweet moment with Mom earlier, so now you’re taking it out on me, is that it p>
Yelena stared at Bella, baffled by the absurdity of her words. Yelena didn’t even care about such things. While Bella enjoyed being the center of attention, Yelena didn’t.
Yelena said, “These children have no family to care for them. Despite the generosity of many donors, the resources here are still quite scarce. Even having a decent meal is sometimes a rare luxury for them. If Mom and Dad hadn’t adopted you and given you the life of affluence, your situation might not have been any better than theirs. So, tell me, what right do you have to mock them p>
Bella was furious. How dare Yelena compare her to these lowly orphans!