Chapter 87



Harold watched Lucas as he walked away, sighing resignedly. He was certain Lucas had figured out tomorrow night’s anticipated guest.

At the Nostalgia Lounge, a bar, Belinda’s mood was sour, prompting her to call Bethany for a drink.

Bethany, having learned of yesterday’s events and today’s conversation with Holley, clenched her fists in anger. “I can’t wrap my head around your mother’s choices sometimes,” she said with a sigh. “She obviously cares a lot about you, but some of her decisions really hurt you. She’s your mother! Supporting you should be her instinct. Just her belief in you would mean everything. No need for grand gestures. And yet, her actions this time…”

Bethany’s voice held a hint of resignation. “Perhaps she’s simply too scared to face your dad or Mrs. Wright. She backs down, and in doing so, she is pulling you down with her.”

Belinda remained silent, her eyes fixed on the drink in her glass, lost in thought.

Time passed until she looked up again, her gaze distant.

Bethany’s heart ached when she saw her friend like this. She was about to offer more words of comfort when Belinda suddenly turned her gaze toward her.

“Bethany, there are so many times I just don’t know how to get along with my own mother,” Belinda said, her tone tinged with a hint of self-mockery. “She should be the one person I can rely on, but sometimes, she makes me feel so pressured. But what can I do? She’s my mother. She’s the one who raised me. I can ignore my dad’s feelings without feeling bad, but with my mom, it’s different…”

Bethany felt for Belinda deeply. She softly patted Belinda’s shoulder and said, “Your mother really loves you. It’s just that she always feels she has to apologize first when things go wrong.”

Belinda’s eyes teared up as she felt overwhelmed with sadness. In a low voice, she said, “What hurts the most is that she doesn’t believe me. She has chosen to believe Kylee instead of me, not just once, but twice. That’s what really hurts.”

Bethany replied, “Maybe it’s because Kylee is really good at pretending! Even you were tricked by her before. Your mom couldn’t see through her facade. She believes Kylee has always been nice to you. She probably thinks Kylee would not cause any trouble for you on purpose.”

Belinda managed a faint smile. “It all comes down to trust, and she just doesn’t trust me enough.”

Bethany didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t deny the truth in Belinda’s words.

With a quiet sigh, Bethany lifted her glass. “Let’s drink tonight. Let’s drink until we forget all the troubles.”

Belinda clinked her glass with Bethany’s and smiled. “Let’s not go overboard. We still have work tomorrow.”

Then, they both chuckled.

Upstairs, in a corner booth.

Vincent, just back from a business trip, had arranged to meet Lucas and some other friends. Now, it was just Vincent and Lucas there. Ryan and the others hadn’t arrived yet.

Vincent looked at Lucas and said calmly, “Ryan told me about what’s been going on with Belinda.”

Lucas’ expression shifted subtly, though he remained silent, simply taking a sip from his glass.

.

.

.