Filed To Story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
Romeo, with his arm around Mirabella’s waist, led her to the garden. No sooner had they found a spot than twenty magnificent fireworks burst overhead simultaneously, the spectacle grand and visually stunning.Mirabella hadn’t expected the McMillians to stage such a splendid and dazzling fireworks show for her.
With one burst fading, another would bloom instantly, leaving onlookers breathless and visually satiated.
Romeo pulled Mirabella closer, shielding her from the chilly breeze.
The fireworks lit up the entire night sky, a riot of colors gradually forming various patterns and finally, the words ‘Happy New Year’ traced in sparks.
After the show, all the elders wished Mirabella a Happy New Year. The warm and cheerful atmosphere stirred a sense of warmth and emotion within her.
“Bella!”
As the fireworks display came to an end, everyone started heading back inside. Cathy hurriedly caught up to Mirabella and said to Romeo, “I need to ask Bella about something.”
After a glance from Mirabella, Romeo reluctantly let go of her but shot Cathy a warning look, silently telling her not to stir up trouble.
Cathy pretended not to notice and, clinging to Mirabella’s hand, whispered, “Bella, can I ask you how you tamed my big brother? He’s so gentle around you.”
Before she could finish, she quickly added, “I don’t mean to tame him, just wish he’d be a bit gentler with us too.”
“Cathy.” Romeo’s voice came from behind them.
Cathy spun around, stammering, “I was just telling sis how gentle you are! She said you’re really gentle!”The sternness in Romeo’s demeanor softened into a more gentle presence.
“Romeo really does seem a lot gentler around you!!” Cathy once again murmured in Mirabella’s ear, “I declare, from this moment on, you’re my idol. Whatever you say, I’ll do!”
“Speak your mind,” Mirabella said, seeing right through her little ruse but knowing she bore no malice.
Cathy hadn’t expected her sister-in-law to be so much more perceptive than she’d anticipated, and she giggled, slightly embarrassed, “Romeo thinks I’ve been disrespectful to you and has sentenced me to copy the family code ten times. You have no idea, our family code is foul and lengthy, enough to circle the Earth! Please, dear Bella, help me talk to him. Wouldn’t once be enough?”
Copying it ten times would be the death of her.
Mirabella raised an eyebrow, realizing this young girl had cozied up to her, arm in arm, hoping to reduce her sentence.
“Actually, writing more could benefit you,” Mirabella teased.
“How so?”
“Your handwriting might improve.”
“Come on, I don’t need it to be pretty! Even if it looks like it was scribbled by a dog, I don’t mind! You write as a pastime, a hobby, but for me, it’s like going through hell! I hate writing so much, I don’t even want to touch a pen. Please, Bella, help me out. You’re the best sister-in-law in the whole wide world.”
Cathy clung to Mirabella’s hand, her voice dripping with sweetness. “I was waiting for you all evening, my stomach was growling louder than a bear, and I was a little bit upset, but now that you’re here, it’s all gone! Honest, I swear!”
“Cathy.”
When Romeo saw her holding on to Mirabella’s hand, seemingly begging for something, he stepped forward and interjected, “Are you done yet?”
“Just about.”
“Well, then I’ll take it as you’re done.” Romeo drew Mirabella into his arms, his tone softening as he spoke to her, “Grandma and Grandpa said they have something for you, let’s go see.”
“Romeo.” Cathy’s voice was tinged with urgency as she watched their retreating figures, “Bella.”
“You asked her copy the family rules?” Mirabella looked up, her interest piqued as she spoke to the man beside her.
“She came to you with her complaints?” Romeo glanced back, giving Cathy a stern look that sent a shiver down her spine.
Cathy felt a surge of panic. Maybe even with her sister-in-law’s intervention, her brother was set on punishing her.What now? With the holidays upon them, there was no chance to find someone to write it for her at the last minute.
Then she saw her sister Luna nearby and clung to a glimmer of hope.
Luna, ever so nonchalant, said as she walked, “Don’t even think about it. If Romeo finds out, I’d end up writing it four hundred times.”
“Please, Luna, you’re my true family. Can you do just ten pages for me? Ten? Is that okay?”
“Not a single word.” Luna’s icy demeanor left no room for negotiation.
Cathy’s gaze turned to her brother Jeffrey, who helplessly said, “If Romeo finds out, he’ll break my legs.”
“Are you all so afraid of him? After all these years, haven’t you ever thought about standing up to him?”
Luna gave her a look reserved for fools, while Jeffrey clearly hadn’t entertained the thought either.
“Jeffery, Luna.” Cathy’s spirits sank further as she realized that even her own siblings were as apprehensive as she was.
Meanwhile.
Mirabella spoke in a calm voice, “Let’s just drop it, no more punishment.”
Romeo’s gaze shifted to his fiancée, “She won her way into your good graces that quickly?””I think she just finds you more approachable.”
Hearing her brother call her full name, Cathy’s heart skipped a beat, and she braced herself for a scolding.
She hurried over to them, ready to take her lumps.
“Since Bella has pleaded on your behalf, we’ll leave it at that. But let this be the last time.”
“Thanks, Romeo! And a million thanks, Bella!”
She was beside herself with excitement, her eyes brimming with gratitude as she looked at Mirabella.
Sure enough, whatever Mirabella said was like a royal decree to her big brother.
Her sis-in-law was seriously something else!
“Bella! You’re the best!” Cathy exclaimed, unable to contain herself as she rushed forward and hugged Mirabella tightly. “From this moment on, you’re my true sis-in-law, Cathy’s own flesh and blood. No one else comes close! Nobody’s gonna mess with you on my watch!”
“Sure are quick to claim family,” Romeo remarked with a hint of sarcasm.
“Well, you’re my big brother, and she’s my sis-in-law. We’re all part of the McMillian family. It’s only right I acknowledge that, isn’t it?”
Romeo was at a loss for words, not expecting Cathy to be so eager to strengthen their ties.
“Bella, I owe you a dinner!” Cathy whispered to Mirabella, then announced more formally, “Hey, let me add you on WhatsApp, okay?”
“Nice try,” Romeo interjected, pulling Mirabella into his arms protectively. “Don’t think you can start paving the way for future favors.”
How did he know she wanted to keep a line open to invite Mirabella for dinner later? She had indeed wanted to leave a contact option for future outings.
Mirabella took out her phone and opened her WhatsApp.
“Don’t give it to her.”Just as Romeo tried to block the QR code, Cathy swiftly scanned it and dashed away, promptly adding Mirabella as a contact.
Romeo was left dumbfounded.
“Bella, I’m gonna pull you into our sibling chat and the family group,” Cathy announced, adding Mirabella to their tight-knit group chats, including the extended family one.
Romeo had previously been reluctant to add Bella to the family group, not wanting her to be pestered by relatives.
The next thing they knew, Jennifer came looking for Mirabella, overhearing their conversation. She chimed in happily, “Yes, yes, yes, let’s bring Bella in. We’re all family here. I’ll send more gifts”
“Yay!” Cathy was over the moon.
Jennifer then made a gift list in the group chat.
Cathy walked away, tapping her phone screen furiously to collect the gifts, and called out, “Bella, why aren’t you joining in? Get your phone out, quick!”
“What are you doing?” Romeo pulled Mirabella closer, visibly annoyed by Cathy’s touchy behavior.
Cathy had just patted Mirabella’s arm, trying to get her to join in the group.
“Keep your distance from my wife.”Mirabella laughed softly and pulled out her phone, diving into her first gift grab frenzy.
In their private sibling chat, Jeffery and Luna also sent gifts as a warm welcome.
“You missed one,” Romeo pointed out, indicating another gift card on Mirabella’s screen.
Jeffery watched them from a distance, a flicker of sadness dimming the light in his eyes.
Bella had just joined the family group chat, and Phillip couldn’t have been more ecstatic as he lounged on the living room couch. “I’m about to make it rain gift cards for her.” he beamed with delight.
Shirley, too, was gripped by her phone, her fingers dancing as she typed in amounts, determined to send more gifts that would outdo Phillip’s. “My storm’s gotta be bigger than yours.”
“Could you two maybe leave some for the rest of us!” George grumbled, venting to his wife, “How do their fingers move that fast? I just sent one, and it’s like they buried it alive.”
“Buried alive? Stop distracting me,” Jennifer snapped, even more focused. “Tonight, I’m gonna make sure Bella feels just how much we value her!”
Tomas and Donna were also busy in the group chat, sending their own gifts.
“You guys need to cool it.” Tomas half-joked, “We’re getting completely overshadowed here!”
“Yeah, hold off for a bit, will ya? Let us get a few in, okay?”