Filed to story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
She chose her words carefully, hit send, and clutched her phone tightly, waiting. Soon after, the phone vibrated.
[Ms. Serena, at this point, there’s no use in me keeping secrets.]
Serena’s heart sank as she read Erik’s message. The vibe from her parents didn’t seem warm.
[The skincare you bought for Mrs. Collins with your prize money, she’s stopped using it. Instead, she’s switched to the Ar-Bl-Clear Group series gifted by Ms. Mirabella. As you know, Ms. Mirabella is the founder of the Ar-Bl-Clear Group skincare line.]
Serena’s fingernails dug into her palm. This news had even reached Erik. If he knew that Mirabella was behind Ar-Bl-Clear Group, then surely the lower servants were cozying up to Mirabella, hoping she’d help them look more beautiful? Mirabella must have been doling out skincare products to win them over.Thinking this, Serena felt a surge of resentment towards Mirabella’s underhandedness.
[Also, the massage chair you got for Mr. Collins with your piano competition winnings, he used to love it, and had it in his room. Last night, it was moved to storage.]
[What are you saying? Why?] Serena was too shock to believe; she typed the message with trembling hands.
[Mr. Collins claimed the massage chair broke, saying it was uncomfortable and even gave off electric shocks. But I think it’s because Ms. Mirabella gave him a new one, and that’s why the old one was discarded.]
[Mirabella bought him a new massage chair?] Serena asked in disbelief.
[Yeah, Ms. Mirabella got some brand I’ve never heard of before. Mr. and Mrs. Collins said it felt like heaven and wouldn’t stop praising it all night.]
Turned out her parents really that fickle, which Serena found unexpected. Was it just because the chair she had bought them before was too cheap, not high-end enough? But that was the prize money from her piano competition.
[And that painting you did for them, the one that used to hang in their bedroom, got taken down last night, too and was replaced with one by Ms. Mirabella.]
She couldn’t believe her ears. Her parents were erasing her presence, stripping away years of her affection with the removal of that painting!
[So, practically nothing you ever gave them is left in their room. That blanket you bought them has been packed away. And the clothes you gifted them, they’re not wearing those anymore either, all packed up.]
Serena’s expression soured, realizing just how much her parents seemed to disdain her.
[And especially, the bracelet you bought for Mrs. Collins with all your prize money, the one she used to cherish so much, she took that off last night too. Now her wrists are bare.]
Frozen in shock, Serena wondered, why this sudden change of heart from her parents?
[Ms. Serena, you haven’t had a falling out with Ms. Myrna, have you?]
Myrna? Chasel’s girlfriend?[Why do you ask?] Serena pressed urgently.
[Because she came by yesterday, and after that, Mrs. Collins was furious. She took off the bracelet and ordered your painting to be taken down.]
Serena remembered the unpleasantness at school. Could Myrna have blabbed everything to her mother? With that thought, her resentment towards Myrna grew even more.
She couldn’t believe that before even officially joining the family, that bitch was already causing so much trouble.
[And there’s more.] Erik hesitated, but eventually continued, [Last night, I overheard something through their door – they were talking about asking you to move out after New Year.]
Serena stood there, dumbstruck.
Move out? Were her parents kicking her out of the Collins family? Not even the house next door was good enough for her now; they wanted her gone. Weren’t they the ones who always said they treated her as their own daughter? Weren’t they supposed to be fair and loving? Why were they driving her away?
[Erik, did you really hear that?] Serena’s fingers trembled as she typed the message.
[I did hear it, but they were just discussing. I don’t know what they’ve decided in the end.]
Tears streamed down Serena’s face; eighteen years of being raised by them, and they could still be this heartless.
Even a pet would garner more affection.
[You’ve got a few more days to make things right, Ms. Serena. After that, it’s out of your hands.] Erik advised heartfeltly, [Right now, you’re like a pawn in their game, and they’ll remove you from the board whenever they see fit.]
[What do you think I should do?] Serena asked, desperation creeping into her voice.
[I’ve done all I can, but it seems like nothing works.] Serena sent him a voice message.
She recounted her recent efforts to Erik, [What else do you think should I do?]
No matter what she did, her parents were unresponsive. She was truly out of options.
[Mrs. Serena Collins, have you noticed that everything you’ve tried has been through a screen or from a distance? You’ve been their daughter for eighteen years, not just eighteen days. Maybe if they saw you in person, vulnerable, they might have a change of heart.]
[So you’re saying I should show up in front of them?] Serena had considered this approach, [But they want me to stay here and reflect on my mistakes. I’m afraid of upsetting them even more.]
[Mr. and Mrs. Collins said you should reflect until you realize what you’ve done wrong.] Erik reminded her, [You understand now, don’t you?]
A lightbulb went off in Serena’s head.
Yes, if she could muster the courage to face her parents and tearfully apologize, they might just forgive her. After all, they used to spoil her rotten.
[Ms. Mirabella just left with her backpack,] Erik hinted further.Serena’s heart raced with excitement. Whenever Mirabella went abroad or left the house for a few days, she would take that backpack. Where was she headed this time?
As long as Mirabella was out of the house, Serena had a chance.
[I heard she’s off to Belloria. With her gone, Ms. Serena, you’re free to take the stage,] Erik hinted, unable to be more direct.
[Thanks, Erik. I’ve got an idea now!!] Serena was elated.
Meanwhile, the city was ablaze with gossip about David and Summer’s supposed romance. The speculation had reached fever pitch.
David even forwarded a post titled “Top 10 Proofs of David and Summer Dating” with the comment, “Time to join the popcorn-munching crowd.”
Everyone was baffled. Weren’t they a couple? Their actions screamed romance!
[Is David worried about his career, so he won’t admit it?]
[If they are together and David denies it, isn’t that irresponsible?]
[Poor Summer, if she’s with him and suffering.]
[I was worried Summer’s real face behind the mask wasn’t good enough for David.]
[What are you saying? With Summer’s talent and voice, she outshines David any day. I think he’s the one not good enough for her.]
The internet users were divided into three groups: Team David, Team Summer, and the rest enjoying the drama.At the same time, David’s phone buzzed with messages from his brothers.
Hans. [How’d you get Bella to wear matching kicks with you? Did you force her?]
Chasel. [Why are you and Bella wearing the same brand? Did you have to sweet-talk her into it?]
Clark. [Can’t you afford a new pair of earbuds for your sis? Making her use your old ones? That’s just cheap.]
Dave chuckled. [You guys are just sour because you can’t have your cake and eat it too. At the concert, Bella and I wore matching clothes – but only because she was a last-minute lifesaver. The gown was a backup for one of the other ladies, and we had to throw it on her in a pinch. No in-ear monitors for her –
she had to use mine in the rush. And those shoes? I actually gifted those to her a while back. Didn’t think she’d still be wearing them after all this time.]
He shot off texts to his three brothers, who each plunged into deep thought upon reading his message.
Were they not giving Bella enough pocket money that she had to wear the same pair of shoes for so long? She was always hustling, always busy – was she strapped for cash, perhaps for her medical research?
But most importantly, would she be jet-setting around when the holiday hit, unable to stay home for a cozy family reunion? Pondering this, the three brothers were struck with an idea.
Mirabella was already en route to Belloria.
She closed her eyes and dozed off on the plane, waking only when her phone buzzed a few times. It was a bank notification. Her eyes widened as she checked the sender: Hans, Chasel, and Clark?
And the amounts, a million dollars?
Each brother had sent her a million dollars. What was the occasion? Why were they suddenly sending her money without any reason?
Soon her phone vibrated again with WhatsApp messages from her brothers.
[Bella, New year is around the corner. I sent you some spending money. Go treat yourself to some new outfits, and especially some shoes.][Bella, spotted any shoes you fancy lately? I sent you a bit of cash. Go buy yourself a few pairs, and while you’re at it, grab some clothes and bags too. Gotta look stunning for the holiday, our Bella should shine.]
[Bella, I’ve been swamped, and we haven’t had the chance to go shopping before the holiday. Here’s a little something for you to treat yourself. Maybe pick up a few pairs of shoes; be good to yourself.]
Shoes? Why were all three brothers specifically mentioning shoes? Was there something wrong with the pair she was wearing?
Looking down, she started to understand.
Her shoes were the same model as David’s. So they thought her shoes were worn out, worried she couldn’t afford new ones, or were they competing for affection, wanting her to wear something linked to them instead?
No matter the reasoning, Mirabella found their concern both charmingly childish and endearing.
“No need. I’ve got plenty of shoes – Mom and Dad gave me loads that I haven’t even worn yet.”
She remembered her first day back with the Collins family. Kenneth had custom-ordered numerous outfits, shoes, and purses for her. And Romeo had added to the collection since. She herself could never wear it all.
Just as Mirabella was about to transfer the money back to her brothers, their messages popped up.
[Don’t you dare send it back, or I’ll have my assistant transfer money to you all day. You send it, he’ll send it right back, until you keep it.]
[Do you think my income isn’t good enough for you? If you refuse it, I will be heartbroken, feeling worthless. At this age, it would be sad for me to have you worrying about my earnings.][You’ve got to accept my gift, remember how I was all for you and Romeo? Don’t forget that.]
Seeing their adamant stance, Mirabella replied, [Alright then.]
