Chapter 5
Clover rushed over, her face etched with concern as she checked Nelly’s injuries.
“This is blatant bullying!” she roared angrily.
“She started it!” Sandra retorted, defending herself.
“Clover, don’t misunderstand. This is all my fault,” Giselle said weakly.
“Why are you apologizing, Giselle? You did nothing wrong,” Casey said, disgruntled.
“Giselle, quit your act. Nelly moved out ages ago. What more do you want? If you dare lay a hand on her again, you’ll answer to me,” Clover said sullenly.
Sandra and Casey faltered at her words.
Everyone on campus knew Clover had the powerful Reagan Group backing her, and it was a force not to be trifled with. Although their families owned a company too, it was nowhere near comparable.
Giselle silently cursed Clover but kept her perfect, gentle smile intact. As always, she had to play the role of the sweet, kind girl to become the campus belle—a title that was rightfully hers.
And yet, year after year, it was Nelly who won that title.
“Let’s go, Clover,” Nelly said calmly.
Clover nodded.
Just as they were about to leave, Giselle hurriedly called out, “Nelly, wait a second.”
“What now?” Nelly asked, not bothering to turn and look at her. She was done with this farce.
“Dad wants you to come home tonight. He says it’s been a while since you’ve had a meal together. Oh, and my fiancé will be joining us too,” Giselle said shyly.
Clover tugged lightly on Nelly’s sleeve.
Nelly hadn’t been home in over two months. Was her father finally asking her to return now?
“Fine. I’ll be there tonight,” Nelly replied before leaving with Clover.
After the two left, a subtle, knowing smile appeared on Giselle’s face.
“Giselle, isn’t your fiancé Nelly’s boyfriend? I bet she has no idea yet,” Sandra said gleefully.
“I wonder how she’ll feel tonight when she finds out she’s been played like a fool,” Casey added smugly.
“Even though Romeo chose me, I still feel guilty toward Nelly,” Giselle said, her face painted with regret, though a sly glint shimmered in her eyes.
“Don’t think that way,” Sandra reassured her. “If Romeo chose you, it means you’re the one he loves.”
“Exactly! Stop overthinking. And don’t be so nice to Nelly anymore; she’s not worth it,” Casey chimed in, shaking her head with obvious disdain.
“Thank you both,” Giselle said with a sweet smile.
…
Clover was cleaning Nelly’s wound, her expression serious, while Nelly sat there pouting adorably.
“Honestly, are you still a child?” Clover teased as she tried not to be charmed by Nelly’s cuteness. Then, she asked worriedly, “But seriously, are you going home tonight?”
Nelly nodded. “Yeah, he’s still my dad, after all.”
“Strange. Since when did Giselle have a fiancé? Did you know?” Clover asked, her curiosity piqued.
“How would I know? We’ll find out soon enough,” Nelly replied with a shrug.
“Oh, by the way, how are things with Romeo lately?” Clover asked with a teasing grin.
“He’s been busy, so I haven’t gone to see him,” Nelly answered, a cheerful smile lighting up her face.
Clover flicked her forehead lightly.
“Ow! What was that for?” Nelly pouted again, her face radiating cuteness.
Clover couldn’t help but laugh. “Let’s head back to class.”
“Okay,” Nelly agreed with a nod.
…
Time flew by, and before Nelly knew it, evening had arrived. She returned home as planned.
Standing in front of the villa, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being out of place.
The villa exuded luxury, unmistakably the residence of the wealthy.
Tall fences were entwined with vibrant roses and thorny vines. Expensive outdoor furniture adorned the garden, where sunlight filtered through and cast a dappled glow that enhanced the sense of opulence.
When Nelly opened the grand doors, an even more lavish sight greeted her. The grand hall was resplendent with its imposing decor and gleaming ornaments, a testament to the wealth of the homeowner.
“Ms. Nelly, you’re back,” the butler, Elias Lance, greeted warmly.
“Elias,” Nelly replied in her soft, sweet voice.
“Please come in, Ms. Nelly,” Elias urged, smiling kindly.
Stepping inside, Nelly saw her father, Stanley Loftin, laughing and chatting animatedly with Giselle.
“Nelly, you’re back,” Giselle said brightly.
“Come on in! Your sister’s fiancé will be arriving soon,” Nelly’s stepmother, Hilda Hayes added joyfully.
Ignoring them both, Nelly walked straight to Stanley. “Hi, Dad.”
“Nelly, where are your manners? Why didn’t you greet your mother and sister?” Stanley reprimanded sternly.
Nelly let out a bitter laugh and replied in a low voice, “I have only one mother, and she has passed away. She didn’t give me a sister.”
“You insolent child!” Stanley bellowed. It wasn’t the first time Nelly had been on the receiving end of such words.
Meanwhile, Hilda shot Giselle a subtle glance, and Giselle immediately caught on.
“It’s fine, Dad,” Giselle piped up gently. “Mom and I don’t mind.”
“See, Nelly? You should learn from your sister,” Stanley said, gesturing approvingly toward Giselle.
“Mr. Loftin, Ms. Giselle’s fiancé has arrived,” Elias announced as he hurried inside.
“Invite him in!” Stanley said quickly.
Giselle stepped over to Hilda, and the two exchanged a knowing look as they awaited the guest.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. and Mrs. Loftin.”
A smooth, warm voice reached everyone’s ears, followed promptly by the appearance of a good-looking man with a fair complexion and delicate features.
His charm was a unique blend of gentleness and elegance, making him effortlessly captivating. Any woman would feel her heart skip a beat at the sight of him.
Suddenly, a sharp crash echoed through the room, and everyone turned toward the noise.
Nelly’s hand had slipped, sending her glass shattering to the floor. She stood frozen, her face a mask of shock and disbelief as she stared at the man.
Watching Nelly’s reaction, Giselle slowly walked to Romeo Jenner’s side. Linking her arm with his, she said happily, “Nelly, meet my fiancé.”
