"Oh, shut up! If you're going to cry again, then get out! We don't need a crybaby in this house!" Ruby snapped, irritated by Kate's tears.
Kate froze, stunned by her mother's harsh words.
Ruby was the only person she could turn to, yet even she refused to help her.
She had already endured more than enough.
"Kate, this is how things are now. If you want to live here, you have to follow the rules. No one will tolerate you otherwise."
"James is my partner now. Just go along with him for my sake."
"But he took advantage of me! He beats me like I'm nothing! Why do I have to endure this?"
"Maybe he wouldn't act that way if you didn't make him angry. Kate, things have changed, and so should you!"
"Mom, but he's a monster, you—"
Ruby's sharp glare stopped Kate mid-sentence.
She was already annoyed after being soaked with water, and Kate's defiance only made it worse.
Promptly, Ruby swung the damp towel she had been using to dry her hair and smacked Kate hard on the elbow.
"Shut up! You rely on him to survive, don't you? Doesn't that make you even worse than him?"
Ruby didn't want to argue anymore. She ran the towel through her hair as she walked to her bag, pulled out an invitation, and tossed it at Kate.
"Keep it. It's for Railer's birthday banquet. Sneak in and do what you need to. This is your last chance. If you mess up again, no one will save you!"
"An invitation? Mom, how did you get this?" Kate's anger faded the moment she held the precious card.
"That's none of your concern. Just get it done! Do you understand that if you fail again, it's over for you? Where's your spirit? Stop looking so pathetic!"
"Don't worry, Mom! I won't let you down!"
"That's my girl. I look forward to the day you become part of the Wilson family."
"Mom, do you have any money? I can't go to the banquet without a proper dress..."
"Didn't you buy a wedding dress before? Sell it. A wedding dress is meant to be a gift from the groom. It's shameful for a woman to buy her own."
"Figure something else out if you're not selling it!"
GG Boutique, Old Berkeley Street.
Calvin pulled up to the curb and quickly stepped out, hurrying to open the passenger door for Chantelle.
She was dressed comfortably in a Baymax hoodie, sports leggings, and white sneakers.
Her hair was tied up in a simple ponytail, and oversized sunglasses covered her petite face.
"Find a place to wait. Pick me up in an hour."
"Understood, Ms. Chantelle," Calvin replied, holding the boutique door open for her.
Once she walked in, he went back to the car and drove off.
As the wind chime at the entrance rang, Chantelle expected to see a store clerk. Instead, Thea was waiting for her.
The moment Thea saw her, she rushed over.
"Chantie, I heard you were hurt! Let me see..."
Thea had a face mask on and rollers in her hair, looking more like a housewife than a famous designer. She had closed the store early, expecting Chantelle's visit.
Gently holding her, Thea inspected her injuries carefully, worried she might hurt her by accident.
"You need to take better care of yourself! I got you some jelly, cakes, and chocolate milk. If you need anything else, just let me know, and I'll prepare it for you."
Thea pulled Chantelle over to the couch and set all the treats on the coffee table. Chantelle felt a bit awkward at Thea's overwhelming hospitality.
"Thea, did you do something wrong to me recently? Just be honest."
"How could you say that, Chantie? I would never do anything bad to you! Why don't you trust me?"
Thea grew dramatic, clinging to Chantelle's arm and rubbing her cheek against her shoulder.
Bits of her face mask smeared onto Chantelle, making the situation even more absurd.
"Talk properly! Stop rubbing your face on me!" Annoyed, Chantelle pushed Thea away and scooted further down the couch.
She hated how her clothes felt sticky from the lotion on Thea's face mask.
"I have some good news to tell you..."
"Then stop dragging it out. You almost had me fooled, and now you're showing your true colors? Hah, a woman's words can't be trusted!" Chantelle sighed dramatically before taking a sip of the chocolate milk Thea had prepared.
The warmth lingered in her mouth.
"Chantie, you won't believe this! Your archnemesis, Kate, called to say she's selling the Maxine wedding gown she bought! Looks like her plan to marry into the Wilson family failed. Why else would she give up such a priceless dress?" Thea grinned as she massaged Chantelle's legs, looking more excited than when she won her designer award.
"You never know. She might just be having money problems. I heard the Bently family's eldest daughter nearly put them into bankruptcy."
"You mean she still wants Daniel?"
"Do you still want him?"
"Huh? Does that mean you still like him?"
"I meant I want him to realize how blind he was! That would be a great revenge I'm looking forward to." Chantelle laughed and took a bite of the warm, flaky egg tart.
Thea stared at her, feeling a bit concerned. She glanced at a nearby surveillance camera and shook her head in pity.
The warmth of the egg tart lifted Chantelle's mood. She took another bite and said, "Since Kate wants to sell the dress, take it back and find another buyer."
"Are you sure, Chantie? That was your favorite bridal dress."
"I'm over those childish dreams."
"So, since you don't like it anymore, I'll use this chance to make some money. Do you have any objections, Chantie?"
"I'll head back now. I won't try on the dress. My arm hurts. Just pack it up, and I'll take it with me."
"No problem!" Thea said as she grabbed the dress she had set aside earlier.
One outfit was for Kane, which Chantelle had ordered. The long dress belonged to her.
Chantelle opened the package and checked inside. She had always admired Thea's designs.
After looking at it, she only took the adult-sized outfit.
"Please send this kid-sized outfit to Daniel for me. Tell him it's my birthday gift for Railer Wilson."