[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 ga, 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 ssage.
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 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. Rosemary just left with her backpack,] Erik hinted further.
Serena’s heart raced with excitent. Whenever Rosemary went abroad or left the house for a few days, she would take that backpack. Where was she headed this ti?
As long as Rosemary 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.
anwhile, the city was ablaze with gossip about David and Sumr’s supposed romance. The speculation had reached fever pitch.
David even forwarded a post titled "Top 10 Proofs of David and Sumr Dating" with the comnt,
"Ti to join the popcorn-munching crowd."
Everyone was baffled. Weren’t they a couple? Their actions scread 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 Sumr, if she’s with him and suffering.]
[I was worried Sumr’s real face behind the mask wasn’t good enough for David.]
[What are you saying? With Sumr’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 Sumr, and the rest enjoying the drama.
At the sa ti, David’s phone buzzed with ssages from his brothers.
Hunter. [How’d you get Rose to wear matching kicks with you? Did you force her?]
Chasel. [Why are you and Rose wearing the sa 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,Rose 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 ti.]
He shot off texts to his three brothers, who each plunged into deep thought upon reading his ssage.
Were they not giving Rose enough pocket money that she had to wear the sa pair of shoes for so long? She was always hustling, always busy - was she strapped for cash, perhaps for her dical research?
But most importantly, would she be jet-setting around when the holiday hit, unable to stay ho for a cozy family reunion? Pondering this, the three brothers were struck with an idea.
Rosemary was already en route to Belloria.
She closed her eyes and dozed off on the plane, waking only when her phone buzzed a few tis. It was a bank notification. Her eyes widened as she checked the sender: Hunter, 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 ssages from her brothers.
[Rose, New year is around the corner. I sent you so spending money. Go treat yourself to so new outfits, and especially so shoes.]
[Rose, 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 so clothes and bags too. Gotta look stunning for the holiday, our Rose should shine.]
[Rose, I’ve been swamped, and we haven’t had the chance to go shopping before the holiday. Here’s a little sothing for you to treat yourself. Maybe pick up a few pairs of shoes; be good to yourself.]
Shoes? Why were all three brothers specifically ntioning shoes? Was there sothing wrong with the pair she was wearing?
Looking down, she started to understand.
Her shoes were the sa 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 sothing linked to
them instead?
No matter the reasoning, Rosemary found their concern both charmingly childish and endearing.
"No need. I’ve got plenty of shoes - Mom and Dad gave loads that I haven’t even worn yet."
She rembered her first day back with the Collins family. Kenneth had custom-ordered nurous outfits, shoes, and purses for her. And Roo had added to the collection since. She herself could
never wear it all.
Just as Rosemary was about to transfer the money back to her brothers, their ssages 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 inco isn’t good enough for you? If you refuse it, I will be heartbroken, feeling worthless. At this age, it would be sad for to have you worrying about my earnings.]
[You’ve got to accept my gift, rember how I was all for you and Roo? Don’t forget that.]
Seeing their adamant stance, Rosemary replied, [Alright then.]
Like before, she decided to invest the money. Last ti, she had managed to turn a decent profit for her parents and her brothers, saving it in separate accounts for their future wedding gifts.
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