Chapter 78

Talking about the past sparked a different kind of light in Celine’s eyes, a reminiscent gleam. Isabella considered this, then shook her head. “I don’t remember.” During high school, Isabella had been so engrossed in her studies she barely registered the people around her. She was close to only a few; the others faded into the background.

Celine pouted, as if unsurprised. “He liked you! He followed you throughout high school, wrote love letters, secretly watched you—and you didn’t even notice.” She sighed softly. “Poor chubby boy… He even recorded a song for you, and he could actually sing pretty well.” Celine spoke around a large bite of barbecue.

Isabella thought carefully. “I vaguely remember that,” she admitted. But she had no recollection of what he looked like. “There were just too many people chasing after me back then,” she mused. “Chubby, skinny, handsome, not-so-handsome… all kinds.”

Isabella put more barbecue in front of Celine. “You’re too thin. You need to eat more,” she said. Many people commented on Isabella’s slender figure, but she considered Celine truly thin.

Celine chuckled. “Alright! If my bestie’s treating, I’m definitely eating more!” As she spoke, her eyes momentarily darkened, a mix of emotions flitting across her face. Hesitating, she glanced at Isabella and asked tentatively, “Bella… have you been having family troubles lately?”

Isabella’s hand froze, chopsticks suspended mid-air. She looked up. “What makes you ask that so suddenly?”

Celine’s eyes flickered, and she quickly shook her head. “No… I’m just asking.”

Isabella offered a faint smile. So, Ivana had stooped to spreading rumors among our old classmates? That woman never ceases to amaze me, she thought.

Before Isabella could ponder this further, Celine, unable to contain herself, pressed again. “I just think… you should cherish your family, Isabella. Having family is… the greatest happiness.”

Isabella’s lips curled slightly. “I understand. Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.” Once, I would have agreed, she thought. But things have changed. My father has repeatedly hurt me, and my sister tried to seduce my boyfriend. I’ve long since severed ties with them. However, Isabella wasn’t comfortable airing her family’s dirty laundry. She saw no reason to tell Celine more than necessary. Soon, Celine shifted the conversation, and they resumed their lighthearted banter, eating and chatting as if the heavier topics hadn't been discussed.

An hour passed quickly. Both girls were full, but Celine wasn’t ready for the night to end. Eyes shining with excitement, she looked at Isabella. “Bella, let’s go karaoke! I haven’t sung in ages.”

Isabella raised an eyebrow. “Sure, why not?”

Celia beamed, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Oh, Bella, you’re the best!” She picked up a skewer of grilled greens and offered it to Isabella. “I know this is your favorite.” Though just vegetables, the greens carried a fragrant aroma.

Isabella sampled them, smiling at Celine. “It tastes just like before.”

Celine, munching on a potato chip, mumbled, “Of course! This place has been around forever.” It had been there since high school. Good food ensured its longevity. Isabella nodded in agreement.

After a short break, Isabella paid the bill, and they left the restaurant. They walked to the parking lot, chatting. When Celine saw Isabella’s car, her eyes widened. “Bella, when did you get a new car?” She had always known Isabella’s family was wealthy, but this was impressive.

Isabella glanced at the car, a faint smile playing on her lips. Samuel came to mind. “It was a gift from my family,” she replied casually. Samuel is family—more family than my own father ever was, she thought.

Celine nodded, still slightly envious. “Wow. Alright then.”

They got in the car, and Isabella drove towards the KTV. Her eyes were on the road, but her tone was casual as she asked, “Celine, have you thought about changing jobs?” Isabella had connections and wouldn't mind recommending positions to help her friend avoid grueling dishwashing and delivery work.

Celine, tapping on her phone, replied to a message, laughing softly. “With my work experience? Jobs aren’t easy to come by these days. The economy is rough.” Having a stable income is a blessing, she thought. I can cover my mother’s medical bills, even if it means working myself to the bone. As long as my mother’s health doesn’t worsen, this is enough. But Isabella didn't know how hard things had been for Celine. She had worked hard in high school because her mother had been diagnosed with a severe heart condition. Ever since, Celine had been working tirelessly to keep her mother alive. That’s why she’d told Isabella that family is the greatest blessing. She lived in constant fear of losing her mother.

Isabella nodded. “If you ever need anything, within my power, I’ll help you.” She genuinely valued their friendship.

Celine put down her phone and looked at Isabella, eyes glimmering with unshed tears. “Bella, you’re so kind.” Even though they hadn’t seen each other much since graduation, Isabella had always helped in subtle ways—ways Celine knew about, though Isabella didn’t mention them.

Seeing her friend’s tears, Isabella smiled and pinched Celine’s cheek. “Don’t forget, we’re…”

Celine burst out laughing, nodding. “Yeah! Like sisters.” Good sisters, she thought.

They continued chatting and laughing as they drove. An hour later, they arrived at the karaoke lounge. Isabella booked a private room, and they settled in. A waiter appeared with a fruit platter. He placed it down, bowed slightly. “If you need anything, just let us know.”

Celine waved him off with a smile. “Thanks, you can go now.” The waiter bowed and left.

The door closed, and Isabella’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “Should we order more beer?”

Celine immediately shook her head, laughing. “No need!” But her expression turned serious, and Isabella noticed. She frowned slightly. “What’s up? You’ve seemed on edge today. Is something bothering you?”

Celine coughed lightly, forcing a smile. “No, no. I guess I haven’t been sleeping well lately. Feeling a bit out of it. Come on, let’s sit.”

Isabella said, “All right.” They walked forward, but as Celine shifted, Isabella caught a fragrant scent. She stopped, her heart skipping a beat. Her expression changed dramatically as she looked at Celine in disbelief. “Celine, you…”