Chapter 125

"Isabel, are you listening?" Wene asked, her gaze fixed on Isabel. "Everyone has to be there. We understand why you didn't join our class activities before, but we're about to be seniors and face internships soon. Everyone will scatter afterward, so this time, you really must come. We are a team, a united team, and we hope you won't let us down."

"And after all these years of friendship, once we graduate, it'll all be over," Yvette continued earnestly. "Let's all cherish this time together!" Yvette spoke as if lecturing, commanding everyone's attention.

Isabel wanted to refuse but hesitated. Skipping would seem like defying the entire class. Yvette was setting a trap, and she wouldn't fall for it. "Sure," she replied coolly.

Yvette blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected Isabel to agree. Given Isabel's usual attitude, Yvette had anticipated a refusal, which would have likely made her classmates dislike her even more. Perhaps they would have criticized her for being pretentious.

Seeing Isabel's agreement, Yvette smiled. "Great, then it's settled. Tomorrow night, not a single person can miss out!"

"I have a question, Yvette," a student raised their hand. "Where exactly is the gathering?"

Yvette's pride was evident. "For this year's dinner, we're doing something big. I've already booked a cruise ship for everyone. Tomorrow night, we'll have a party on the cruise! We'll get to see the night view over the sea."

The students were stunned.

"Wow, Yvette, are you serious? Do we get to go on a cruise ship? I heard that's really expensive!" one student exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise.

"I've never been on a cruise. It's supposed to be something only rich people do," another added enviously.

A girl clapped her hands excitedly. "We get to experience it tomorrow night! I'm so excited!"

"No wonder Yvette is our class president and study committee head. You even managed to arrange a cruise ship venue," they remarked, clearly impressed.

The chatter intensified, filled with anticipation. Yvette continued, "Don't worry about the expenses; we still have leftover class funds from last semester, so no one needs to pay anything. I've planned everything out, and it'll be enough."

"Yvette, you're the best!" someone exclaimed.

Yvette smiled gently. "As a class officer, seeing everyone happy makes me satisfied."

Another wave of praise followed. Everyone seemed excited, except for Isabel, who remained quiet, lost in her thoughts.

"Isabel, a cruise! I've never been either. I can't believe Yvette really pulled out all the stops this time," Amara said, her excitement palpable.

It seemed Yvette's move was effective in winning people over. "Actually, it doesn't matter where we eat," Isabel said coolly.

Amara shook her head. She knew Isabel's indifferent attitude toward everything. It was no wonder she didn't fit in with the class and why most people didn't like her.

"Oh, and everyone remember to dress up nicely tomorrow night," Yvette added. This resonated with everyone. Every girl wanted to look their best and take photos for Instagram.

Later that afternoon, Blake called Isabel, suggesting they dance together. "Can't tonight," Isabel said directly. "We have a class dinner, and I have to show up."

"A class dinner? Should I make an appearance too?"

Isabel paused. Why would he need to come to her class dinner? "No need," she replied.

"Am I not welcome, or are you worried they'll think I'm just delivering food and embarrass you?" Blake teased, slightly disgruntled. Isabel was going to enjoy good food without him.

"Blake, this is a class reunion; everyone coming is a classmate. What would you do there?" Isabel asked, shaking her head.

"Alright, alright, if you say so," Blake said with a pout, knowing better than to push when Isabel was about to get angry.

Isabel hung up and turned to see Hannah approaching. "None of your classmates is here to see you?"

"Okay. I'll be right there."

Amara had arrived. Yesterday, Amara had mentioned she'd stop by to pick Isabel up. Ever since Amara started hanging out with Isabel, Yvette and her clique began ignoring her. Now, Amara felt like Isabel was her only friend.

"Isabel, are you ready? We're going to be late," Amara asked.

"Ready, let's go."

"Aren't you going to change? You're dressed simply," Amara observed. Isabel was dressed in a white shirt, loose jeans, and white sneakers, her hair casually braided.

"What is wrong?"

"Yvette said we should dress up nicely tonight."

"This is comfortable; that's enough. Let's go." Isabel put her arm around Amara's shoulders and walked toward the door.

Amara wore a blue dress, her best piece, and had spent extra money getting her hair styled at a salon. Seeing Isabel's outfit, Amara wondered if she had overdressed.

"Isabel, your house is huge! When I arrived, I couldn't believe it," Amara remarked, glancing around in awe.

"It's not that big."

"You're too modest. Do you know what people in class say about you? They say you used to be a rich girl from the Clyde family but fell on hard times after being kicked out, living in an old country house without decent clothes. I believed them until today. Now I realize how shallow they are. I bet no one else in class has a house as big as yours!"

Amara chattered on, but Isabel just smiled. "Don't listen to their nonsense. Whatever I have, I don't need others' approval. I know what matters to me," Isabel replied.

"Yeah, you're right. I should learn from you. I'm glad I got to know you earlier, or I might have misunderstood you!"

They climbed into a car and headed for the harbor where the cruise party was held. When Isabel and Amara arrived, they were the last two.

The guys donned suits, looking like successful professionals, while the girls dressed up in fancy outfits, each wearing heavy makeup, barely recognizable. They all took selfies, posting them to Instagram as if they had entered high society. Amara pulled out her phone and scrolled through Instagram, seeing nothing but photos from her classmates.

"Wow, look at Yvette! She looks stunning tonight!"

"That dress must be from Dely Studios' pink collection from three years ago."

"She looks so radiant in it."

Yvette made her grand entrance, glowing under everyone's gaze as if she were the star of the night. She greeted the classmates warmly, but when her eyes landed on Isabel, a mocking smile curled her face.

"Isabel, aren't you going to wear a dress for the occasion?" Yvette asked pointedly.