Chapter 50
Anne said, โBetty, why are you being so silly? Your parents raised you for over ten years. They care about you. Zinnia just came back into their lives, and of course, they care about her, too.
โBut sheโs their biological daughter, and blood ties are hard to ignore. Still, why would you do something so reckless just to test their feelings? Zinniaโs return doesnโt mean they love you any less.
โItโs just you and Zinnia as the two girls in the family. Thereโs no real competition between you two. Honestly, Zinnia doesnโt seem like the scheming type. Wouldnโt it be better if you two just got along?
โNow, because of what you did, youโre in the wrong, and youโve hurt your parentsโ feelings. Betty, this was such a foolish move.โ
Thinking about the drama on the forum, Anne felt a mix of frustration and pity for Betty. She thought, โThis whole mess is completely unnecessary. Maelis and Donald are such kind people. How could they possibly abandon Betty just because Zinnia is their biological daughter?
โZinnia doesnโt come across as someone manipulative or calculating in the video. If anything, she seems simple and unassuming. Why would Betty act this way?โ
Betty continued, โAnne, I was just too scared. Zinnia must resent me for taking her place. She probably hates having me in the Shaw family.โ Her eyes reddened with unshed tears.
Anne gently rubbed Bettyโs back and said, โI donโt think Zinnia is like that. She seems indifferent to the Shaw family. She even left without hesitation. She probably doesnโt care much about them.
โBetty, youโre the one they raised, and Zinnia is their blood. To Maelis and Donald, youโre both family. They wouldnโt want to see you two fighting.โ
Anne thought, โNow that things have escalated, even the Lynn family is treating Betty poorly. If the situation between Betty and Zinnia worsened, who knows what the Lynn family might do next?
โThe best solution right now is for Betty to apologize to Zinnia and at least mend things on the surface.โ
Betty looked up at Anne and asked, โAnne, you donโt trust me, do you?โ Her gaze was dark and piercing, brimming with unspoken anger.
Betty thought, โApologize? To that wretched girl? I wish I could tear her apart. How could I possibly apologize?โ
Anne was startled by the look in Bettyโs eyes. It was terrifying. She instinctively loosened her hold on Betty. She pressed her lips together nervously.
Noticing Anneโs emotion, Betty said, โIโm sorry, Anne. Iโm just feeling so upset right now. I thought we were best friends, you should believe in me.โ She bit down on her lip, her face a picture of wounded innocence.
Anne gently patted Bettyโs back and coaxed, โBetty, I do believe you. But others donโt. I know youโre a good person. When I was injured, you gave me that scar-healing ointment. Youโre the best friend anyone could ask for.
โBut Betty, if you keep fighting with Zinnia, youโll only end up hurting yourself. Youโll wear down your parentsโ feelings for you. Zinnia is their biological daughter, and family ties like that are hard to ignore.
โHow about this? After school, Iโll go with you to buy a gift for Zinnia, and we can apologize properly.
โYou can explain everything and try to get along with her. That way, your parents wonโt be upset anymore. If youโre too embarrassed to apologize yourself, I can do it for you.โ
Betty remained silent.
Anne knew that Betty had tacitly agreed. She let out a sigh of relief. She didnโt want to believe that Betty had deliberately set Zinnia up. She preferred to think that Bettyโs actions were driven by fear.
She thought, โBetty was just so scared that she made a mistake. It wasnโt intentional. Betty is the kindest person I know. I must protect her.โ
Chapter 50
Isaac escorted Zinnia back to school after a satisfying meal. โZinnia, if you need anything, just come to me,โ he said warmly.
โGot it, Isaac,โ Zinnia replied cheerfully. She held orange juice and sipped it with delight. When she entered the classroom, many of her classmates hadnโt returned yet, but Lydia was already seated. Zinnia walked towards Lydia.
Hearing the sound, Lydia turned her head and saw Zinnia standing beside her. Flustered, she quickly stood up to make room. She said, โZinnia, Iโll move right away.โ In her haste, her foot caught on the chair leg, and she stumbled.
Zinniaโs eyes widened slightly, and she instinctively reached out to steady Lydia.
Lydia spun awkwardly before falling into Zinniaโs arms. Her face flushed as she leaned against Zinnia, her breath hitching.
Lydia could smell the sweet scent of orange juice surrounding Zinnia. Looking at Zinniaโs face, Lydia recalled how Maisie had kissed Zinnia on the cheek. Lydia thought, โShe must taste as sweet as she smells.โ
โBe careful, okay? Falling hurts. Thereโs no need to rush; I can wait,โ Zinnia said, still a bit shaken. She patted her chest to calm herself and took another sip of orange juice.
โThank you, Zinnia,โ Lydia murmured.
โCan you stand steadily now? If youโre good, Iโll let go,โ Zinnia said, looking down at Lydia. Lydiaโs face was completely flushed, and Zinnia couldnโt help but wonder why. โAre you feeling hot?โ she asked sincerely.
โNot hot. Iโm fine. Thank you,โ Lydia stammered, her face burning as she straightened up.
Once Zinnia was sure Lydia wouldnโt fall again, she returned to her seat. She continued sipping orange juice as she pulled out her language textbook.
She wasnโt studying; she just enjoyed reading the passages in the book, much like flipping through a picture book. She found it quite entertaining.
Lydia glanced sideways at Zinnia. The blush on her face lingered for a long time, and even her lips had turned a soft pink from embarrassment. After taking a moment to calm her nerves, she finally sat down beside Zinnia.
Lydiaโs gaze softened as she looked at Zinnia. Unconsciously, a gentle warmth filled her heart. She thought, โZinnia is nice.โ