Chapter 50

Anne said, “Betty, 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.

“But she’s their biological daughter, and blood ties are hard to ignore. Still, why would you do something so reckless just to test their feelings? Zinnia’s return doesn’t mean they love you any less.

“It’s just you and Zinnia as the two girls in the family. There’s no real competition between you two. Honestly, Zinnia doesn’t seem like the scheming type. Wouldn’t it be better if you two just got along?

“Now, because of what you did, you’re in the wrong, and you’ve hurt your parents’ feelings. Betty, this was such a foolish move.”

Thinking about the drama on the forum, Anne felt a mix of frustration and pity for Betty. She thought, ‘This 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?

‘Zinnia doesn’t come across as someone manipulative or calculating in the video. If anything, she seems simple and unassuming. Why would Betty act this way?’

Betty continued, “Anne, I was just too scared. Zinnia must resent me for taking her place. She probably hates having me in the Shaw family.” Her eyes reddened with unshed tears.

Anne gently rubbed Betty’s back and said, “I don’t think Zinnia is like that. She seems indifferent to the Shaw family. She even left without hesitation. She probably doesn’t care much about them.

“Betty, you’re the one they raised, and Zinnia is their blood. To Maelis and Donald, you’re both family. They wouldn’t want to see you two fighting.”

Anne thought, ‘Now 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?

‘The best solution right now is for Betty to apologize to Zinnia and at least mend things on the surface.’

Betty looked up at Anne and asked, “Anne, you don’t trust me, do you?” Her gaze was dark and piercing, brimming with unspoken anger.

Betty thought, ‘Apologize? To that wretched girl? I wish I could tear her apart. How could I possibly apologize?’

Anne was startled by the look in Betty’s eyes. It was terrifying. She instinctively loosened her hold on Betty. She pressed her lips together nervously.

Noticing Anne’s emotion, Betty said, “I’m sorry, Anne. I’m just feeling so upset right now. I thought we were best friends, you should believe in me.” She bit down on her lip, her face a picture of wounded innocence.

Anne gently patted Betty’s back and coaxed, “Betty, I do believe you. But others don’t. I know you’re a good person. When I was injured, you gave me that scar-healing ointment. You’re the best friend anyone could ask for.

“But Betty, if you keep fighting with Zinnia, you’ll only end up hurting yourself. You’ll wear down your parents’ feelings for you. Zinnia is their biological daughter, and family ties like that are hard to ignore.

“How about this? After school, I’ll go with you to buy a gift for Zinnia, and we can apologize properly.

“You can explain everything and try to get along with her. That way, your parents won’t be upset anymore. If you’re too embarrassed to apologize yourself, I can do it for you.”

Betty remained silent.

Anne knew that Betty had tacitly agreed. She let out a sigh of relief. She didn’t want to believe that Betty had deliberately set Zinnia up. She preferred to think that Betty’s actions were driven by fear.

She thought, ‘Betty was just so scared that she made a mistake. It wasn’t intentional. Betty is the kindest person I know. I must protect her.’

Chapter 50

Isaac escorted Zinnia back to school after a satisfying meal. “Zinnia, if you need anything, just come to me,” he said warmly.

“Got it, Isaac,” Zinnia replied cheerfully. She held orange juice and sipped it with delight. When she entered the classroom, many of her classmates hadn’t 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, “Zinnia, I’ll move right away.” In her haste, her foot caught on the chair leg, and she stumbled.

Zinnia’s eyes widened slightly, and she instinctively reached out to steady Lydia.

Lydia spun awkwardly before falling into Zinnia’s 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 Zinnia’s face, Lydia recalled how Maisie had kissed Zinnia on the cheek. Lydia thought, ‘She must taste as sweet as she smells.’

“Be careful, okay? Falling hurts. There’s no need to rush; I can wait,” Zinnia said, still a bit shaken. She patted her chest to calm herself and took another sip of orange juice.

“Thank you, Zinnia,” Lydia murmured.

“Can you stand steadily now? If you’re good, I’ll let go,” Zinnia said, looking down at Lydia. Lydia’s face was completely flushed, and Zinnia couldn’t help but wonder why. “Are you feeling hot?” she asked sincerely.

“Not hot. I’m fine. Thank you,” Lydia stammered, her face burning as she straightened up.

Once Zinnia was sure Lydia wouldn’t fall again, she returned to her seat. She continued sipping orange juice as she pulled out her language textbook.

She wasn’t 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.

Lydia’s gaze softened as she looked at Zinnia. Unconsciously, a gentle warmth filled her heart. She thought, ‘Zinnia is nice.’