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Chapter 3
The person who appeared was dressed in a sharp white suit. His features were as striking as a painting, and his soft, gentle gaze landed on Narissa, sending a chill through her. It was her older brother, Evan. Behind him stood a group of friends, including Liora, who wore a pristine white gown. She looked fresh, graceful, and charming, with a sweet, soft demeanor that drew attention.
Narissa's gaze shifted to Drake, her ex-boyfriend, standing beside Liora. He looked at Liora with gentle affection, smiling as he whispered something to her.
Narissa felt her mind go blank, caught in a moment of disbelief. Before she could react, Bella burst into tears, rushing up to Liora, accusing, "Liora, your sister is so cruel! I only asked why she didn't bring any jewelry, and she slapped me. She even called me the daughter of a mistress. Does that mean I deserve to be slapped?"
Narissa opened her mouth to defend herself, but before she could speak, Liora cut in, her eyes red. "Narissa, even if Bella wasn't right, you can't hit people."
Narissa's cold gaze remained fixed on Bella. "If she hadn't insulted my mother, I wouldn't have hit her."
Drake frowned, annoyance flashing in his eyes. "Narissa, that's Liora's friend, and the daughter of the Thorne family. Even if she was wrong, you shouldn't have slapped her in front of everyone."
The weight of countless curious and judgmental eyes on her made Narissa feel isolated and cold. Just as she was about to speak, a figure stepped in front of her. It was Evan, his expression soft and apologetic as he addressed Bella. "Narissa has always been a bit spoiled, so I apologize on her behalf."
Narissa's face hardened, her anger flaring. She glared at her brother. "Evan, I'm not at fault! It's her that has a filthy mouth!"
Evan's smile didn't waver, but his eyes grew colder. Seeing this, Narissa's mind cleared. For the first time, she realized that her brother was angry. But why?
With a neutral smile, Evan spoke, his tone emotionless, "Narissa, it doesn't matter."
Narissa's teeth ground together as she stared at his calm, distant face. Her heart squeezed with pain.
Bella, her cheeks flushed, lowered her eyes and said shyly, "For your sake, I'll let this bad woman go."
Liora's face twisted with hurt and grievance. "I know you've always disliked me and hate my mom for being a mistress. But, Narissa, my mom and dad didn't choose what happened. We didn't choose how we were born. If I could, I would've wanted to be the legitimate daughter of my dad, with a brother who loves me."
She sighed helplessly. "Not everyone is as lucky as you, born into the Sterling family as the eldest daughter. I'm sorry!" Tears welled up in her eyes and, unable to hold them back, she ran off in distress.
Drake instinctively moved to follow her but paused, his dark eyes locking on Narissa. Disappointment and displeasure filled his gaze. "Narissa, do you have any idea how happy Liora was that you came today? Yet you say such hurtful things. I've been too indulgent with you in the past, and that's why you've turned out like this."
He turned and walked away quickly, leaving behind a crowd of awkward onlookers. Narissa's anger surged as she watched him go. It was Liora's mother who had seduced her father, and yet Liora had the audacity to make such claims, talking as if she wanted to take her family away.
Fury filled Narissa, but when she met her brother's calm gaze, a chill ran down her spine. She felt absurd and heartbroken. "Evan, do you really think this is my fault?"
Evan's expression softened with helplessness. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, his eyes tired, and looked at his younger sister, who he had always protected. He sighed deeply, his voice soft. "Narissa, we were picking out a gift for you, that's why we didn't pick you up earlier."
His tone, almost dismissive, caught Narissa off guard. She remembered how her brother used to be, always so careful and gentle with the people who pursued him. Yet now, the one he was brushing aside was her. Narissa stayed silent, simply staring at him.