Novel Squares
Chapter 43
“Why’d you show up today?” Catherine grumbled discontentedly, pausing before seemingly noticing Mandy’s companion for the first time. “Oh, Summer’s here too, huh?” Her lone was laced with a hint of dismissiveness.
Summer’s expression stiffened momentarily, but she managed a smile and greeted, “Hey, Grandma,”
“How come I can’t come over? Are Summer and I strangers now and not supposed to be here or something?” Mandy was almost amused by her own mother’s Irritation.
“Why didn’t you at least give me a call before dropping by?” Catherine muttered under her breath. She wouldn’t have invited Mira over today if she’d known Mandy was bringing Summer.
*Summer went out of her way to pick up some nice things for you, and you’re acting like you don’t even want to see her. Mom, can we not play favorites so blatantly?”
Mandy felt like Mirabella utterly bewitched her mother, who showed such coldness to her own flesh and blood. It was like she was beyond saving.
“You never showed much affection for Mira either!” Catherine snapped back with a hint of sarcasm.
Mandy pinched the bridge of her nose. “Let’s not argue about it. I just hope you can treat us equally, that’s all.”
“Who wants to argue with you? You came in here all accusatory, ruining a perfectly good mood,” Catherine huffed, displaying her stubborn streak.
Mandy’s face darkened instantly, and Summer, noticing the tension, quickly interjected with a smile, “Mom, didn’t you buy Grandma a beautiful emerald jewelry set? Why don’t you show it to her?”
As she spoke, Summer instructed the butler to bring the box over and looped her arm through Catherine’s, “Don’t be upset, Grandma. Let’s sit down and see if you like the jewelry, okay?”
With Su
Summer mediating. Catherine’s mood softened enough to allow herself to be led to the sofa.
However, upon seeing the emerald bracelet Summer presented, Catherine didn’t reach for it, flatly rejecting the offer. “At my age, I’m not keen on such trinkets. You girls keep it.”
Summer paused awkwardly as Catherine firmly declined. With no choice but to respect her wishes, Summer reluctantly placed the jewelry back in the box.
Soon after, Catherine’s gaze fell on Mirabella, who was lounging in an armchair nearby, idly fiddling with her phone. Catherine’s eyes softened unconsciously as she said, “Mira, why don’t you take a look at this jewelry? Do you like it?”
Caught off guard, Mirabella looked up, blinking in confusion.
Mandy’s temples throbbed as she approached Catherine, exasperated, “Mom, she’s a student. What’s she going to do with emerald jewelry?”
Catherine pursed her lips and retorted. “If she won’t wear it, I could give it to Mira’s birth mother.
Mandy’s eyes widened. “Mom, have you lost your mind? Do you have any idea how much this emerald is worth?” Catherine looked at her with a puzzled expression. “Aren’t you giving these to me?” The implication was clear. It was a gift for Catherine, so it was normal for her to give it to whoever she wanted.
“The gift is for you, but it’s not meant to be passed on!” Mandy inhaled deeply, struggling to suppress her frustration. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Catherine opened her mouth to respond, but Summer swiftly interjected, glancing at Mirabella. “Grandma, Mom personally chose this jewelry set for you, and it’s quite valuable. It might not be suitable to give away. How about this? I’ll go to the mall right now and pick out a new gift for Mira to take home to her mom, okay?”