17:53
Chapter 36
Without Paola, Allison probably wouldn’t have made it through those tough times. In Allison’s heart, Paola was practically family. Even though she hadn’t spoken to Javier in the past three years, she’d always call Paola on the holidays to check in.
Remembering something, Allison pulled out a gift box and handed it to Paola. “This is Havenbrook’s famous caviar. I bought it for you.”
Paola accepted it with a warm smile. “I’ll make it for you tonight, Miss.”
“No,” Allison shook her head. “I got this just for you. I’ve had it plenty of times and wanted you to give it a try.”
“Oh, I couldn’t possibly,” Paola said, waving her hands as if to refuse.
Allison gently placed the caviar into Paola’s arms. “Please, take it. You’ve done so much for me over the years; it’s just a small token of my appreciation.”
Paola’s eyes glistened with tears. “Miss…”
“Allie! Allie, you’re back!” chirped a bright, young voice. Lizzy rushed over and hugged Allison tightly.
“I missed you so much! You’re finally back!” Lizzy clung to Allison’s leg, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Lizzy was Allison’s eight–year–old half–sister. Lizzy had always been attached to her, but Allison had kept her distance.
Allison wasn’t fond of Lizzy’s mother, and that feeling sort of extended to Lizzy. Still, in the end, kids are innocent, and Lizzy was nothing but sweet and eager to be close to her sister. So, while Allison didn’t exactly like her, she didn’t mind her either.
Looking down at Lizzy, Allison asked, “You’re home from school already?”
“Paola told me that you were coming back, and we just couldn’t wait to see you, so we came home early,” Linda -said, smiling as she approached.
Allison’s expression turned a bit rigid. Before she left home, she practically had “I don’t like my stepmom” written all over her face, and she barely spoke a word to her all year.
Allison had a strong dislike for Linda, not just because Javier had betrayed her mom to marry her but mainly because Linda had been her mom’s best friend. To Allison, Linda was a schemer who went after her best friend’s husband, and Javier was just a fool who went along with it. After Allison’s mom passed away, she transformed from the praised, obedient girl into a rebellious teen full of defiance.
Linda noticed Allison remain silent and kept her smile. “You must be tired, Allison. Why don’t you take a break? I’ll let you know when dinner’s ready.”
Lizzy tugged at Allison’s hand, pleading, “Allie, come to my room for a bit? I drew a picture; you should see it!”
Allison pulled her hand away, her face cold. “No, I need to rest.”
“Oh, okay then,” Lizzy pouted, pulling back with a disappointed look.
Linda took Lizzy’s hand. “Let’s not bother Allie while she’s resting.”
Paola stood by, feeling a bit awkward. She said, “Ma’am, Miss, I’ll head out to buy some groceries.”
After Paola left, Linda and Lizzy also went on their way. Allison closed the door, and finally, the world was quiet.
That evening, Javier came home, and the family sat down at the dinner table. Javier looked at Allison and asked, “Why didn’t you let us know you were coming home today?”
Allison responded, “What difference would it make if I did or didn’t?”
17.54
Chapter 36
Her tone was sharp and cutting.
Javier frowned. “It’s been three years. Why haven’t you changed your attitude?”
Allison gave a wry smile. “It’s been three years. Why haven’t you divorced Linda yet?”
