CHAPTER 24
ARIA’S POV
“You should just let me fix them!”
As I sense Stella’s frustration mounting, I find myself empathizing with her predicament. Eva and Sophia’s relentless attempts to provoke reactions and incite drama are both tiresome and predictable. It’s clear that they thrive on chaos and conflict, revelling in the discomfort of those around them.
But I refuse to play into their game. I refuse to give them the satisfaction of seeing me lose my composure or stoop to their level. Instead, I choose to rise above their petty antics, refusing to allow their negativity to dictate my actions or emotions.
With a sense of resolve, I take a deep breath and remind myself that my dignity and self–respect are far more valuable than any temporary satisfaction gained from engaging with Eva and Sophia. I refuse to let their toxicity poison my spirit or derail my sense of purpose.
In the face of their provocation, I remain steadfast in my commitment to maintaining grace and composure. By refusing to engage in their drama, I reclaim my power and assert my autonomy. And as I stand firm in my resolve, I know that I am setting a powerful example for both Stella and myself–showing that true strength lies not in reacting to provocations, but in maintaining control over our own responses and emotions.
As Sophia walks away with an air of smug satisfaction, I can’t help but feel a pang of frustration at her audacity. It is as if she believes as if she has just been crowned Miss World.
But her victory is hollow, built on the foundation of deceit and manipulation. She may have claimed the dress, but she has lost something far more valuable in the process–her integrity and decency.
As 1 stand at the counter, watching Eva and Sophia pay for the dresses I had chosen for Stella, a surge of anger threatens to overwhelm me. The injustice of the situation weighs heavily on my mind, and I struggle to maintain my composure in the face of their blatant disregard for decency.
Taking a deep breath, I focus on reigning in my emotions, instead.
Stella and I watch in silence as the clerk swipes Eva’s credit card. Then, to our shock, we hear the clerk say that the card has bounced back.
“How is it possible?!”
The embarrassment on Eva’s face is undeniable, her expression shifting from haughty arrogance to sheer disbelief in an instant. It’s a moment of stark reality, a humbling reminder that even those who appear to have it all can be brought down by the simplest of truths.
“Try again!”
The clerk obeys, attempting to process Eva’s payment again, but to no avail. The situation remains unchanged, the reality of Eva’s financial predicament undeniable.
You can imagine how Stella and I must be feeling after witnessing such a satisfying scene. There’s a sense of vindication, a quiet satisfaction in seeing Eva’s façade crumble before our eyes. It is a moment of validation, reaffirming our belief in the importance of integrity and authenticity.
“Here. Take my card, Instead,” Sophia removes her card.
Wow! What an amazing friendship these two share. They are definitely meant for each other.
Despite Sophia’s offer to help, Eva stubbornly refuses, her pride taking precedence over practicality. It’s a baffling
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CHAPTER 24
display of arrogance, leaving Stella and me shaking our heads in disbelief.
We watch as Eva pulls out her phone and dials a number, her frustration evident as she begins to rant to her mother about her embarrassing experience.
“What?! It’s Adam’s doing?”
As Eva’s reaction piques my curiosity, I focus more intently on the unfolding situation, eager to understand the full extent of Adam’s involvement.
Stella leans in close, her voice barely above a whisper as she speaks to me.
The bitch is getting what she deserves,” she says, a hint of satisfaction coloring her words.
I can’t help but chuckle at Stella’s candid remark, a sense of vindication washing over me as we watch Eva’s predicament unfold.
“Mom! No! Please, listen–”
As Eva continues her tirade on the phone, I can’t help but wonder if her mother has hung up on her, unable to tolerate her relentless ranting any longer. It is a possibility that adds a layer of irony to the situation, further highlighting Eva’s isolation in her moment of humiliation
Sophia keeps one hand on Eva’s shoulder, eager to know what her mother said.
“What did she say?”
“Don’t we also want to know?” Stella adds sarcastically.
Stella is really making me laugh and this is why I love her company so much.
“She said Adam blocked my card because he is upset for what happened the other day.”
