Chapter 450:
Betty squeezed Mother’s hand and lifted her chin.
“Mom, Hank’s parents don’t know that Bella lives alone with a child. If she apologizes to them with a gift, I can put in a good word for her. Hank’s parents will surely forgive her. That way, they won’t be too angry.”
Bella’s POV:
Betty’s goal was clear—she wanted to humiliate me.
If I admitted to buying a fake bracelet and giving it to Anne, it would prove I was a shameless woman. The issue had escalated beyond just a simple misunderstanding; it had become a question of moral character. Not only would Hank look down on me, but so would his parents and all his relatives.
Betty was cunning and vicious.
She had used such deceitful tactics against me, even though I had always cared for and protected her. The betrayal stung deeply.
“This is a good idea. Bella, I’ll prepare some gifts for you tomorrow. Go and apologize,” Mother said to me.
I stood firm, looking straight at her.
“Mom, the bracelet I bought for Anne is real. I did nothing wrong. I won’t apologize.”
“Mom, look at my sister’s attitude. She made a mistake, yet she still talks like this,” Betty chimed in.
Mother’s face darkened with anger.
“You must go!” she ordered.
“I did nothing wrong. I won’t go.”
I refused to take responsibility for something I hadn’t done.
Slap!
Mother’s hand struck my cheek.
I covered my stinging face, staring at her in disbelief. My voice trembled with sadness as I asked, “Mom, do you really think I’m lying? Is that what you believe about me?”
Silence hung between us for a few moments before she spoke.
“This has already affected your sister’s life with Hank. If you made a mistake, you must apologize. You will do it tomorrow.”
I took a step back, still holding my cheek. The pain wasn’t just physical—it was deeper than that. My own mother refused to believe me. A suffocating despair settled over me.
Betty stepped closer, reaching out to hold my hand as she spoke softly.
“Sister, don’t upset Mom. I’m begging you this time. I don’t blame you for the bracelet. As long as you apologize, this whole matter will be over.”
Looking at her, pretending to be kind and understanding, made my stomach turn.
I pushed her hand away and said coldly, “Betty, you are nothing but a hypocrite. I will never admit to something I didn’t do.”
Without another word, I turned and went into my bedroom, locking the door behind me.
