Chapter 38
Janet took me to a crowded shopping street.
I instinctively recoiled from the environment, unconsciously pulling my hand away, wanting to leave.
Janet, as if anticipating my move, tightened her grip on my hand.
“Look how lively it is here. The snack street is just ahead. Let’s see if there’s anything you’d like to eat, okay?”
I noticed her eyes were red. With a sigh, I nodded. “Alright.”
She talked the whole way, while I offered a faint smile, my attention drawn to a nearby shop window.
Janet followed my gaze and, without hesitation, pulled me inside. “You like wedding dresses, right? Let’s go try some on.”
I ran my hand over the fabric. The rough texture of the lace and beads stirred something unfamiliar in me.
Declining the shop assistant’s suggestions, I looked through the dresses one by one.
There probably wouldn’t be another chance to wear one.NôvelDrama.Org owns all content.
I didn’t want to have any regrets.
Finally, at the back of the display case, I saw an exquisitely crafted wedding dress.
I stopped.
“Johnny, I want to try this one.”
An unpleasant voice shattered the peace.
I turned and saw Victoria.
She looked at me in surprise. “Oh, sister, what are you doing here?”
Victoria leaned on John’s shoulder. “It must be so lonely being by yourself. Do you want to join us?”
I remained silent.
“Sweetheart, I saw a beautiful dress at the back. Would you like to try it on?” My mother’s voice grew clearer.
She and my father were here, accompanying John and Victoria as they looked at wedding dresses.
“Elisabeth?” My mother frowned as she walked over to me. “What are you doing here?”
Janet pulled me behind her. “I brought Lisa here. Is there a problem?”
Victoria quickly said there wasn’t and urged the clerk to help her try on the dress.
The clerk looked at both of us with hesitation.
“We only have one of this dress. Which of you ladies would like to try it?”
“Give it to my daughter! She’s getting married soon. What’s the point of Elisabeth trying it on all by herself?” My mother reached out, attempting to take the dress.
“Give it to us.” Janet showed her card and the clerk apologized before taking me to change into my wedding dress.
Victoria glared at the clerk, demanding an explanation.
“Sorry, miss, but she’s one of our shareholders.”
Fuming, Victoria stomped her foot, shaking John’s arm. “Johnny, I really like that dress.”
“It’s okay, Vicky,” John reassured her. “The one aunt picked from the display is just as beautiful.”
With no other choice, Victoria clenche I her teeth and tried on a different dress.
I had lost so much weight recently that even with the strings pulled tight, the gown still felt loose.
Standing on the platform, I watched as the curtain slowly opened.
Janet’s eyes widened in astonishment. She squealed, jumping up to grab my hands and look me over from every angle.
“Lisa, you look so beautiful! This dress is perfect for you!”
“Really?” I asked, letting her lead me as I glanced at my reflection in the mirror.
Janet grabbed a veil and placed it on my head. “Let me take a picture!”
The curtain next door slowly opened as well.
“My darling, you look stunning. My beautiful daughter!”
“Yes, yes, our little baby has grown up. She’s about to get married.”
Victoria lowered her head down shyly embarrassed to raise it.
John lifted her hand and slid a diamond ring onto her finger.
Victoria covered her mouth in surprise. “Johnny…”
“Vicky, how could we try on wedding dresses without a ring?”
She touched the ring with delight, turned her head and held out the back of her hand to me, smiling brightly:
“Sister, look! Isn’t this ring beautiful? Doesn’t it go perfectly with the dress?”
She grabbed John’s hand, holding it up. “Make sure to wish us happiness, okay, sister?”
“She doesn’t even know what happiness is. We don’t need her blessing.” John glanced at me indifferently.
I forced a small smile.
Janet squeezed my hand, pulling my attention back.
“Lisa, don’t look at them. If you want diamonds, I’ll buy you as many as you want.”
I smiled and said okay.
The three of them gathered around Victoria, praising her while belittling me.
So this is what it’s like to have a happy family, with both parents present.
Janet stared at Victoria for a moment, lost in thought. I asked her what was on her mind.
“Do you really think Victoria looks like your parents?” she asked, making me stunned.
I had some doubts, but I didn’t dare voice them. “Biological children always resemble their parents.”
Janet, however, shook her head as she looked at me…