Edward Cullen thought his future with Bella was set in stone-his blood singer, his mate, his forever. But when Alice has a startling new vision, everything he believed begins to unravel.
At the center of it all is a mysterious girl, one who brings u...
[10]Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
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After lunch, Edward walked alongside Vidalia, his protective instincts heightened as they made their way down the crowded hall. He kept a steady pace beside her, his arm hovering near her shoulder, ready to shield her from any unfriendly looks or whispers.
He couldn’t help but feel tense, though he tried to mask it for her sake. Vidalia, on the other hand, carried herself with calm grace, her head held high despite the glances she received from passing students.
As they neared Vidalia’s next class, three familiar faces approached them —Emily, her best friend, along with Rachel and Trisha. Emily’s face was flushed with worry, her eyes wide as she rushed up to Vidalia, her concern evident. Trisha looked equally anxious, wringing her hands as she followed closely.
Rachel, though quieter, had a strained expression, glancing around nervously to ensure they weren’t being overheard.
"Vidalia!" Emily’s voice was soft but urgent. She reached out, her hand hovering near Vidalia’s arm as though wanting to comfort her, yet unsure if she should. “I just heard about the rumors. I… I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”
Vidalia gave her friends a gentle smile, her gaze warm and reassuring despite the tension swirling around them. “I’m okay, Em. Really. I’ve dealt with worse. But thank you for worrying.” Her voice was soft yet steady, filled with a calm strength that seemed to put the other girls at ease, if only a little.
Emily shook her head, her expression anguished. “I… I feel horrible. My uncle didn’t deserve this, and neither did you. It’s so unfair.” She looked down, a tear slipping down her cheek, and Vidalia’s heart ached at the sight. Emily’s love for her uncle was something she understood deeply —Mr. Richards was family to both of them, and the thought of his reputation being tarnished by baseless rumors was painful.
Vidalia reached out, placing a comforting hand on Emily’s shoulder. “Hey, none of this is your fault. It’s just… people letting their imaginations run wild, twisting things that they don’t understand. We’ll find a way to make it right.”
“But Vidalia, they’re saying such awful things…” Trisha murmured, her gaze shifting away in discomfort. “They’re calling you… things that just aren’t true. And my brother heard someone say your name in the same breath as Mr. Richards, as if you two… you know…”
