𝐂𝐇𝐋𝐎𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐔𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓 the embodiment of sunshine, always with a bright smile and an easy laugh. She was the one everyone turned to, the friend who never faltered, always radiating positivity. But behind that cheerful exterior, how much darkne...
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The dining room was a picture of elegance, decorated in soft pastels and adorned with flickering candles and crystal centerpieces. My mother's way of ensuring everything looked perfect was as relentless as ever. She moved between conversations with ease, her smile polished and poised. Across from me, Mrs. Hayes nodded along, though I could tell her mind was elsewhere. The tension in the room was thick enough to choke on, even if the laughter from the adults painted a surface-level illusion of harmony.
I sat stiffly at the table, wearing the baby blue cocktail dress my mother had insisted on. The delicate fabric reached my ankles, swishing slightly every time I shifted in my seat. It was beautiful, yes, but it felt constricting tonight, like everything else.
Jayden sat beside me, his presence steady, splitting me from the others. He'd been hovering all evening, likely sensing the storm brewing between us. Maybe he thought he could act as a buffer, some sort of peacekeeper. I wanted to believe that was all it was, but part of me couldn't help but wonder if he was here because he thought I needed moral support. That thought stung more than I cared to admit.
Winter sat diagonally from me, her curls pinned back, her gaze distant as she politely engaged with my mother. Lucas, as always, was close by her side, looking as though he'd rather be anywhere else but still staying grounded for her. Travis lounged lazily on the other side of the table, his ever-present smirk masking what I could only assume were his actual thoughts. And Bella—she sat directly across from me, her posture rigid and her expression unreadable, though I caught the faintest trace of a scowl every time her eyes flickered in my direction.
It wasn't long before the peace crumbled.
"So, Chloe, how's school been?" my mother asked, ever the polite host, her tone laced with just enough curiosity to seem sincere.
"Good," I replied, forcing a smile. "I've been focusing a lot on my studies."
"As always," Bella muttered under her breath, just loud enough for me to hear. Her tone was clipped, her words sharp, and my stomach twisted.
"Is there a problem, Bella?" I asked, my voice steady despite the spark of irritation bubbling up.
Her eyes snapped to mine, her gaze cold. "No, Chloe, no problem at all. I just think it's funny how you make everything about yourself, even at a dinner like this."
The room went silent. My mother's polite laughter trailed off, and all eyes were suddenly on us.
"Excuse me?" I said, my tone sharper now. "I don't make everything about myself."
"Oh, really?" Bella leaned forward slightly, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Because lately, that's all you've been doing. Prying into everyone's business, acting like the victim when things don't go your way. Maybe if you spent less time worrying about everyone else and more time looking at yourself, you'd realize you're not as perfect as you think you are."
