She was lucky that she had hidden the one Carl had given to her, which contained a diamond bracelet.
She slowly opened the box with a small smile but in the next second was baffled at what she saw and a smile faltered a little.
" Big Sis, What is wrong?" Lily sat up on her bed and frowned slightly as she watched her sister's expression changed from happiness to confusion.
" Hehe, is this a coincidence or what?" Clara chuckled then stood up and went to her bag then retrieved the box Carl gave to her. " See, they're exactly alike... Doesn't they?"
Lily frowned and carefully stood up from her bed then sat beside her sister to examine the two bracelets. " They really do look alike, " she said softly then added. " But this one from brother-in-law has more glows."
" Huh? Really?" Clara brought them closer to her eyes and her brows knitted. She couldn't see any difference. She shrugged and shoved them all in one box, wondering how Derek could buy such an expensive bracelet. ' well, I could just sell one... Hehehe.'
Lily stared at her sister's expression and slowly shook her head. " Big Sis, what about the gift Sis Maya gave to you, " she asked after some seconds.
" Oh, I think I kept it.... there." Clara hurried up to open the cabinet which was just above her bed then retrieved a large-sized box. She stared at it warily hoping it was not one of her friend's pranks which she usually calls 'surprise' and Lily urged her to open it.
" Let me help, " Lily said and extended her hands to take the box from her, after seeing her reluctance and Clara nodded quickly then gave her the box and watched as she carefully unwrapped it.
" Wow, it's so beautiful..." Lily exclaimed with brightened eyes as she stared at the red dress inside the box and Clara's eyes also lit up.
" Here's another one. I think it's for you." Clara took out the peach-colored one which was exactly her sister's size and marveled at how Maya's skill had really elevated.
Lily stood up and took both clothes to their closet then came back and sat beside Clara.
" Uhmm, Big Sis... Can I follow you back to the city?" She asked softly and Clara frowned.
The semester will commence next month, isn't it a bit too early for her to go?
She stared at her sister's calm expression then nodded. " Sure, you can go back with me... Ehm, but wait__" She didn't get to finish her sentence when heavy knocks were suddenly heard from the door and they both stared at each other perplexedly.
" Quick, hide in the bathroom." Lily stood up and pushed her inside the bathroom then quickly locked the door.
She walked toward the other door which she feared could break at any moment if the old woman didn't stop her incessant banging then unlocked it and carefully opened it. " Grandma..., " she said softly with a hand splayed on her forehead and the woman's expression instantly changed from furious to worry.
" Did I wake you up, how're you feeling dear? Come, sit down. " the old woman walked her back to the bed and Lily sighed inside then sat down.
" Lily dear, where's that little witch? How can she put too many spices in the food..." The woman's start eyes darted around the small room then a frown settled on her face. She was sure she had heard her voice a while ago.
" Grandma..., have you check the backyard?" Lily asked hurriedly as the woman's eyes were now fixed on the bathroom door.
The old woman's attention turned to her and her frown deepened. " I just came from the backyard dear... Wait, I have to check the bathroom if she's hiding inside__"
" Urgh!" Lily groaned softly in pain and placed both hands on her forehead and the woman turned to her worriedly.
" What is wrong dear? are you feeling any pain? come, let me take you to the clinic. "
" No grandma, I just want to rest... It's too loud in here, " Lily said softly and sighed in relief as the woman nodded and walked out of the room after making sure to carefully close the door. She stood up then walked toward the bathroom door.
" Argh! Lily, I can't wait to go back..." Clara groaned as her sister opened the bathroom door for her. She couldn't discern why the old woman loves making her life hell, whenever she comes.
Lily sighed and stared at her for some seconds then silently went back to her bed and laid down.
Clara also sat on her bed then brought out her phone and started chatting with Carl.
Lily could hear her giggles now and then and a small smile appeared on her lips as she also stared at the hairpin which was now in her hands again and she sighed inside.
********
__ City M __
Inside an enormous mansion, the morning light floated through the floor-to-ceiling window whose curtains were drawn apart to give a luminous feel which does not help with the grim atmosphere inside the living room.
Vivian heaved a deep sigh while her eyes darted to the man who was giving instructions to the bodyguards at the door.
She looked down at her clammy hands and slowly bit her lips while wondering why her father had suddenly summoned her.
" I'm very disappointed in you Vivian... Leave it to me. I'll take care of things from now." She heard her father's low voice which was laced with anger and she quickly shifted on the couch.
If she didn't stop her father, how can she get to carry out her plans and who knew what he might do. She slowly looked up and stammered, " Father... J..Just give me a few more days, I.. I promise to__"
" Shut up! You promise to what!? How many years have I been training you for this? Look at you, If you couldn't even get his attention then all my strategies will go to waste. Do you think I'm a fool to wait for your stupid plan!?" He erupted while pointing his cane toward the girl opposite him.