Alise got up and followed the commotion, she couldn't help but overhear the heated exchange between the two girls.
"I don't get why you're so mad, Marien," one girl insisted, desperation in her voice.
Marien, clearly agitated, pointed her finger and took a step closer to the other girl, her face red with anger.
She asserted, "You knew I liked him, and now all of a sudden, I see you all over him. It's crazy because I thought I was paranoid, but I'm noticing you do this all the time.
I'm tired of this dynamic, Maya," Marien's voice quivered with anger and exhaustion.
Maya tried to feign innocence, making Marien believe she was overreacting.
Marien looked at Maya with cold eyes, feeling like their friendship had run its course. She shook her head and started to walk away.
But Maya, shameless, felt wronged and grabbed Marien's arm, attempting to pull her back as she pleaded.
"We've been friends for two years now. You can't possibly think I want every guy you like."
Marien yelled, "Let go!" Her voice cracked with anger. She warned her that if she didn't let go, she'd wish she had.
Maya remained stubborn.
So Marien grabbed a plant in front of her and splashed plant water at Maya, who let out a surprised shriek as the water hit her.
Maya yelled, "You Bitch !"
In response, Marien slapped her and said, " You were supposed to be my friend.
But instead, you sabotage me I don't know what weird obsession you have with me, but if you love my scraps so much, you can have them. I'm done."
Alise couldn't help but mutter, "Damn," out loud as the situation unfolded, thinking she was supposed to keep that comment to herself.
After saying that, both girls turned their attention to her, clearly aware of her presence. Alise felt a flush of awkwardness wash over her, prompting her to take a step back and begin a slow retreat. Her lips moved, muttering under her breath, "Shit… My bad."
As she distanced herself from the scene, making her way back towards the living room to head upstairs, she heard the soft sound of footsteps behind her. She hoped it wasn't Marien. She didn't want to look back, but curiosity made her glance over her shoulder anyway.
To her dismay, it was indeed Marien. She internally berated herself, thinking, "If only I had kept my mouth shut...Damn"
She stopped as Marien looked at her, saying, "Sorry you had to see that. It was just one of those moments."
"Ah, I see," Alise responded, acknowledging Marien's sentiment.
Silently, they both stood there, recognizing their shared experiences. Then, Marien said, "Well, you know..."
Alise sensed Marien's desire to explain further but also her hesitance. With understanding, she gently intervened, "You don't have to explain. I get it. I've had my fair share of encounters with bad friends, too."
Marien locked eyes with Alise, her gaze brimming with gratitude for the understanding she had received. 'Thank you,' she finally said, her tone genuinely appreciative. 'It's just tough sometimes, you know?'
Alise nodded in agreement, responding, 'Sometimes the friends you thought were truly for you turn out not to be in the end. But don't let that deter you; move on and find better people for you.'
Marien's eyes radiated admiration as she looked at Alise, leaving Alise a bit puzzled by the intensity of it, a question forming on her face.
Marien chose to conclude the conversation, sensing the weight of her admiration. 'Anyway, young miss, dinner should be done by now.'
Alise caught the cue and smiled, responding, 'Thank you, I should head that way now. By the way, you can call me Alise.'
Marien said, 'Yes, young miss—I mean, Alise.'
As she made her way to the dining room to check if dinner was being served, she reflected on her second encounter with the girl she had initially thought was just bubbly and sweet, only to discover she had just as much attitude when wronged.
She murmured, 'I can't believe she splashed plant water at her. Ew,' with a light smile, thinking how she loved that kind of spunk from people. As she was not one to shy away from a fight if someone betrayed her or showed significant disrespect. She continued her way towards the dining room doors.
As She entered, she couldn't help but notice her family members already seated, enveloped by the delightful aroma of the food. Finding her place at the table, they all bowed their heads, expressing gratitude for the meal and seeking blessings for the days ahead.
With the grace said and done, Alise felt the collective gaze of her family settling on her. They knew her wedding was on the horizon, accompanied by the natural pre-wedding jitters. Their expectant stares left no doubt that they awaited her to address the matter. But Alise was resolute in her determination to remain unfazed.
She delved into her meal with an air of nonchalance, giving the impression that she was perfectly at ease. It was her mother who eventually couldn't contain herself and spoke up. "Alise, I understand you might be feeling pre-wedding jitters. We want you to know it's okay. Your grandfather's decision to unite our families is a good one."
Originally, it was supposed to be your father, but circumstances changed due to the absence of daughters. I'm sorry if you have mixed feelings, but it was your grandfather's last wish before he passed away. Please understand."
Everyone awaited her response. Alise uttered, "No, I understand," concealing the one of the main facts besides from what she had told her siblings.
**Back in the day,** she had been stubborn and had refused the arrangement because she wasn't financially desperate. But now, circumstances had changed. She was broke and willing to go through with it.
She remembered how her grandfather had called her before his passing and disclosed a contract that would benefit her if she went through with the marriage.
This contract included five properties, a fully paid-off deposit, ownership of a restaurant, paid vacations, and a substantial ten million. It was a significant incentive for her, and she knew it was a win-win, not only for her but also for her soon-to-be husband, Auston, who had a similar contract from his grandfather with different terms.
However, they both shared the same clause – no divorce and no infidelity.
Alise decided to keep the details of the arrangement between her and her grandfather a closely guarded secret. She believed it was her own personal matter, and there was no need to involve her family in the specifics of the incentives her grandfather had offered.
As dinner continued, the atmosphere remained somewhat the same, but they were all actively trying to bridge the gap. Alise couldn't help but think it might be because today was her last night living here.
Their recent reconnection still felt fragile, but she appreciated their collective efforts to mend any distance that had existed, even if they didn't openly express it.
She endured the seemingly endless conversation at the table, her belly full and yearning for some time to digest the food she had eaten.
The idea of slipping away had crossed her mind, but she felt obligated to stay a bit longer since they were making an effort to spend time with her.
However, her mother's words eventually broke the spell. "It's time for you to get some rest."
Alise seized this opportunity, using a touch of attitude to carefully conceal her true desire to leave. She rolled her eyes and looked a bit exasperated, with some theatrical flair, she remarked, "I think I am going to have to retire for the night. After all, I guess I do need my beauty sleep."
With that, she made her exit, a quiet sense of amusement twinkling in her eyes as she made her way to her room.