Chapter 51
The girl stared at the shredded remains of her long dress. Her body trembled uncontrollably. Her fists clenched tight. She scolded inwardly. That bastard.
B
Just as dinner was ready, Thomas walked in.
Seraphina saw her handsome younger brother, and she couldn’t help but pull Thomas into a hug. Look at you, getting more dashing by the day. I bet you’ve gained a whole new batch of fangirls.”
“Never counted.” Thomas chuckled, clearly at case with Seraphina’s teasing.
“That one time Mom and I watched your game, there were so many girls cheering and waving banners for you. Honestly, with your looks, you should be iri showbiz, not playing football Seraphina playfully tapped Thomas‘ handsome face, admiration shining in her eyes. “A face like this deserves more screen time. What a waste.”
Thomas leaned back on the sofa, striking a relaxed, effortlessly cool pose. “I don’t want to be just a pretty face.”
“Of course not. You are all about skill, Seraphina said, sitting beside him. “By the way, Mom said you’ve made it into the
national team?”
“Yeah.” Thomas replied.
That’s amazing. Seraphina gave Thomas a thumbs–up. “You’re the one we’re counting on to get our team out of the group stages and put Zelonia on the тар. The World Cup is coming up. Are you starting?”
Thomas smiled confidently, “What do you think?”
Seraphina patted Thomas on the shoulder. “That’s what I like to hear. You guys better make it through the group stage.”
“No question about it.” Thomas fished a cigarette out of his pocket, about to light it. “I won’t be home much these next few months, though. Our training’s going to be brutal”
Seraphina said, “Well, take it easy today then. How about we go out and have some fun
“What kind of fun?” Thomas held the unlit cigarette between his lips, looking cool as ever.
“What kind of fun do you want?” Seraphina asked..
Just as Thomas reached for his lighter and was about to answer, Seraphina’s phone rang.
When the ringtone first sounded, Seraphina froze for a second. The name that instantly popped into her mind was Clarence. Not many people called her, and he used to be the one who called most often. Her heart skipped a beat.
As Seraphina worried about how to answer Clarence’s call while she was at home, Thomas caught a glimpse of the caller ID and said, “Barbara’s calling you.”
Seraphina sighed silently. The pounding in her chest instantly quieted, sinking. ‘Oh… It’s just Barbara, she thought. It had been a while since they last talked.
Seraphina pushed down her emotions and picked up the phone. Hey, darling
“So you still remember I’m your darling? You haven’t contacted me in ages, Barbara whined. “Have you found someone
new?”
“Impossible. My heart’s all yours, Seraphina replied.
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Chapter 31
Barbara laughed, Classic player line. But seriously, what have you been up to lately?”
Seraphina fell silent. She hadn’t been busy with anything. Just trapped in a big house, like some kind of pet. A sudden emptiness washed over her. “Barbara, it’s the weekend. Let’s go out.”
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“Sounds good.” Barbara replied eagerly. “I was actually calling to invite you out. It’s been forever since we hit up a bar. Let’s go wild tonight.”
“Tilask Tommy,” Seraphina said.
“Tommy is there too?” Barbara’s excitement was evident. “He’s a little celebrity now, huh? It’s so hard to see him these days. Is. he even more handsome! Tell him to come out. I can’t wait to see the little brother I stole a kiss from when we were kids
Seraphina chuckled, “Don’t bring that up He’ll lose it.
Barbara burst out laughing. “It was just a quick peck, nothing serious. Tell him not to worry. I won’t hold him responsible.”
After a bit more banter, the two agr
eed on a bar to meet at.
Seraphina hung up and turned to Thomas. “Barbara wants us to hit up a bar. What do you think?”
Thomas exhaled a cloud of smoke coolly. “You’ve already picked the spot. What choice do I have?”
Seraphina laughed. ruffling Thomas‘ hair. Her little brother had always been easygoing when it came to her plans.
Their mother, Shirley, understood the world of the young and dirin’t interfere. After treating them to a lavish dinner, she sent the siblings off. “Don’t stay out too late,” she reminded them
The two walked downstairs and ran into a few neighbors who greeted them and showered Thomas with compliments. Thomas, we heard from your mom that you’re joining the national team.”
“Yeah, Thomas responded flatly.
“Keep it up,” a neighbor smiled, “Looks like you guys will be moving out soon, huh?”
Neither Thomas nor Seraphina responded. To their neighbors, it was only a matter of time before Thomas, now a rising star in the football world would earn enough to move the family to a better place. Their neighborhood was far too rundown
Thomas motorcycle was parked by the entrance. He handed Seraphina a helmet, speaking softly. “Sera, if you’ve got time, keep an eye on the housing market. After the World Cup, I’ll come back and buy us a place. He’d saved up quite a bit over the past few years, enough for a down payment.
“Alright” Seraphina nodded, glancing at Thomas cheap, worn–out clothes. It tugged at her heart. “No matter what, you’ve made a name for yourself now. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Although Thomas was cool on the outside, he was deeply responsible.
Thomas smiled slightly. “Let’s go
A newly opened bar at Angoria quickly became a favorite among young people due to its upscale vibe and trendy decor. It was the weekend, and even though it wasn’t late, the place was already buzzing with activity.
Barbara got out of the taxi. She had arranged to meet Seraphina and Thomas at the entrance, but she didn’t see them after scanning the area. She called Seraphina, “Hey, darling, are you guys here yet?”
“Stuck in traffic, but almost there. You? Seraphina asked.
“I’m here, waiting at the entrance, Barbara said.
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Chapter 51
Seraphina said, “Alright, see you soon.”
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Barbara hung up. She wore a sparkly dress‘ with equally glittery makeup, and her short, ear–length hair framed her round face perfectly. She had pretty features, and when she smiled, her eyes curved into charming crescents, making her instantly likable.
Unfortunately, Barbara’s love for snacks had left her a bit on the chubby side. She’d always vowed to lose weight, but it never quite happened.
Just after Barbara hung up, a Porsche zoomed by, its tires hitting a small puddle on the side of the road, splashing dirty water all over her legs.
Barbara was speechless. She thought, Luckily, I’m wearing a knee–length skirt, so only my skin got wet. But the filthy water had an unpleasant odor. I dressed up so carefully tonight, hoping to catch the eye of some handsome guy, and now I reek How am I supposed to meet anyone like this? That puddle is huge! Couldn’t the driver see it?”
Fuming. Barbara marched over to the car as it stopped. Before she could say anything, the driver’s door opened.
A long leg in jeans stepped out first, followed by a man in a black T–shirt leaning halfway out of the car. His head was bent down, but Barbara caught sight of his thick hair. The streetlight cast a soft glow over his hair, making it shine.
Frank slowly lifted his head, his gaze meeting Barbara’s.
The anger on Barbara’s face vanished instantly, her expression changing completely.
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15:19 Wed, Oct 30
Chapter 52
