Behind The Spotlight Chapter 238
Then, she heard that Collin was doing well. That was the most painful thing to accept. She couldn't admit that the man she left was thriving after their breakup while she remained stagnant, barely making any progress in her own life.
Even though her friends smiled at her and acted supportive on the surface, she felt humiliated. She believed they were mocking her behind her back, whispering about her poor choices. They knew that Collin was a millionaire now!
Things got worse when she attended the family's Thanksgiving. Her younger cousin slapped her with the truth, not physically, but the words cut sharper than any slap, leaving her speechless and embarrassed in front of everyone. Her cousin said that she fucked up, that she should have stayed loyal to Collin.
If she had stayed loyal, perhaps their family would now be living well, enjoying luxuries and comfort. Perhaps she would be living a happy life in a mansion.
Belle was struck by that painful truth... That was also the reason why she called Collin on his birthday. She couldn't even complete her greeting because Collin ended the call without hesitation. She had been hoping, hoping that Collin would answer her with the same sweet tone he used to have when they were still together.
Then another worse thing happened. She attended their high school reunion, and Arnold berated her with harsh words, not caring about her dignity at all. Fortunately, most of the people at the reunion believed her words, that Collin was a narcissistic and abusive man. Still, she cried hard because it was humiliating.
She deserved it.
She bit her lips. She asked herself when things had become this fucked up. She had just been having fun in college. What was wrong with that? Why did it lead to this outcome?
If she was being honest, Ronnie wasn't even a great lover. He couldn't satisfy her compared to Collin...
Anyway, she hated what was happening in her life, and she felt trapped with no way out.
"... Let's go." Her voice cracked despite her attempt to sound firm as she tried to maintain a strong front in front of her children.
She led her children to the elevator. She felt like Collin was serious when he said he would call security, and that thought terrified her. She wiped her tears quickly, almost angrily.
She had hoped that Collin would save her just like he used to. But it seemed she had been delusional.
'I guess I have to beg my parents to let us live with them.'
Another humiliating thought.
Belle looked at her eldest son... Collin was actually right, her son was ugly. Only a mother could love that kind of face. And Belle did love her children. She carried them in her womb for nine months. She had affection and love for them.
And because of that, she had to find a better future for them. Ronnie would be in jail for two decades, and Belle didn't know what to do.
'... It's such a waste. Collin would have been a perfect father for my children.'
The family entered the elevator, and it descended after Belle pressed the button. The silence inside was suffocating.
A few seconds later, the elevator opened. A woman with wolf-cut hair was waiting in front of it. She wore glasses, and her ocean-blue eyes were calm yet sharp. She was dressed in a light blue dress.
Belle instinctively lowered her head as the woman seemed wealthy.
She stepped out of the elevator with her two kids while the woman entered, their paths crossing briefly.
As the elevator doors closed, Belle caught a glimpse of the woman in the elegant dress.
"... Hm?" Her steps paused.
"Mom?"
"I-It's nothing." She shook her head. She felt like she had seen the woman before.
"... Is that Lila, from middle school?"
...
...
...
Lila Seraphina pressed the button for Collin's floor. She pulled out a small mirror from her purse and checked her appearance... She was gorgeous, but her confident eyes hid something beneath.
She steadied her emotions, her gaze turning serious once again, her lips curving in satisfaction.
When she reached the floor, she walked toward the apartment and rang the doorbell, her heart beating slightly faster than usual.
"I said I'm going to call security—"
Collin raised his voice slightly as he opened the door. His gaze was cold and intimidating.
Lila was stunned. She hadn't expected to be greeted with such a chilling expression. Her legs trembled slightly as a shiver ran down her spine. She had always been attracted to that cold gaze of his. It was almost hypnotic, making her lose composure for a moment.
"Lila?" His voice softened slightly.
"C-Collin." She stuttered, caught off guard.
"... Are you here for the date?" Collin asked, clearing his throat. "You haven't met anyone at my door, right?"
"No, there's no one in front of your door." She tilted her head, confused by the question.
"Okay. Let me just change my clothes. Come in." Collin knew it wasn't the best time to entertain his boss, especially after his ex had just shown up and stirred his emotions. However, he couldn't turn her away. He owed her a lot for what happened at the conference meeting.
Lila stepped inside and looked around. The place was clean and minimalist. However, the coffee table was covered with plastic pieces and an incomplete gunpla.
Lila adjusted her glasses.
"Is that Gundam 00?"
"You know it?"
"Yeah, isn't it piloted by Setsuna?"
"..."
Collin was speechless. He didn't expect Lila to know about Gundam.
"Also, you don't have to change. I decided to spend this Sunday relaxing at your place. How about I help you assemble this gunpla?" She smiled, her expression demure yet playful.
'... Then why are you wearing a dress?' He swallowed the question, deciding not to ask something potentially awkward.
"That would be great," Collin replied. He couldn't refuse. He owed Lila for helping him during the last conference meeting, and he appreciated it.
"Do you like tea or coffee?"
"Tea, please."
"Coming up."
As Collin went to the kitchen, Lila sat down and examined the gunpla parts. The music was still playing, it was Love Everywhere by Princess Chantal. Collin had bought both albums and often listened to them during his free time.
Lila hummed along as she began assembling the pieces. When Collin returned, he brought tea and cookies.
"So this is your hobby?"
"Yeah. What about you? You know Gundam 00, are you a gunpla collector too?"
"I just watched the show. I watch a lot of shows. That's my pastime." She tucked her hair behind her ear.
The two began chatting while assembling the gunpla, the atmosphere gradually becoming more relaxed and comfortable.
[Thank you guys for your support. Also, Steel Ball Run was released today! Let's goooo!!]