Chapter 66:
Harleeâs situation was starkly different, entangled as it was with two selfish and scheming individuals like Liam and Averie.
Cassie had heard through her social circle about Harleeâs less-than-joyful life with the Gill family. Still, she masked her sympathy, knowing Harlee would dislike being pitied.
Cassie hesitated as Harleeâs attention seemed to drift, unsure whether to continue. If not for her closeness with Harlee, Cassie would never have revealed anything about Belinda, particularly given their strained relationship.
But things were different now.
Harlee needed to navigate her future relationship with Belinda carefully to avoid unnecessary turmoil.
Besides, Cassie knew Belinda didnât see her as family, so she saw no reason to protect Belindaâs reputation.
âCould you tell me more about Belinda?â Harlee asked, her gaze refocusing on Cassie.
With a smile, Cassie changed the subject.
âHarlee, may I inquire about Rhys?â
Harlee nodded in agreement.
âDo you truly care for him?â Cassieâs voice was tinged with concern.
Without a momentâs delay, Harlee responded, âYes, very much so.â She was as open about her feelings as Rhys was about his love for her.
Harlee added after a moment, âI really like him.â
Harlee knew her feelings toward Rhys hadnât yet reached the depth of love, but things were moving in that direction, particularly after Rhys had taken a bullet for her. That act had changed something within her.
Cassieâs face showed no reaction as she asked further, âDo you want to stay with him despite everything? Even if his mother is difficult and tries to separate you two, would you still want to be with him?â
Without hesitation, Harlee responded, âAbsolutely. I canât fully commit to someone unless I accept all parts of their life.â Anyway, it wasnât just Rhysâ mother standing in their way.
Her own family also had reservations about their relationship. Rhys had been trying to win her familyâs approval. So, how could she walk away simply because she disliked his mother?
Cassie paused, taken aback. She regained her poise and began detailing Belindaâs peculiarities and flaws.
Belinda had always disliked her original name, Jade, finding it too simple, though it was chosen by one of her beloved caretakers at the orphanage. When Belinda joined the Garcia family, she insisted on keeping her first name unchanged, so they only altered her surname. Later, she held back from changing her name fully, wary of the Garciasâ judgment, until she married Jose.
Freed from their influence, she adopted Belinda, a name she deemed more sophisticated.
Belindaâs insecurity led her to elevate herself above criticism and control her narrative.
At social events, Belinda needed to stand out, always ensuring she was seated in the place of honor, unless the host was present.
Cassie had revealed much about Belinda, and Harlee quickly grasped that Belinda was selfish, insecure, vain, ungrateful, and self-absorbed.
Besides her potential for violence, it seemed Belinda embodied nearly every defect imaginable.
Cassie, weary from the speech about Belinda, drank her coffee elegantly. She noticed Harlee looking a bit overwhelmed and felt it was best to leave some things unsaid.
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