Chapter 357

S31 100. The Spotlight

“Wow….” Ava gasped involuntarily.

Even though her voice was very thin, Jeremy’s ears caught it. The corners of his lips rose slightly.

“Do you like it?”

Ava raised her gaze, full of emotion. “Yes, it’s very beautiful. Thank you, Jeremy. Mister Jeremy,” she corrected swiftly.

Jeremy did his best to suppress a smile and nodded.

“Ava,” Emily’s sweet voice sounded, “can you show us the dress? I’m curious about the model Uncle chose. It must look very beautiful.”

“Yes, Ava. Show us!” Louis nodded with round eyes.

Ava put the box on the chair. After a while, a lilac evening dress was spread out. The model was simple, but looked elegant. When the gold thread on it reflected the light, everyone forgot to blink.

“Uncle, isn’t that a limited edition dress? It was alongside the dres designed in the most anticipated fashion of the new year!”

Louis blinked, turning to his sister. “Is that dress you mentioned

before?”

“Yes, the ornaments are made from real gold thread! The price is many times more than the dress I designed which has an economica minimalist concept.”

Eva widened her eyes when she heard that. Her lips trembled. Her body was getting hotter. She was a boutique owner. Of course she had to have a dress better than Ava’s. But with that gold-embellished dress, how could she possibly beat her?

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Meanwhile, Ava was still stunned. “This is real gold? It’s so expensive?

Her tone became heavy with guilt.

Jeremy shook his head briefly. “Don’t tell anyone, but I got a discount. It’s not that expensive.”

Ava knew Jeremy was lying. “I can’t accept this dress if the price is exorbitant. I feel like I’m not worth it. What if I ruin it? And I think this dress will be wasted if it’s on my body.”

Several people shook their heads in unison. “In fact, I think that dress was meant for you. You two are both calm and elegant.” Vivian nodded gently.

“Yes, that dress suits you, Ava. Wear it to Auntie’s wedding. You will definitely be the most beautiful guest.” Emily cupped her chubby cheeks and tilted her head.

“That dress can lose its shine if someone else wears it. Don’t waste it, Ava,” Kara shook her head with a meaningful smile.

Ava took a deep breath. Her tears welled up.

“You all are really kind. I actually don’t mind if you give me simple gifts or even nothing. With all the things I received today… how repay you?”

“Marry Uncle Jeremy!”

Emily quickly covered her brother’s mouth. “Louis, don’t talk like tha Ava could misunderstand us. It sounds we think she’s a gold digge In fact, we gave her all the gifts sincerely.”

Ava looked down while scratching her nose. She didn’t know how to react. Jeremy was still standing next to her.

“If you want to repay all these gifts, don’t think of us as anyone else, Ava. We already consider you family. You are already part of us.”

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Kara’s words added emotion to Ava’s heart. Biting her lip, she stared at her closely. “Thank you Madam.”

“Kara. Just call me Kara. Think of us as sisters.”

Ava frowned and shook her head.” felt it would be rude to do that.”

“It’s okay. Just take it slow. You’ll get used to it. I actually find it strange if you keep calling me Madam.”

Suddenly, Emily hugged Ava with her eyes closed and an adorable

little smile. When her eyes opened again, she looked up.

“You don’t need to be sad, Ava. Many people love you. I am one of them. Now, can we call you Auntie?”

(

Louis also wrapped his arms around Ava’s legs. “Auntie!”

While Ava and the others laughed, Eva grimaced faintly. Her heart had been completely roasted by jealousy.

‘No. This isn’t right. Why is the world so unfair to me? Ava is always luckier than me. She always steals my happiness.’

“Ava, I want to talk to you,” Eva said, jolting everyone. Even Ava raised an eyebrow at her.

“Now?”

Eva grabbed her wrist. “Now. Excuse me, Everyone.”

However, two steps after she took Ava, Jeremy stopped her with or

word. “Wait.”

Ava and Eva turned their heads. Jeremy was walking towards them.

“Ava, give me the dress. Let me put it back in the box.”

Eva widened her eyes. Her blood was getting more and more boiling.” Excuse me? Did you think I would ruin the dress because I was

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jealous of my own sister?”

Jeremy blinked innocently. “I don’t think so. Why did that cross your mind? I just didn’t want Ava to bother holding it while you were

talking. That dress is quite heavy.”

Eva’s breath hitched. Her eyes shook when she saw the people looking at her, including her mother. Mrs. Connor looked disappointed.

Quickly, she took the dress from Ava’s hand and then draped it over Jeremy’s arm. “Now please excuse me.”

Everyone worriedly looked at the two girls leaving. Moreover, Ava seemed resigned to her sister’s behavior.

“Mommy, will Ava be okay? Eva looks angry. Looks like she’s jealous,” Emily worried.

“Please don’t say that,” Mrs. Connor replied, surprising everyone. Her voice was much clearer than before.

“Eva is acting like that because she feels the world is unfair to her. Her burden in life is heavy. So please don’t corner her.”

Everyone fell silent. No one dared to speak anymore. Even Emily and Louis folded their lips inwards, even though the questions in their minds rang louder. What’s wrong with Ava’s family?

***

“Eva, enough. What do you want to say to me?” Ava pulled her ar away from her sister. However, the angry girl didn’t let her go until they reached the back porch.

“Is this why you invited me here? So I can see how perfect your life is?

Ava furrowed her brows. “Perfect? Don’t you always call my life miserable? I’m stiff and don’t know how to have fun.”

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Ava pointed at the door. “Those people, that dinner, the extravagant gifts. Would you like to show them off to me?”

Ava took a deep breath. “I didn’t know they were planning it. I didn’t even suspect or expect it.”

“Look,” Ava let out a disgusted laugh, “you always act innocent like this. It’s no wonder that you always gain people’s sympathy and make them think evil of me.”

“I don’t-”

“Enough, Ava!”

Ava gasped. Eva no longer called her “Sister”.

“I’m really tired.” Tears gathered in Eva’s eyes. “Since the beginning, you have always captured all my dreams, Mom’s love, and people’s attention. Even though I try hard, you are always the focus. You enjoy the spotlight, huh?”

Ava shook her head faintly. “No-

“You were always number one. I was number two. My own parents threw me away until your mother finally adopted me.”

A single tear rolled down Eva’s face. She quickly erased it.

“You know what? The time when it was just me and your parents w the most beautiful time in my life. I’ve never felt so much warmth. I’ never received that much love.”

After one snort, Eva’s face became fierce again. “Then you sudden came back. Everyone turned to hate me.”

“No one hates you.”

“Everyone put you first. I don’t like that. Even Dad didn’t love me anymore. His last words before he died were directed at you.”

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“He loved you too, Eva. Stop having strange thoughts.”

“You should never have come back, Ava!” Eva shouted, spreading the ice. Ava’s fragile heart instantly got a thousand cracks.

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