A Second Chance at Forever novel (Eleanor and Bernard)

Beth settled into her chair, relief washing over her after standing on stage for so long. Just then, Nina bounded over with a plate of frosted cupcakes, her smile as bright as the treats themselves. "Dollface, you must be famished after that performance. Have a cupcake."

Beth was a pretty little girl, with her golden locks, sky-blue eyes, and a complexion as fair as fresh snow. Her high-bridged nose and those deep blue orbs were like a tranquil lake capable of capturing the entire night sky.

To Nina, Beth was nothing short of a living doll, and she secretly wished she could be as slender and pretty. But Nina had been indulged by her aunt and uncle to the point of chubbiness. Now at twelve, with no sign of a growth spurt, she feared she might always be on the plump side.

With this thought, the allure of the cupcakes vanished. Nina pushed the whole plate towards Beth. "I'm starting my diet now. You can finish them off for me."

Beth offered a polite but hesitant smile, accepting the treats. "Nina, you're not fat at all, you're absolutely adorable."

Nina grinned, "Adorable is just a nice way of saying chubby..."

quickly excused herself, "Sorry,

was likely because she had learned, at a tender age, how to appease others with her words and felt an immediate fear and guilt if she failed to

Beth's past, patted her shoulder reassuringly. "I'm just teasing you. You could even call me a little

hoping to brighten her mood, decided to fetch a sparkler. Before standing up, she called out to her uncle, "Uncle Bernard, I'm just going

too but was stopped by Bernard's firm hand on his chest. "Nina knows how to stay put. You, on the other hand, will stay seated." Damian turned away, frustrated, and caught Beth's eye. She flashed

looked away, leaving Beth feeling awkward and unsure. She had done nothing but be polite, so why did it seem like

to her, exuding a presence more intimidating than hers, despite being three years

and icily met her eyes. "Keep staring and I'll

looked away.

an end. Peterson led Starry down from the altar to a lavish carriage waiting to spirit them away from

took Beth home. She didn't dare to look at Damian again, but Nina rushed forward,