Facade of Love

Chapter 218 A Plea for Mercy

Christina’s words were harsh, but they struck a chord. I bit my tongue, but Emily’s brows knitted in disapproval. “Christina, watch your mouth.”

“I’m just stating facts,” she shot back, giving me a once–over with narrowed eyes. “Don’t get too cocky. Take a good look in the mirror, and see if you measure up.”

I bristled at her words. Ever since our first run–in, Christina and I had been mixing oil and water. I was not looking for a fight, so I pressed my lips together and turned to Emily. “Hey, I heard the plum blossoms in grandma’s garden are in full bloom. How about we go check them out?”

Emily, clearly over the bickering, agreed with a nod. “Ash was just saying she wanted to see them too. Perfect timing. Let’s head out.”

As she spoke, she led Ash and me out of the hall. Christina attempted to tag along, but Zoe blocked her path, saying, “The wintersweet in the backyard isn’t for just anyone to admire. Grandma doesn’t take kindly to strangers bouncing around her garden. Christina, you’d better stay here and not cause any trouble.”

“You…” Christina’s voice, filled with vexation, trailed off behind us. I did not look back. Instead, I headed straight to the backyard with Emily.

The Youngs‘ property was expansive, with the backyard featuring decorative rockeries and ponds. A few graceful wintersweet trees had started to bloom, their presence stark and solitary under the faint glow of the streetlights.

wintersweet, I really

to

she gently shooed Ash away to play. She faced me with a warm smile, “It’s not even two months yet. I’m planning to wait a

I ventured, “What’s been keeping Liam so busy

a resigned smile, “I’m not too sure myself. He’s always been this

bit my lip and managed a half–hearted smile, deciding not to pry further. Some things are better left unexamined,

gave me this apologetic look and said, “Yvette, I heard about the little spat you had with Christina. I’ve already talked to her and my cousin -in–law about it. Please don’t sweat it. My aunt’s only got Christina, so they kind of let her get away with too much. My uncle can’t stand to reprimand her, and she’s gotten

Plea

without considering others.”

2/2

when I was grabbing a bite with

But Iddy, he’s got your

mind. I gave her a curious look and asked, “Sister–in–law, is there something on your mind