Joyce, on the other hand, was flying in the air. She stepped out of the Empire with a beautiful smile painted on her face.
She hated herself for doubting Tristan. Thankfully, he forgave her and all was well between the two of them. ‘This was all Vernice’s fault,’ she thought to herself.
And speaking of the devil, the devil just parked. She wanted to ignore Vernice, especially when she saw that Esme was with her, but they called her.
“Didn’t you hear us? We’ve called you several times!” Vernice pouted but Joyce just shot her eyebrows up at them.
It was Esme who spilled the purpose of their chance meeting. “What happened to you and Tristan?”
“We’re okay…” she plainly responded.
Vernice creased her forehead, in disbelief at what she heard. “How are you okay? You two didn’t even fight?”
As she’s aware of where the conversation is going, she just told them that Tristan has explained to her and that he forgave her for getting mad and causing a scene. Then she excused herself, saying she had an appointment at the salon.
The mother and daughter didn’t stop her. They just let her leave and when Vernice wanted to say something, Esme shushed her and pulled her toward the car.
Esme started driving but after a few blocks, she stopped. “Why?” Vernice asked, confused.
“I don’t think we’ll get any fruit going on the wrong tree,” she stated before turning to look at her daughter. “We have to take care of Belle, on our own, using Joyce. But that wicked woman wouldn’t know of our plan. It’s time to shut her out.”
Esme drove off but Vernice remained quiet until they reached home. Before Vernice got inside her room, Esme called her out. “Don’t forget to invite Belle to Eden this Thursday,” and with just that, Vernice already knew what was about to happen.
As soon as she was in, she plopped on her bed, pulled her bag close to her, and took out her phone. She texted Belle, inviting her to Eden on Thursday night.
Meanwhile, at De Clarion Villa, Belle is surprised to receive a message from the woman. She creased her forehead, unsure how to respond.
“What for?” she texted back.
Vernice’s brow flicked, irritated at the question, as she had to come up with something good to tell her. To be honest, she doesn’t even want to talk to her stepsister.
“I fought with mom, we haven’t been talking in weeks. I just need someone to vent out. Please.”
Reading her response, Belle sighed. She doesn’t really care what they fought about. But if someone needs her ears or her shoulders, there’s no reason for her to refuse. They’re sisters after all.
“Okay. Just let me know the exact time and I’ll be there.” Belle slipped her phone under the bed after responding, then she headed downstairs.
In the living room, Frederick was going through some documents but he quickly put them down when he saw her. “Are you bored?” he asked, giggling.
Belle pouted and nodded hesitantly. “Not really bored, but I miss working,” she explained.
“Sorry that you had to go through this, little girl,” Frederick patted her hand and smiled lazily at her. “If my grandson wasn’t so stupid, this wouldn’t have happened.”
Belle chuckled, “It’s okay gramps, don’t worry too much. Everything will come to an end. Let’s just hope it happens sooner rather than later.”
Frederick nodded, leaned back, and called John. “Yes sir?” the butler asked.
“We’re bored. Could you come up with anything?”
Belle creased her forehead at the old man but he just winked at her. John, on the other hand, looked confused. He couldn’t figure out whether Frederick was serious or not.
“Ah!” Frederick exclaimed. He even raised a finger as if he had come up with something amazing. “I’ll take you somewhere.”
“Where?” Belle asked. This time, she was the one confused.
“Just come with me,” then Frederick pulled her up.
John opened the villa’s door for them as well as the car’s doors. When they’re all in, John started the engine, “Where to sir?”
“To Tristan’s parents.”
Belle looked at the man sitting next to her. Frederick felt her stare at him, so he turned to look at her and smiled. “It’s about time you met them.”
When they arrived at the cemetery, Frederick led him to a mausoleum not far from the gate. She paid her respects before going in, following the old man.
“This is Tristan’s mother, Eunice. And this is my son and Tristan’s father, Triton,” the old man introduced.
Belle approached the tombs and knelt. “I’m Belle Roberts, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” she stated, smiling and touching both tombs one by one.
“It’s sad that you didn’t get to meet them alive. I’m sure they’ll like you for their son.”
Belle nodded and smiled lazily at the old man and sighed. “I suddenly remembered my mother. I still can’t believe I forgot about her.”
Frederick lightly patted her shoulder, “Things happen my little girl. I’m sure your mother doesn’t feel bad about that. She understands.”
After almost two hours, they headed home. It was almost time for dinner, so John had the dining table prepared as soon as he parked the car.
Belle helped the old man to the couch and before she could sit down, the door of the villa flew open. In came Tristan, rushing straight towards her.
“What happened to you?” he asked, holding her shoulders before pulling her for a hug. “I’ve been calling you but you’re not answering your phone. I’m so worried!”
Belle pushed him lightly to let go, “Sorry, I left my phone in the room and we just got home,” she glanced at Frederick before meeting Tristan’s worried eyes.
“Where have you been?” he asked before sitting down and pulling her next to him.
Frederick sat straight, holding his cane with both hands, “We went to introduce her to your parents,” he said smugly.
Tristan grimaced, he was not happy. “Why?” he exclaimed.
“What do you mean why?” Frederick was confused.
“Why would you do that? It should be me!”
Frederick giggled, “You’re too slow to do it and, besides, we were bored, so we went out.”