Chapter 43 We Are a Family
Lily never expected to be greeted by such a scene.
She remembered that after finishing the SAT last time, Michael and Austin had come too, but all the attention had gone to Sophie.
She was always the one overlooked.
But this time, someone had actually prepared a celebration just for her.
It was impossible not to feel moved.
Dennis was leaning against the car door, his tall figure standing out.
He looked up at her, his handsome and refined features more serious than usual.
Lily bit her lip and walked over to him.
Dennis's gaze was gentle. "Congrats, it's finally over."
Eric was enthusiastically waving a banner. "Lily, I set this whole thing up for you. Do you like it?"
Lily smiled shyly. "Thanks, but it's kinda over the top."
"Over the top is good! Better than some people who show up with just a bouquet." Eric's sarcasm was sharp.
Lily looked across the street and saw Michael walking over with a bouquet.
Last time, Michael had also bought a bouquet, but he gave it to Sophie.
Michael crossed the street with anticipation. "Lily, I wanted to park here, but all the spots were taken, so I had to park across the street."
Michael couldn't believe these people were so shameless, taking all the parking spots!
Eric clicked his tongue, "If you really cared, you'd be like us and come early to get a spot, instead of showing up last minute with no sincerity. Right, Dennis?"
Dennis spoke calmly, "After all, he thinks apologizing is beneath him, and wouldn't understand."
Michael's expression was barely holding together.
At that moment, Sophie ran out. "Michael, you're here! The flowers you bought are so pretty!"
Sophie ran straight to Michael.
Michael felt awkward because he had only bought one bouquet.
He walked past Sophie to Lily. "Lily, wishing you success on the SAT in advance!"
Lily glanced at the flowers. "Thanks, but you should give these to Sophie. If people found out, they'd think you were favoring me and not giving anything to Sophie, who's adopted."
Michael quickly said, "I bought these flowers just for you. I'll get Sophie's later!"
"That's not right. Sophie has done a lot for me. Her father saved my life! Michael, how can you be so biased? If there's only one bouquet, it should go to Sophie."
Lily's tone was calm and firm.
Michael froze, realizing he had said similar things before.
In the past, whenever there wasn't enough to go around, Lily always gave up.
Thinking about this, Michael felt a sharp pain in his heart.
He had been wrong all along!
He struggled to speak, "Lily, I used to..."
"What's done is done. We need to look forward," Lily said nonchalantly. "I have a class reunion tonight, so I'm heading out."
She turned to Dennis. "Can I hitch a ride?"
Dennis looked at her face and, without saying a word, opened the car door for her.
A row of red sports cars sped off in style!
Michael watched Lily get into the car, wanting to stop her but feeling rooted to the spot.
His mind was filled with Lily's words, stabbing his heart like knives.
Sophie stood by, enviously watching the flashy cars.
Who knew a school nurse could afford all this?
Lily must have convinced Dennis to rent the cars to show off.
Sophie was annoyed. "Michael, don't be upset. Lily will understand your intentions once she cools down."
"You don't get it!" Michael felt certain Lily would never forgive him now.
Austin arrived. "Hey Sophie, the exam's over, right? I reserved a restaurant for us to celebrate."
Sophie nodded. "Sounds good, let's go."
Austin looked around. "Where's Lily? She hasn't come out yet?"
Sophie hid her irritation with a smile. "Lily left with Dennis. He rented a bunch of sports cars, making quite a scene."
Austin's face changed. "Michael, why didn't you stop her? The exam is over; we can't let Lily act out!"
Michael felt embarrassed. "Yeah, the exam is over."
Lily had said to look forward. Was she planning to leave the Roberts Mansion for good?
Austin had hesitated about coming but decided to, only to miss Lily.
Michael couldn't accept this reality. He turned away. "I have some work at the office. You guys go ahead."
"Michael, weren't those flowers for Sophie?"
Michael glanced at the bouquet and handed it to Sophie. "I messed up today. Wishing you success on your exams, too."
His mind was a mess.
He had deliberately bought only one bouquet to show he wasn't favoring Sophie.
Sophie reluctantly took the flowers, pretending to be grateful. "Michael, thank you. Growing up in the Roberts family has been a dream come true for me. Once I get into college, I'll move out to avoid causing any more trouble for Lily."
Austin quickly said, "Sophie, don't say that. You're part of the Roberts family now. You're our sister, and we're a family! We'll smooth things over with Lily; it's not your fault."
Sophie lowered her head, looking vulnerable.
Michael finally spoke, "Austin's right. Stay at the Roberts Mansion and don't worry."
Michael left, feeling conflicted.
He had thought Sophie's suggestion was good. But it would be unfair to Sophie; she hadn't done anything wrong.
There had to be another way to make things right with Lily.
After all, she was their blood family.
Lily sat in the passenger seat of the red sports car, feeling the wind and her mood lifting.
Dennis stopped at a red light. "Text me after the reunion."
Lily's eyes were calm: "I plan to go straight back to the Roberts Mansion. It's time to settle things."
Her plan had always been to leave the Roberts family after the exam. She didn't want to stay at the Roberts Mansion any longer.
"What are you planning?"
Lily smiled. "I'll make a scene and leave, so they won't bother me again."
Dennis's hand rested on the steering wheel.
Lily wasn't as weak as they thought.
She had tolerated the Roberts family to avoid affecting her exam. She was smart.
But the Roberts family didn't understand, thinking Lily was just throwing tantrums.
Dennis dropped her off at the restaurant, and Lily joined her classmates for a reunion, enjoying the post-graduation excitement and finally closing the chapter on her past regrets.
After dinner, Lily took a cab back to the Roberts Mansion.
Barry was shocked to see her. "Ms. Roberts, you're back?"
"This is the Roberts family. Can't I be here?"
Lily retorted and went straight to her room.
But she found Sophie's belongings in her bedroom.
Barry stepped forward to explain, "Miss Scott's room leaked a few nights ago, so she temporarily moved into your room. Mr. Michael Roberts said you wouldn't mind since you're both girls."
Lily slowly looked up, her eyes cold.
She threw all of Sophie's belongings into the hallway.
Barry was shocked and angry. "Ms. Roberts, how can you do this?"