Chapter 23 Belated Concern was Worthless
Lily stared at the teddy bear.
This teddy bear was from a brand she used to like.
The Super Bear was a limited edition, hard to come by.
In her past life, she had managed to get one because Sophie needed it for a giveaway during a livestream.
Austin had forced her to give the bear to Sophie.
In the end, the bear was given to a so-called fan, but that fan turned out to be a creep who dismembered the bear, stuffed it with dead mice, and sent it back.
When Lily looked at this bear, it was as if she was seeing her own tragic fate from her past life.
She had almost forgotten all this, but it always resurfaced.
A fan nearby asked, "Is Lily really gonna be in the finals? I heard she's not on the team list!"
Michael answered gently, "The list hasn't been updated yet. Lily's part of the Roberts family; how could she miss the team competition? Besides, the finals are after the SAT, so it won't mess with her studies."
"How does Lily manage to be so good at both school and gaming?"
"I'm so jealous that Lily has so many brothers who treat her so well!"
Hearing these comments, Lily felt nothing but irony.
They had stabbed her countless times, and now they thought a teddy bear could make everything right?
Lily's expression was cold. "Michael, I don't like teddy bears anymore. Didn't you know that?"
Michael's face stiffened. "Really? I remember you used to love this."
"That was before. I'm in high school now; of course, my interests have changed."
Michael looked embarrassed. He felt even more guilty, realizing he had been a poor brother who didn't even know she no longer liked teddy bears.
Sophie stepped in, saying, "Michael, you're always so busy with work and taking care of everything for us. It's normal to forget some things. At least you remember what Lily used to like. I don't have any family now; no one remembers what I like. I'm so envious that Lily has a family who cares about her."
Michael understood that Sophie was giving him a way to save face, and he felt a bit softer toward her.
Lily always thought he was biased, but Sophie was so considerate, it was hard not to treat her well.
He said, "Sophie, you're part of the Roberts family, too. I remember what you like, and I'll surprise you sometime."
Sophie put on a surprised and grateful expression, then looked at Lily. "You should accept this gift, Lily. What you don't like is something others would envy but can't get."
Lily stared at Sophie. So Sophie wanted to take everything from her?
Lily grabbed the teddy bear and shoved it into Sophie's hands. "Now you have it."
She turned and walked away.
Belated concern was worthless.
She wouldn't be swayed by this small token.
"Lily, where are you going?" Michael quickly followed. "I know you've been hurt all this time. I was too busy with work and neglected your feelings. I promise it won't happen again."
Lily felt it wasn't worth it.
It wasn't worth it for the self who had given everything in her past life.
Lily's expression was calm. "Just leave me alone."
Michael blocked her path. "No, you have to come home with me today. You can't go with that school nurse. I talked to the principal today, and I've already made Austin move out. This way, no rules are broken, and you won't be in any danger."
Lily's expression darkened. She knew this would happen.
"Lily, I'm your guardian now, not that school nurse. There are already rumors at school. I can have you stay home to prepare for exams."
Lily lowered her eyelids, hiding her anger.
She said hoarsely, "So this is your way of not letting me be wronged?"
Michael was exasperated. "I'm doing this for your own good! Family disputes are no big deal. Why can't we resolve them peacefully? Do you have to run away to force us?"
Then why was she abandoned and died so miserably in her past life?
Lily walked forward with a stern face.
The only thing keeping her going now was the SAT countdown.
She couldn't cause trouble for Dennis. Though nothing happened today, if Michael got serious, it might be different.
After getting in the car, she messaged Dennis: [I'm going home for now. I'll talk to you later.]
Michael relaxed when he saw her get in the car.
It seemed Lily was indeed sulking. He had shown a bit of weakness, and she had let her guard down.
He needed to pay more attention to Lily to prevent her from feeling he was biased towards Sophie.
They returned to the Roberts house.
Lily got out first, ignoring everyone around her.
Michael watched her back and sighed helplessly.
Sophie struggled to get out of the car, holding the teddy bear. "Michael, I believe Lily will understand your good intentions."
Michael saw how obedient Sophie looked with the teddy bear and couldn't help but say, "If only Lily were as understanding and obedient as you, I'd be so grateful."
Sophie lowered her head, her expression humble and docile.
At dinner, Lily didn't see Austin, only Michael and Sophie.
Lily ate quietly and prepared to go back to her room.
She noticed Michael clutching his stomach, looking uncomfortable.
She knew Michael had a weak stomach and needed to take care of it with medication.
But in her past life, despite her best efforts to care for his stomach, it was Sophie's bowl of oatmeal that won him over.
She would never forget how Michael had smashed her medicinal food and held Sophie's oatmeal, looking moved.
Lily steeled herself and left the dining room, pretending not to see.
As she walked away, Michael watched her back, feeling a bit lost.
In the past, whenever he showed signs of stomach pain, Lily would be very concerned, fussing over him.
Michael endured the discomfort.
So now Lily didn't care about him anymore?
Michael felt like something had cut into his heart. He got up and left the dining room, his steps unsteady.
Sophie was left alone in the dining room. She felt that Michael's attitude towards her had changed a bit.
She needed to find a way to fix this.
Lily returned to her room, thinking about Michael's stomach pain.
She controlled herself not to be sentimental.
Michael didn't need her concern; he had Sophie's oatmeal, didn't he?
Lily took out her phone and messaged Dennis: [Did Austin give you any trouble at school today?]
The next second, Dennis called. His voice was cool. "I showed them the evidence of their assault, with a lawyer present. What could they do?"
Lily smiled. No wonder Austin got kicked out.
"Lily, if they bully you again, I'll come get you."
Lily bit her lip. "Why are you so good to me?"
She regretted asking as soon as the words left her mouth.