chapter 7

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Journey with my lovely star

Bella's parents worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, but they struggled to provide for their family. Mrs. Taylor, a friend of Bella's mom, offered to let Bella live with her and her daughter Vivian in their spacious house. Bella's parents hoped this would give her a better life and more opportunities.

However, Vivian resented Bella's presence from the start. She saw Bella as a threat to her status and began bullying her, spreading rumors, and manipulating their classmates. Mrs. Taylor, caught up in her own world, didn't notice or ignored the signs.

Despite the challenges, Bella found solace in her friends Tan San and Ku Young. They formed a tight-knit group, supporting each other through thick and thin. They studied together, explored the town, and shared their dreams.

But Vivian's bullying escalated, and Mrs. Taylor's behavior became increasingly critical and demanding. She would often belittle Bella, making her feel worthless and ungrateful for the sacrifices she had made for her education.

One rainy evening, Vivian snuck into Mrs. Taylor's room and stole a valuable necklace. She then planted it in Bella's bag, framing her for the theft. When Mrs. Taylor discovered the missing necklace, Vivian feigned innocence, pointing the finger at Bella.

Mrs. Taylor, already predisposed to believe the worst about Bella, didn't hesitate. She accused Bella of theft and kicked her out of the house. Bella, shocked and devastated, tried to protest her innocence, but Mrs. Taylor wouldn't listen.

Bella had anticipated this moment. She had secretly saved money from her part-time jobs and rented a small house near school and her workplace. With a sense of determination, Bella walked away from Mrs. Taylor's house, her bags packed and her heart full of resolve.

As she walked away from the house, the rain poured down like tears from the sky. She felt a mix of emotions: relief, anger, and a deep sadness. The weight of Vivian's manipulation and Mrs. Taylor's betrayal settled heavy on her heart.

With each step, Bella felt a sense of determination growing inside her. She was finally free from Vivian's toxic grasp and Mrs. Taylor's suffocating expectations. But the pain of their betrayal lingered, a constant reminder of what she had endured.

As she settled into her new home, Bella felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. But the shadows of doubt and fear still lingered. She knew she had to confront the pain and anger head-on to truly move forward.

Bella's hands trembled as she unpacked her bags, her mind racing with thoughts of Vivian's smug face and Mrs. Taylor's harsh words. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of emotions, unable to escape the weight of their betrayal.

But as she hung up her favorite painting, a watercolor of a sunrise, something shifted inside her. The vibrant colors and gentle light seemed to whisper hope and resilience. Bella took a deep breath, letting the familiar scent of her own space envelop her.

She began to envision a new life, one where she was free to be herself, without Vivian's constant belittling or Mrs. Taylor's suffocating expectations. The thought sent a spark of determination through her veins.

Just then, Tan San and Ku Young burst through the door, arms laden with groceries and flowers. "We're so proud of you, Bella!" Tan San exclaimed, as Ku Young handed her a bouquet of sunflowers.

Bella's eyes welled up with tears as she hugged her friends tightly. "I couldn't have done it without you guys," she whispered, feeling a sense of gratitude and belonging.

As they cooked dinner together, sharing stories and laughter, Bella felt the shadows of doubt and fear slowly recede. She knew she still had a long way to go, but with her friends by her side, she felt ready to face whatever came next.