Chapter 7 - A slight disagreement (Last)

As this story went from bad to worse, I'm canceling it... I hope to see you soon with a completely new one.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't see that selection as something positive. The idea of being chosen as an attraction didn't excite me; on the contrary, it just seemed like a forced step towards something I didn't want.

And this view only got worse when I thought that I would have to take part in a contest that would be broadcast nationwide - all because of a snobby rich guy who didn't seem to have enough courage to find someone on his own.

Just the thought of the humiliation I would have to endure on national television was enough to make me want to scream.

While my mother tortured me in every possible way, Elara and my brother, Galen, even with their watchful eyes, decided to remain silent, as if they knew that any wrong word could provoke an outburst from her.

In my mother's eyes, nothing was more important than seeing me win that selection, regardless of the paths that had to be taken or the actions that had to be taken.

While I was lost in my thoughts, looking for a solution to escape the mess my mother had created, I was interrupted by her words.

"Surely everyone will love Livia! After all, she's beautiful."

My mother declared this enthusiastically, as if it were the most extraordinary thing in the world. Meanwhile, my niece was jumping for joy, while I struggled to hide my frustration behind a mask.

"Less, Mom, not so much. I'm barely average. And considering the type of girls taking part in this selection, I certainly wouldn't stand a chance. We'd better put that aside."

I said it almost in a whisper, hoping that my mother wouldn't hear, but I spoke with all the sincerity I could muster, hoping that this small, desperate attempt at an argument would be enough to convince her.

When I said those words, I had the impression that my mother was going to come at me, ready to rebut every argument. But luckily for me, my niece interrupted the mood with her animation.

"That's mintila. Aunt Livi is very beautiful!"

Nira exclaimed, her eyes shining with anticipation, as if she were trying to refute my claim in an animated way.

Even though I didn't want to admit it, her innocence ended up making a small, discreet smile appear on my face.

"Because I look like you and I'm very, very beautiful!"

My niece continued, now flashing a wide smile that was so contagious that I couldn't help but laugh too.

"You see, Livia? Even Nira believes in you. You won't let her down, will you?"

My mother asked again, using her famous manipulation technique, as if trying to make me think that there was no other option but to take part in the selection.

To make matters worse, my mother knew exactly what my weak point was, and that was what made me the angriest. She didn't need much; all it took was one little slip-up on my part for her to use it without hesitation, without the slightest remorse.

I wanted to express my indignation and say something to her, but, to my frustration, the words refused to come out of my mouth. As there was no other choice, I decided to move on.

"Galen..."

I began, my voice coming out a little softer than I had intended.

"Do you think I'm pretty?"

As soon as I asked that question, all eyes turned to the only firstborn in the house. When he heard my words, he looked at me with a surprised expression, as if he couldn't believe I had asked him that.

Even though I already knew what he was going to say, there was something inside me that needed to hear it.

"Just so I understand: you want me to give you an answer?"

Galen asked, with an astonished look on his face.

"Being honest, Livia? Yes, you are and always will be a beautiful country bumpkin."

My brother replied with a debauched laugh, clearly enjoying himself at my expense.

I was already prepared for my brother's immaturity; it was almost predictable. However, as he continued to laugh, an idea struck me. Perhaps, if I played my cards right, this would be the perfect chance to finally make my mother give up on this absurd idea.

That little slip of his could be all I needed.

I was one step away from saying that even my brother felt the same way, using that as my last card to change her mind.

But before I could finish my sentence, Elara interrupted me, drawing all the attention to herself.

"Vivi, don't listen to him. You know you're beautiful."

Elara commented, with a gentle look and a soft smile as she tried to comfort me.

I had a good argument to counter Elara's statement. If both she and my mother insist that I'm beautiful and all that, then why hasn't anyone ever asked me out? I had this question and many others, but I decided to keep silent.

After saying those words to me, Elara turned towards my brother, her gaze now firm and serious.

"And you."

Elara began, pointing at my brother with a serious look on her face.

"Stop it."

Galen raised an eyebrow and answered his fiancée's question.

"What have I done now?"

Galen asked, his voice laced with indignation, as he tried to disguise his teasing tone with a saintly pose.

"You know very well, so don't go playing the misunderstood now."

Elara replied, her tone leaving no room for doubt.

"Oh, come on, Elara! There's no need to make a big deal out of it."

Galen insisted, trying to reverse the situation.

"I only answered what she asked me. Why am I being crucified for being realistic?"

"Realistic? No, Galen, you're being cruel."

Elara retorted, keeping a serious expression and not allowing herself to be rattled by my brother's tone.

"Livia needed your support, not your criticism."

My father, who had remained silent until then, decided to intervene when he realized that the discussion between my brother and Elara was heading down an undesirable path. He wanted to act before the situation escalated.

A slight hiss escaped his lips, breaking the awkward silence.