Rift in the perfect picture

Frances was delighted. The family was having a harmonious dinner at the table when she went to her room and returned

with a pair of emerald earrings for me.

I held the earrings obediently and praised them effusively until I noticed that Claudia’s expression had darkened. At that moment, I placed the earrings in front of her on the table.

Everyone followed my movements and saw the envious look on Claudia’s face as well.

I said, “Frances, give them to Claudia. I see that she likes them too. This way, she won’t ask me for them later.”

Frances patted Claudia’s shoulder and placed the earrings back in my hand. “No, I won’t give them to her. She’s still young and they’re not suitable for her age.”

Claudia pouted and the tears she had been holding back all night finally fell. I realized that I wasn’t as indifferent as I thought.

I still loved Nicholas. This feeling of love wouldn’t just magically disappear the moment I mentioned the word ” divorce.” I felt jealous of Claudia for the first time because of my love for Nicholas.

I thought I had won this round as I had made Claudia cry. However, she had someone to back her up.

Nicholas took the small box containing the earrings in his hand and tossed it to Claudia. “Mom, you should pass on your

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stuff to your daughter. Ari can wear what I give her.”

Nicholas‘ expression was cold, but Frances didn’t notice his anger and continued teasing him, “You rascal, Ari is my daughter too. You are being too possessive!”

In actual fact, he had no real possessiveness toward me. He just didn’t want me to take Claudia’s things.

Claudia’s face was still wet with tears when she walked over to me and held my hand. “Ariana, these are for you. I never intended to take them.”

I took a tissue and gently wiped her tears before saying sincerely, “Take it since Nick gave it to you. He can even give you the world if you wish for it. What are these trinkets compared to that?”

Even Nicholas was hers, so what couldn’t she have?

I glanced at Nicholas out of the corner of my eye. He was clearly pleased with my gesture of goodwill. In his heart, Claudia would always be more important than me.

Women would usually say the opposite of what they mean. This was particularly true for Claudia.

A smile bloomed on her face immediately. She was like a child with rapidly shifting moods. Claudia twirled around before throwing herself into Nicholas‘ arms. She blinked her twinkling eyes innocently and asked, “Nick, is what Ariana said true?”

Nicholas glanced at me and gave a faint grunt of acknowledgment.

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Claudia said, “Then, repeat after me, ‘Princess, please accept

this.”

Nicholas frowned. “What?”

Claudia insisted in a coquettish manner, “Nick, say it.” Princess, please accept this!”

Nicholas indulged her and repeated what Claudia said. I felt out of place in such a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

My nails dug into my palms and left crescent marks on my skin, but I couldn’t feel the pain. I told myself, “Ariana, don’t fight. It’s useless. You can’t win.”

While the others chatted happily, I claimed to be tired and excused myself. After taking a bath, I sat in front of the mirror and did my skincare routine.

At that moment, Frances knocked to enter the room. She held another gift box in her hand.

“I know that you must feel mistreated all these years, but Claudia has been spoiled since childhood. As her sister–in–law, you inevitably need to give in to her sometimes.” Frances patted my head gently and let me lean into her embrace.

Did she know I was feeling mistreated? However, I had never felt mistreated before the past two days.

My husband was a man I had loved for many years. Even if our relationship wasn’t always passionate, it was at least respectful and dignified. My in–laws treated me well, and I had a cute sister–in–law. I had such a happy life on paper. Could

others look at my life and consider it a form of suffering?

A huge conspiracy theory formed in my mind. Was Frances‘ kindness toward me just a way to maintain peace for someone else?