Ophelia Gets Thrown Out (Ophelia) novel Chapter 50

**Paths Lead To Purpose — Kevin Masters**
**Chapter 50**

“That’s quite different,” Owen declared, lifting his chin with a sense of pride that radiated from him. “My allowance comes directly from Mom and Dad. It’s not like I earned it myself.”

“Alright then,” Ophelia replied, her heart warming with affection for her younger brother. “So, when you grow up and start earning your own money, you can buy me a gift.”

As laughter and cheerful chatter filled the air, Zoe found herself increasingly feeling like an outsider, a mere spectator to the joyful interactions of the Rowle family.

Even during the times when she had been the center of attention, she had never felt this kind of closeness with them. It dawned on her now, with a heavy weight in her chest, that she had never truly belonged here.

“Mom, I’m feeling a bit tired. I think I’ll go rest for a little while,” Zoe said softly, casting her gaze downward, unable to meet anyone’s eyes.

Victoria turned to her, concern etched across her face. “Are you feeling unwell?”

“No, I’m fine,” Zoe replied quickly, trying to sound reassuring. “I’m probably just worn out from all the shopping today. A little rest will do me good.”

“Alright then,” Victoria said gently, her voice laced with understanding. “Go on and get some rest. I’ll have Chloe call you when it’s time for dinner.”

“Okay,” Zoe murmured, turning to head toward the elevator, her heart feeling heavier with each step.

“Chloe,” Victoria instructed, “please take Zoe’s jewelry and handbags up to her room.”

“Yes, Mrs. Rowle,” Chloe responded, gathering several shopping bags in her arms and following Zoe.

But Zoe didn’t even glance at the bags, the glint of the jewelry and the allure of the luxury purses did nothing but amplify her feelings of emptiness, as if they were mocking her very existence.

**

Before long, the air was charged with excitement as Tristan’s birthday celebration approached.

The entire Rowle family had been bustling about since the early hours of the morning, their dedication to making the occasion special evident in every detail.

Then, a sharp cry pierced the cheerful atmosphere of the villa. “Ah—”

“Chloe, what just happened?” Victoria called out, her voice rising with concern.

It sounded like Chloe’s voice, filled with distress.

“Mrs. Rowle, it’s all my fault! I was so clumsy! I broke Zoe’s jewelry—the one she was supposed to wear today! I’m so sorry!” Chloe’s voice trembled with panic and self-recrimination, as if she were ready to berate herself.

“The jewelry broke?” Victoria’s expression darkened, her eyes widening with alarm. “That was the piece Zoe chose especially for her grandfather’s birthday party.”

A wave of anxiety twisted in Victoria’s chest, her mind racing with worry. ‘What are we going to do now?’

“I’m so sorry, Mrs. Rowle,” Chloe repeated, her voice thick with remorse.

“Chloe, it wasn’t your fault,” Zoe interjected softly, biting her lip to keep her emotions in check. After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke as if she had made a difficult choice. “It’s just jewelry. I can go without it today. I’m sure Grandpa won’t mind.”

“You still need to wear something,” Victoria sighed, her resolve firming. “Chloe, go to my jewelry cabinet and bring a set for Zoe.”

“Mom, no, that’s really not necessary,” Zoe immediately protested, feeling a rush of discomfort.

“You have to wear it,” Victoria insisted, her tone leaving no room for argument. “Today isn’t just any family gathering. Every influential figure in Dunhollow will be there. Zoe, you must look your best tonight.”

“But—” Zoe hesitated, her anxiety bubbling to the surface. “Your jewelry is far too valuable, Mom. It’s suited to your elegance, not mine. I’d only cheapen it.”

Victoria paused, considering her daughter’s words. “You do have a point,” she conceded, though her desire for Zoe to look perfect remained.

“Mrs. Rowle,” Chloe ventured cautiously, lowering her voice, “maybe Ophelia could lend one of her pieces—”

“No,” Zoe interjected sharply, her voice firm. “I already asked Ophelia before, but she didn’t want to lend it to me. That’s why I went out and bought my own.”

“Yes,” Victoria agreed awkwardly, “after all, those pieces were gifts from Caterina, and they’re matched with her dresses. It wouldn’t be right for you to borrow them.”

“But, Mrs. Rowle,” Chloe pressed gently, “we don’t really have any other options right now. I’m sure Ophelia would understand.”

Zoe lowered her gaze, her voice soft and compliant. “Maybe we should just forget it. Really, I don’t need to wear anything.”

After a moment of contemplation, Victoria finally relented. “Alright. I’ll go ask Ophelia.”

Given the circumstances, there wasn’t much else she could do.

Chloe felt her heart drop, instinctively looking away, unable to meet Ophelia’s gaze. “I-I don’t understand what you mean, Ophelia.”

“Do you really not understand,” Ophelia said, her tone dripping with mockery, “or are you just pretending not to?” Her eyes slid over to Zoe, a knowing glint in them. “What do you think, Zoe?”

“Uh?” Zoe’s expression stiffened, her heart racing as she felt the weight of Ophelia’s scrutiny. “Ophelia, what are you implying?”

Ophelia’s lips curled into a cool, ironic smile. “Nothing. Just observing that the necklace broke at a rather unfortunate moment.”

“Y-yeah.” Zoe forced a laugh, her smile feeling stiff and unnatural.

Chloe seized the moment to speak up. “Ophelia, you’re right. It’s my fault. But now’s not the time to assign blame. I was thinking—”

Ophelia cut her off, her voice icy. “Whether or not to pursue responsibility isn’t something you, the one who made the mistake, get to decide.”

Chloe’s breath caught in her throat, her face turning ashen.

“Ophelia, that’s not what Chloe meant,” Zoe interjected, her voice rising in defense. “She’s just worried; after all, tonight is Grandfather’s birthday party.”

“Yes, Ophelia,” Chloe added quickly, desperation creeping into her voice. “I’m not trying to avoid responsibility. I just thought we should solve the problem first. As for the necklace I damaged—”

She glanced at Zoe, then gritted her teeth. “After the party, I’ll take full responsibility for the cost.”

“You’ll pay for it?” Ophelia arched a brow, skepticism evident in her gaze.

‘Would she really be willing to part with that much money?’ Ophelia wondered, her interest piqued.

“I mean,” Chloe corrected herself, “I’ll cover the repair fees.”

Zoe immediately chimed in, “Right, Ophelia. Chloe already said she’d handle the repair. But right now—”

A faint, mocking smile curved Ophelia’s lips. ‘Chloe really is loyal to Zoe, isn’t she?’ she mused, her mind racing with possibilities.

“So,” Ophelia finally said, her voice calm but sharp as a blade, “you’re sure you really want to borrow my jewelry?”