Ophelia Gets Thrown Out (Ophelia) novel Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Friday arrived, the day Ophelia would move into university.

She came downstairs in her usual hoodie and jeans, finding the coffee table covered with school supplies.

“What’s all this?” she asked, then understanding dawned. “For us?”

Victoria smiled warmly. “For your first day. See anything you like?”

Ophelia looked at the impressive selection. It was incredibly thorough, with even multiple backpack styles available.

It felt like Victoria had brought the entire stationery department home.

“Since it’s your first time at Dunhollow University and I didn’t know your preferences,” Victoria explained, “I selected several latest backpack models for you to choose from.”

Zoe descended the stairs just then.

“Zoe,” Victoria added, “you’re welcome to pick a new one too if you’d like.”

After a brief glance, Zoe declined politely, “Thank you, but my current backpack works perfectly fine. Since it’s Ophelia’s first time at university, she should choose first.”

In truth, Zoe had known about these secret preparations.

The sight brought no joy, only a familiar ache.

All these years, Victoria had only taken her shopping after being asked.

These surprise gifts were always meant for Ophelia. Including her felt like an afterthought.

She wouldn’t choose anything, even if something caught her eye. She refused to accept pity offerings.

“But you usually get a new backpack every year,” Victoria noted, surprised. “Are you sure you don’t want one?”

“I’ve grown fond of this one,” Zoe said, adjusting her strap with forced cheerfulness. “Guess I’m sentimental.” Victoria chuckled. “I never knew you were so nostalgic.”

“Now that everything’s here,” Zoe suggested, linking arms with her mother, “I can always pick later if needed.” Victoria relented. “Alright, it’s your choice.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Zoe leaned briefly against her shoulder.

Victoria gently tapped Zoe’s nose, her eyes filled with affection. “Now go get some breakfast.”

“Alright,” Zoe responded briefly before heading straight to the dining room.

The array of new supplies on the table seemed to mock her, each item a painful reminder of the special treatment Ophelia received.

Observing Zoe’s retreating figure, Ophelia arched an eyebrow slightly, a trace of irony curling at the corner of her mouth.

‘Finally struck a nerve?’ she thought. ‘Interesting to see her drop the pleasant act for once.’

“Ophelia, which one do you like?” Victoria asked, completely focused on whether any of the backpacks had caught her daughter’s eye.

“Let me see,” Ophelia replied with a warm smile, selecting one after a moment’s consideration. “This one should work perfectly.”

After organizing her belongings into the new backpack, she linked arms with Victoria. “Thank you, Mom.”

Victoria patted her hand tenderly. “I’m just happy you found something you like.”

“Ophelia, I’ll drive you to campus after breakfast,” Dylan offered, his voice warm with anticipation.

“Your father and I would like to see you off, too,” Victoria added quickly.

Having missed so much of Ophelia’s childhood, she cherished every opportunity to be involved in her life now. “Really, there’s no need for everyone to go,” Ophelia said, touched but slightly overwhelmed by their attention. While she understood their good intentions, she didn’t want them to make such a fuss over her.

As they settled into the dining room, Victoria tried again. “But it’s your first day at Dunhollow University. We want to help you get settled in.”

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