"Goodness." Lola clicked her tongue, holding back her laughter while Penny giggled mischievously behind the wheel. "That’s not funny."
"Everybody happy!" Penny chimed, making Nina chuckle in the back while Kiara shook her head.
Lola leaned back and crossed her arms. A light chuckle escaped her, but she forced herself to stop. Now, she finally understood Kiara and Penny’s relationship.
"This is what it’s like to have a younger sister," Kiara commented. "You’ll get used to it."
"I am getting used to it," Lola replied, only for Nina to say, "That’s just the beginning."
"Well." Lola cleared her throat, glancing back with a smile. Before she could continue, she shifted her eyes to Kiara. "I think it’s still nice that we have at least one behaved little sister."
"That’s right." Kiara reached over and rubbed Nina’s back. "Stay good, Nina. Don’t get in touch with the devil."
All the women laughed, Penny included.
Good thing Lola had already heard the story because Kiara’s remarks were even funnier with context. But as the ladies continued their day, heading to their dress-shopping appointment, Lola couldn’t help the quiet question forming in her mind.
From what she heard, Nina and Penny didn’t start on a good note. There was a lot of drama growing up. Yet in the end, forgiveness prevailed in the Bennet family. So she couldn’t help but wonder—
What did they truly think about Lola’s decision not to forgive the Youngs or Loren?
Because Lola couldn’t forgive them.
Not yet.
And she still couldn’t see the future version of herself who possibly could.
The thought lingered in her mind even after they reached the boutique and everyone began trying on dresses for the upcoming party.
"Hey."
Lola snapped back to reality as Kiara suddenly sat on the divan beside her. Lola turned and smiled automatically.
"You’re done with your dress?" she asked.
Kiara shrugged. "I’m still waiting for Penny and Nina. I’m not really into these things, so I just grabbed whatever fits. They gave up on making me mix and match years ago."
"Ah..."
"What about you?" Kiara tilted her head. "You finished fast. Done picking your dress?"
Lola chuckled. "Atlas already gave me a dress for tonight. So, I’ll wear that. I just chose something for Mom and Aunt Jessa."
"I see." Kiara nodded slowly, eyes studying her. "Something bothering you?"
"Huh? No, of course not." Lola leaned back, smacking her lips as she looked around the boutique Penny had chosen.
To be fair, there was nothing special about the store. There were nicer boutiques in the city with a bigger selection. But Penny was the driver, and this was her pick. Not that Lola cared. She was simply happy to be out with them, having fun.
"It feels like suddenly gaining a group of friends I can hang out with," she said quietly, then bit her tongue, realizing she said her thoughts aloud.
Kiara laughed. "I know, right?"
"I’m not their spokesperson, but personally? I’m glad you’re not forgiving people who don’t deserve it," Kiara said with a shrug. "Knowing them, I’m sure they’re glad you didn’t forgive your family either. And even if you do forgive someday, they’d be glad as long as you’re doing it for yourself."
"You think so?"
"I don’t think. I know." Kiara gave her a reassuring look, just as a staff member approached to offer champagne. "Thank you."
She then turned back to Lola.
"As I was saying... you and I are alike. Our families valued everything except family. And I’ve accepted that. Not everyone shares the same ideas about family. Sometimes, the very people who should protect us are the first to hurt and traumatize us."
"If being ’selfish’ means not forgiving those who share your blood, then be selfish," Kiara added knowingly. "The Bennet family would rather you be selfish. I still haven’t forgiven my own parents. I haven’t spoken to them in years, not since my husband confronted them."
Kiara took a full sip of champagne and hissed in satisfaction. "And I’m not sorry for it. I’m at peace. Their absence in my life keeps me sane. So you shouldn’t feel guilty either. This life is yours."
"Thank you for saying that," Lola said sincerely, taking a sip as well. "Cheers?"
"Oh, dear." Kiara giggled as she clinked her glass with hers. "We’ll have more reasons to cheer later."
Lola frowned slightly at the cryptic remark but didn’t press, sipping her champagne just as Nina and Penny returned. Oddly enough, both women only bought one dress each, despite taking forever.
What Lola didn’t know was that today wasn’t just a girls’ shopping day.
These ladies were on a serious mission:
To keep Lola busy for the entire day.

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