The Monster at My Feet novel Chapter 4

"Hey, she's coming over. Damn, I can't even look her in the eye."

Sylvie walked right up to Lucas.-

The teenager stood up, looking visibly awkward.

Sylvie, however, smiled naturally, her voice soft. "Happy birthday."

"Thanks," Lucas replied, feeling an inexplicable rush of happiness.

His buddy instantly chimed in. "Can I get your number?"

The girl beamed. "Sure~"

Lucas shoved his friend away. "Ignore them."

"It's fine." Her smile was downright intoxicating.

Just as Lucas and Sylvie were striking up a genuine conversation, Helena marched over.

"Sylvie."

She called out her name. Though she was smiling, her face looked furious.

The crowd went quiet, exchanging knowing looks.

Before Sylvie could speak, Lucas frowned. "What is it, Mom?"

Helena felt a violent throbbing in her temples. She yanked Lucas back. "Why are you standing so close to her?"

Lucas looked at her like she was crazy. "How are we close? Are you out of your mind?"

Sylvie couldn't help it. She lowered her head and let a tiny smirk slip.

When she looked back up, her face was a picture of pure innocence. "Helena, what's wrong? Did I do something bad?"

A frail, breathtaking girl in a moonlight gown versus an aggressive stepmother in a blood-red dress. It was a classic fairytale showdown.

Seeing Sylvie play the victim made Helena want to rip her face off.

But with so many eyes on her, she had to maintain composure. She let out a cold laugh. "Let me ask you this. Where did you get that dress?"

Sylvie looked utterly lost and hurt. "Helena, didn't you pick out everything in my closet?"

"Liar!" Helena spat, struggling to keep her posture.

"You've been out in the country too long. Have you been picking up trashy habits? Which man bought you that dress?"

It was a direct accusation, practically calling her an escort in front of the entire room.

The young girl's eyes instantly welled up with tears, looking deeply betrayed. "Helena, how could you say that about me? I know you've always looked down on me, but..."

She choked on a sob, stumbling backward until Lucas caught her by the shoulders.

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