?<strong>Chapter 153:</strong>


    Holley’s eyes widened slightly in disbelief. “Is… Is it really that serious?”


    Belinda didn’t respond, her silence echoing louder than words ever could.


    After a long pause, Holley’s voice trembled as she said, “But… But that’s exactly why Kylee can’t lose! If she does, Car will hold it against you, and your father—he’ll be furious, beyond words. Belinda, I’m begging you, please let Kylee win this time. Even if… Even if it means you will be dismissed from the hospital, I’ll take care of you. I’ll look after you for the rest of your life. And you still have Lucas, don’t you? Lucas and his father—surely they won’t let you struggle to find work.”


    Holley reached out and grasped Belinda’s hand tightly, her expression one of desperation and pleading.


    A deep sense of disappointment gripped Belinda’s chest, suffocating her. No matter how Holley tried to spin it, it all boiled down to one thing—Holley wanted her to sacrifice her own future for Kylee’s sake. How utterly absurd!


    Belinda stared at Holley, the turmoil inside her making it impossible to tell whether she was more disappointed or hurt.


    After a long breath, Belinda spoke up, each word sharp. “You told me not to outshine Kylee before, and I listened. You said I shouldn’t do anything better than her, that I should always be beneath her, and I obeyed. Now, with thispetition, one that could determine my entire future, you want me to give in again?”


    Then, unexpectedly, a smile tugged at Belinda’s lips—but it wasn’t a smile of happiness. It was a smile that hid more pain than tears ever could.


    Belinda continued, “Mom, I have to ask… Are you really my mother, or Kylee’s?”


    At Belinda’s words, Holley’s face drained of color.


    gα ? ησ ν?? ??s has it all


    Holley had never imagined that Belinda would say something so harsh. Belinda’s words cut deep, each one like a knife to her heart.


    Her voice quivered. “Belinda… You… You’ve really hurt me with those words. I never thought you would doubt me like this!”


    Belinda couldn’t help but scoff lightly at Holley’s words. She had hurt her? Did Holley even realize how many scars Holley had left on her heart, how many years of pain and disappointment had built up within her?


    Holley, still desperate, continued, her voice trembling, “I know… I know what I’m asking of you isn’t fair. But I… I have no choice. It’s all for our future, for both of us.”


    Belinda’s expression remained cool, her face like stone. She was unaffected by Holley’s desperate pleas.


    Seeing this, Holley felt sad. She knew that her attempts at remorse had only deepened the distance between them.


    Suddenly, a sharp sound echoed through the room. Holley had raised her hand and pped herself across the face, the sound ringing out like a hit to Belinda’s heart.


    Belinda’s gaze snapped up at the unexpected action, her eyes wide.


    Holley’s face crumpled with guilt. “It’s all my fault. I’m the one to me. I’ve been useless all my life.”


    “It’s bad enough that I’m a failure, but now, I’ve dragged my daughter into this mess.” Tears welled up in her eyes, her breath hitching as she sniffed. She lifted her gaze to Belinda once more, the tears spilling over as she sobbed, saying, “Belinda, I’ve thought it through. You can do what you feel is right. I won’t ask you topromise anymore.”


    But Belinda saw through her mother’s words. Despite the tears, despite the sorrow, Holley still wanted her to let Kylee win thepetition. At that moment, Belinda found the whole situationughable—utterly pointless. When she thought of this, she smiled slightly as she spoke directly. “You don’t need to feel like this anymore. I promise—I’ll let Kylee have her way.”


    .


    .


    .