?<strong>Chapter 154:</strong>


    At Belinda’s words, Holley’s eyes widened in shock, a flicker of disbelief crossing her features. “Belinda, you… You…”


    But after a moment of stunned silence, Holley quickly regained herposure, her voice softening. “Belinda, I said you didn’t have to do that. Just do whatever you feel is right.”


    Belinda’s expression remained cool and unwavering. “I’ve already given my word, and I’ll keep it.” She paused for a beat and then continued, her tone steady, “You’ve gotten what you wanted now. Whether or not we finish this meal doesn’t matter anymore. I’m heading back to the hospital now. You can stay here and enjoy your lunch.”


    With that, she stood up, ready to leave.


    “Belinda!” Holley’s voice caught as she reached out and grabbed Belinda’s wrist. Looking up at Belinda with pleading eyes, she said, “I’ve missed you so much. Please, stay and have lunch with me.”


    Belinda didn’t spare Holley a nce.


    Her face remained cold as she calmly replied, “I’d rather not. I’m not in the mood to have lunch with you right now. I need some time alone.”


    She effortlessly pried Holley’s hand away, picked up her bag, and turned to leave.


    “Belinda…” Holley’s voice trembled as she called after Belinda, but Belinda didn’t respond, her heart set. She knew staying here would only make things worse for both of them.


    Once in the car, Belinda sank into the driver’s seat, resting her head back against the headrest as she closed her eyes, the weight of the day pressing down on her. She didn’t know how to describe what she was feeling now, yet she couldn’t deny the undercurrent of emotions swirling within her.


    Though she resented Holley and med her for so many things, she could never bring herself to be truly harsh with the woman who had given her life. Despite the anger that asionally consumed her, memories of Holley’s tenderness toward her always surfaced in her mind, softening the edges of her bitterness.


    Just then, her phone rang, cutting through her thoughts. Belinda nced at the caller ID, and instantly, her eyes lit up. Without a second thought, she swiped to answer the call.


    “Belinda.”


    A warm, gentle voice greeted Belinda on the other end of the line.


    “Grandma!” Belinda’s face lit up as she responded, her tone full of delight. “When are youing to Owathe? You’ve been traveling for so long. Are you back in the country now?”


    When Belinda had first returned to the country, she had called Kenia Lewis, her grandmother, offering to bring her to Owathe. But Kenia had been on a trip with close friends, and the n had been dyed.


    “Yes, I’m back! Just got back today. That’s why I’m calling you now,” Kenia replied cheerfully. “When will youe to Owathe then? I’lle to pick you up,” Belinda said, a touch of excitement in her voice.


    Kenia quickly responded, “No need for you to pick me up. Sarai will apany me there. I’ll head to Owathe after I rest for a couple of days.”


    Belinda hesitated and then said, “Well, with Sarai apanying you, I do feel a bit more at ease. But I still want to pick you up. I’ve missed you so much, Grandma.”


    Kenia’s voice softened, a smile in her tone. “You don’t need toe, my dear. I know how busy you are with work. Don’t worry; Sarai will take care of me. Just wait for me patiently.”


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