novelxo Chapter 1042
"Got too much free time on your hands?" Gavin's cold gaze fixed on Gernard.
Unbothered, Gernard strolled over and patted his brother's shoulder, grinning. "So, what's your plan now? I got a little bored and did some digging on the Quin family. Guess what? Turns out they're Selena's birth family. She left them ages ago to make it on her own, but the girl you were with? That's Jolie Quin, the pampered princess of the family."
With a knowing smirk, Gernard added, "Brother, I couldn't help but notice Jolie and Selena do look a bit alike. Could that be why you...?"
"Get lost," Gavin cut him off, not in the mood for Gernard's teasing. He brushed past him, heading downstairs.
Of course, that only fueled Gernard's enthusiasm. "Hey, don't walk away! I haven't finished my gossip yet!" he called after him, but the conversation came to an abrupt end as they reached the main floor, where the guests were still gathered for the celebration.
...
Aveline noticed Selena seemed a bit distracted and asked, "What's on your mind?"
Selena blinked, coming back to the moment, and glanced at her before replying after a brief pause, "Jolie is here too."
"Who?" Aveline was unfamiliar with the name at first.
With a sigh, Selena clarified, "My sister."
Aveline thought back for a moment and remembered. Selena had a twin sister, one who had always been the favored child. Despite being twins, their lives had been drastically different. "Did she come looking for you?" Aveline asked.
Selena shook her head. "No, I think the Quins were invited because they've made some achievements in Larbor City. The Coopers probably sent them an invitation."
"And what do you plan to do?" Aveline pressed gently.
Selena shook her head again. "I don't plan on doing anything. That's not my family, and I don't belong there."
She hadn't even told Aaron about her connection to the Quin family. To her, that place had never been home.
Aveline thought for a moment and then said, "Just follow what feels right for you. Your happiness is what matters most."
"Yeah," Selena nodded, though her mind seemed elsewhere, her hands absently playing with Pax and Joyet was clear she was distracted, but Aveline couldn't tell if it was because of Jolie attending the celebration or something else entirely.
...
Jolie stepped out of the room, glancing around briefly but noticing Gavin was nowhere to be seen. Shrugging, she didn't dwell on it and headed outside. She had delivered her gift; it was time to leave. However, as soon as she stepped out the door, she spotted Selena standing nearby, looking lost in thought.
"Waiting for me?" Jolie teased with a smirk as she approached.
Selena turned at the sound of her voice, giving her a quick once-over. Seeing that Jolie seemed fine, she replied dryly, "Don't flatter yourself. I'm just out for some air."
"Alright then, take your time. I'm heading out," Jolie said with a casual nod and started walking past her.
After a few steps, though, she paused and added, "You should come home sometime. Mom and Dad miss you."
Selena's response was instant, a bitter laugh escaping her lips as she spun on her heel and walked away the tension clear in every step. Her relationship with their parents was something she had no desire to
revisit. ne
Jolie watched her sister's retreating figure with a small frown before letting out a soft sigh and continuing on her way.
The celebration wrapped up
smoothly, and after all the guests had been seen off, Gernard hurried over to Aveline, an excited glint in his eyes. Hey, little sis, I've got some
juicy gossip to share with you!"
QUMS