Chapter 250
Chapter 250 An Unwanted Confession
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“Of course it’s true. We missed you too while you were gone. We’re just glad you’re home,” Florence reassured her warmly.
“Thank you, Mom.” Naomi leaned affectionately into Florence’s side.
Florence smiled. “You must be hungry. Come on, let’s all eat.”
“Yes, let’s eat,” Jonathan agreed heartily.
“Thank you, Dad.” After expressing her gratitude, Naomi turned to Arabella. “And Arabella, I know I was being petty before. I hope you can forgive me.”
“It’s fine,” Arabella replied calmly. She wasn’t particularly invested in whether Naomi stayed or left. Observing the easy familiarity between Naomi and their parents, it was clear bonds had formed over many years. If having Naomi home made her parents happy, Arabella had no objection.
Seeing Arabella’s indifferent response, Naomi felt a flicker of irritation but maintained a gracious expression. “Thank you, Arabella.”
Arabella’s brow furrowed slightly. The phrasing felt a bit off, overly formal.
‘We’re family. No need for all these thank–yous,” Ethan interjected smoothly.
Alfred nodded in agreement. “Exactly. Let’s just enjoy the meal.”
‘Mm,” Naomi acquiesced, though a thread of frustration ran through her. When she had first walked in, she’d overheard the tail end of their conversation–something about Matthew investing in Arabella’s company.
‘Arabella, I couldn’t help overhearing a bit when I arrived–you were talking about Matthew. Did something happen?” Naomi asked, aiming for a casual tone.
‘Not really. He’s just investing in a project,” Arabella said, offering no further details. She was fairly certain Naomi had heard more han she let on; otherwise, why bring up Matthew at all?
‘Oh, I see.” Sensing Arabella’s reluctance to elaborate, Naomi responded awkwardly and let the subject drop.
nternally, however, Naomi felt a surge of relief. It was a good thing her instincts had told her not to stay at Ruby’s place any longer and to return home. Otherwise, she would have been completely out of the loop.
A simmering resentment tightened her chest, darkening her gaze momentarily. Arabella had only been back a short time, yet she commanded everyone’s attention and affection. And now Matthew was investing in her venture? Just as Ruby had said, Arabella was somehow managing to steal every bit of the spotlight.
‘Naomi, here, have some more.” Florence served another portion onto Naomi’s plate, pulling her from her thoughts.
“I always knew you loved me the most, Mom.” Naomi turned on a sweet, almost childish charm, leaning into Florence.
Florence’s smile was affectionate. After all, Naomi was the daughter she had raised, and her feelings for her ran deep. Seeing Naomi seemingly come to her senses filled Florence with contentment.
After what appeared on the surface to be a harmonious family dinner, everyone dispersed to their rooms.
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Chapter 250 An Unwanted Confession
“Arabella.” Naomi’s voice stopped Arabella just as her hand touched her bedroom doorknob.
Arabella turned, one eyebrow raised. “Yes?”
Naomi glanced down the empty hallway before stepping closer. “Do you have feelings for Matthew?”
“Is that why you came back? To ask me that?” Arabella’s tone was flat.
Naomi flushed. “Of course not. Am I not allowed to come home?”
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“You’re always welcome here. I just hope you genuinely consider this your home,” Arabella said, her words carrying a quiet weight. Otherwise, the only person who would end up getting hurt was Naomi herself.
Naomi’s frown deepened. “You’re avoiding the question. Do you feel guilty?”
“Guilty about what?” Arabella let out a short, humorless laugh. “I don’t have feelings for him.”
“Really?” Naomi was torn between belief and suspicion.
“Believe what you want.” Arabella had no more patience for the conversation. She turned the knob to enter her room.
Flustered, Naomi blurted out, “Well, I do. I like him. Since you don’t, I’m going to pursue him.”
Arabella paused and looked back over her shoulder, her expression unreadable. “That’s your prerogative. But you should be saying that to Matthew, not to me. Telling me accomplishes nothing.”
With that, she entered her room and closed the door softly behind her.
Left alone in the hallway, Naomi felt a surprising lightness. Remembering how Arabella had been having dinner with Lucas before, and now her clear denial about Matthew, Naomi’s resolve hardened. She wasn’t about to let an opportunity with Matthew slip away.
It didn’t matter if he seemed indifferent now. She was convinced that with persistent effort, she could eventually win his affection.
Turning toward her own room, her steps felt decidedly lighter.
Inside her bedroom, Arabella let out a quiet sigh of irritation. She had just managed to navigate the expectations of Robert and her parents, and now Naomi was dragging the subject of Matthew back into her orbit. If Naomi liked him, she should go for it—what did that have to do with her?
“Matthew, look at the complications you bring,” she muttered under her breath to the empty room.
Shaking her head, she picked up her sleepwear and headed for the ensuite bathroom.
The next morning dawned clear and bright.
After breakfast, Alfred walked out with Arabella as they left Cloudrise Manor.
“Arabella, how much longer do you think you’ll need with the flight training?” Alfred asked conversationally.
“Probably not too much longer. I feel like I’m getting a solid grasp of the fundamentals now,” Arabella replied, making a mental
note to ask Lucas for his assessment later.
Alfred nodded. “I think you’re doing great. Honestly, it feels like if we handed you the controls of a real plane right now, you’d
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Chapter 250 An Unwanted Confession
probably manage just fine.”
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Arabella laughed. “Alfred, I appreciate the vote of confidence, but flying an actual aircraft? I’m definitely not ready for that step yet.”