“ Dad…say something. Your wife despise me,” She lamented dramatically, clutching her chest. “ Oh!, the pain, it wounds my fragile heart.”
Shaking her head in mock sorrow, she waved her hands.“ Let's go. I must nurse this heartbreak with a long, emotional shower.”
With that, she turned grandly and headed upstairs to her room on the second floor.
Twitched…
Seeing this scene, Mr. Carter burst out laughing.“ This child is such a drama queen ,” he said with amusement. “ I wonder why she didn't go into a film academy, instead of choosing sports.”
“ What else?” Mrs. Carter smiled, shaking her head as she headed to the kitchen. “ Since her Older sister was a basketball enthusiasts, she insists on following in her footsteps.”
“ I don't even need to turn on the television anymore to watch movies,” Mr. David said with a smile.“ We already have a drama queen at home to fill that role.”
He signed, his eyes radiating warmth as he followed his wife into the kitchen to help out.
Tut…Tut…
When Mr. Carter's phone beeped, this cause his expression to shift, especially when he saw the number.
A cold glint flashed from his eyes, which was quickly replaced by a wave of anxiety and unease.
He clenched the phone as if doing so could ease some of his fears and unspoken thoughts.
Mrs. Carter, walking ahead toward the kitchen, remained blissfully unaware of the strange, suspicious incident unfolding behind her.
…
The next day, Lynette arrived at Mapleline Residence, cradling gift bags brimming with boxes from her Christmas shopping spree, each carefully chosen for her family and relatives.
The Carters were stunned at the mountain of gift bags Lynette was holding.
Their mind raced with wild thoughts – had their daughter robbed a bank?, given how well-off she seemed to have shopped.
They knew well enough the family's modest financial means.
Though the Carters lived comfortably, they were far from the kind of wealth that could rival Florida city's richest tycoons.
“ Sis…did–did you rob a bank?” Averia asked, her eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of disbelief.“ Or…don't tell me you won the lottery jackpot?” she blurted out, inching closer.
Mrs. Carter froze mid-step, her heart skipping a beat.
“ Lynnie dear…” She began carefully, her eyes scanning the expensive-looking bags.“ Don't tell me it's what I'm thinking?”
She lowered her voice, her face bore a troubled look.
“ You know that as an actress, even if the industry is rotten – you really shouldn't –"
Before she could finish, Mr. Carter cleared his throat and glanced at the bags again, his lips twitching.
“ If she did rob a bank,” he said solemnly, “ at least she had the decency to bring the loot home.”
Averia gasped dramatically, clutching her chest.
“ Dad! you're encouraging crime!”
The room fell into a brief silence, which was broken by Lynette who burst out laughing.
Seeing her family spiral into wild speculation, Lynette quickly stepped in to clarify .
“Relax,” She said with a laugh, raising both hands in surrender.“ I didn't rob a bank, and i definitely didn't win the lottery.”
It was honestly creepy how their minds worked, ‘very imaginative.' Goosebumps spread over Lynette's skin at the thought.
Averia blinked, clearly disappointed.“ So…no dramatic criminal backstory?”
Lynette shot her a look.“ Keep talking and I'll return your gift.”
Mrs. Carter let out a relieved sign, her hand pressing lightly against her chest.“ You nearly gave your mother a heart attack. Then where did all this come from?”
“ Year-end bonuses,” Lynette lied, though her heart was beating rapidly.“ And a few brand deals. I just thought I'd spoil everyone a little since we would be leaving for the countryside.
Mr. Carter studied her for a moment before smiling, pride softening his eyes.“ As long as you earned it honestly, that's all that matters.”
“ I did.” Lynette said, her tone gentle.
Her thoughts drifted back to how she had gotten the money from Alex.
That was honestly earned money… right?
Right. Definitely.
Hee…hee.
“ I wanted us to go back carrying something, not empty-handed. After all, the festive season demanded a little more than just our presence.” Lynette smile cheekily.
The atmosphere instantly warmed.
Averia squealed,“ I knew my sister was amazing!”
Mrs Carter shook her head, though her smile betrayed her joy.“ This child…always thinking of others.”
Lynette smiled, home still felt warm and safe. And for her, that was enough.