With that, he turned and left without hesitation, just like he had for so many years. He always listened to Clara and never stopped to hear my side of the story.
I looked at Shane in panic. He gave me a reassuring nod and stepped forward to talk to my father.
"Big sister, do you like my gift?" Clara smirked
"Clara! You know Dad has a heart condition! He’s spoiled you for years—why would you do this to him?"
She didn’t answer. Instead, she raised an eyebrow smugly and admired the delicate ring on her slender finger. Then she asked, "Does this ring look nice? Shane specially made it for me. Samantha, you are really shameless, you actually pestered Shane again after you had been dumped, didn't you hear all the recordings on that day?”
Smack!
A sharp pain burned across my face. She shook her hand out and looked down at me condescendingly.
"Samantha, everything you have belongs to me!" Before I could do anything, she suddenly grabbed my hand and slapped herself with it. Then, she dramatically fell backward onto the table. Crash!
The wine on the table splattered all over the place. She winced and her eyes filled with tears that streamed down her face as she sobbed, "Samantha, I’m sorry! I just wanted you to be nicer to Dad!
My father and Shane rushed over at the sound. He pushed me aside and anxiously examined Clara.
"I didn’t do anything! She was the one …."
"Samantha, shut up! Clara has always been a kindhearted child and you, my own daughter, how could I not know how vicious you are?"
My father cradled Clara in his arms. His eyes that were directed at me were full of impatience.
"Samantha, how could you push Clara? Hurry up, apologize to her!" Shane who had just comforted me a moment ago now glared at me with anger.
I took a deep breath and turned around. All I wanted was to leave, but Shane grabbed my wrist and said, "Samantha, apologize to Clara. I have been indulging in your wish too much and making you this wicked woman.
It felt like a claw was gripping my heart, making it impossible for me to breathe.
"Why should I apologize? I did nothing wrong! Why can’t you trust me, just this once?" I asked.
"If you apologize to Clara, I’ll forget your disgraceful behavior tonight. Otherwise, don’t even dream about winning this year’s design competition!"