Chapter 214
Chapter 214: In the past, Darren and Belinda had shared a deep, almost romantic bond, nearly crossing the line into a relationship. Though he recognized the name Joyce, he had never actually seen Belinda with any other girl except Madisyn. Belinda let out a deep sigh, burdened by the memories. “She”¦ couldn’t go to college because of family issues and hardly ever visited Madisyn and me on campus.”’ The sorrow and sense of helplessness that had marred Joyce’s expression whenever she spoke of missing out on college still haunted Belinda after all these years. “I am the child born from my mother’s affair. My existence led to her divorce from her first husband and her marriage to my father. After my father died unexpectedly, my mother’s first husband reconciled with her to provide my older half-sister with a stable family. Consequently, I was raised by my maternal grandparents. My mother, feeling indebted to my sister, catered to her every whim. When my sister didn’t pass her college entrance exams and missed out on her dream university, she threw a tantrum. In response, my mother manipulated things so that our exam results were switched. My sister attended her dream school, while I was relegated to a lesser institution under her identity. My mother explained it was a debt we owed to my sister.”’ Back then, the news had left Belinda reeling, unable to offer Joyce any words of comfort. Joyce had taken a gulp of her drink and added, “I once believed I was cherished by my mother. It wasn’t until that incident that I realized she valued my sister above all else. That year, I spiraled into depression, indulged in drinking and smoking excessively, and even missed the college entrance exams the following year. I never managed to catch up after that. So, Belinda, I envy you. Despite your own”¦”’ Hardships, you were at least free to chase your dreams and choose your university. Belinda, I know you’re into jewelry design. If we get the chance, let’s join forces and make jewelry together”¦”’ Belinda’s heart ached deeply as she pondered Joyce’s story. chαptєrs in “Belinda.”’ Darren’s voice abruptly snapped her back to the present. “Were you and Joyce close?”’ Belinda raised her eyebrows, her gaze shifting curiously. “Don’t get me wrong,”’ Darren quickly interjected, sensing her reaction. “It’s just that your design is so compelling, it’s bound to catch on. But if you tie it to Joyce’s name, you might face copyright or financial issues down the line.”’ Belinda paused, considering his words before a reassuring smile crossed her face. “There won’t be any issues,”’ she replied confidently. Four years earlier, a tragic accident had left Joyce in a coma, and her family had subsequently moved overseas. Since then, they had vanished from Belinda’s world. Yet, Belinda clung to the hope that by naming her designs after Joyce, her family might somehow take notice. At the very least, it would show that someone still remembered and cared about her. Belinda often found herself wondering about Joyce’s condition. Was she still comatose, or had she awakened? Elsewhere, in a special care facility in Nawrin, the steady beeping of medical equipment filled the room….