CHAPTER 51: DEJA VU

One of the things Lola learned from her mother was never to laugh or celebrate other people’s misfortune. However, at times, she was guilty of being entertained by some people’s failures — specifically, the Young family members... except this one.

Lola was aware that Melissa was an unconvincing actress, and her success relied solely on her agency promoting her to the high heavens. But watching her audition gave her real-time secondhand embarrassment because, at the end of the day, everyone knew she was her sister.

"Either I direct this or don’t. I’m not giving her even a side character’s role!"

Her face twitched on her way to the lobby, thinking about Director Sarian’s declaration.

"Knowing him, he would surely make a huge fuss about this," she murmured, believing the director meant everything he had said. "Now, it’s up to the higher-ups who they would choose."

Worry filled her heart a bit because she could already see the problem that would arise with this. Director Sarian was a respected director, and he was the only one she could trust with the adaptation of Angel’s Revenge. On the other hand, Melissa’s backers had donated huge sums just for her to get into the project.

As Lola reached the lobby, her steps halted upon catching a familiar figure idling there.

Slowly, her brows rose while the corners of her mouth curved down.

"Lola!"

There, rushing toward her were Melissa and her lackeys, Pixy and Megan. The other two stopped a few paces away while Melissa stood before her.

"Melissa." Lola arched a brow. "What are you... Don’t tell me you’ve been waiting to ambush me here?"

Melissa frowned. "Lola, why do you have to make things sound so bad?"

"Because you and I never got along?"

"Lola." Melissa sighed heavily, and with her being like this, a part of Lola told her to be careful. "I didn’t wait to ambush you, alright? It’s just that... I know if I asked you to talk, you’d deny me that chance."

"Because you never deserved the chance," Lola blurted out, giving her a "you know" look. "Melissa, if this is about the role, like I said, I am merely on the casting panel to give my two cents. The people who decide rest with Director Sarian."

As she said this, she couldn’t help but glance at the two lackeys, who had found the shut-up pill after yesterday’s incident.

Setting her eyes back on Melissa, she tilted her head a bit. "If that’s all, I’m leaving."

Having said that, Lola resumed her step to leave these three. She didn’t want to waste too much time on them, considering she had other plans for tonight. But she only took a step when Melissa grabbed her arm tightly.

Lola stopped, brow arched at the hands holding her arm.

"..." Her lips drew into a thin line, lifting her gaze to meet Melissa’s.

Earlier today, her fiancé was doing the grabbing, and now, her? Talk about a match made in heaven.

"Lola, I know you hate me," Melissa sighed heavily. "But even so, I wanted to fix our relationship."

"???"

"When we were kids, we used to get along, remember?" She continued, sporting a bittersweet smile. "I know a lot happened, and it’s not what it used to be. To be honest, whenever I think about it, I feel very sad and keep asking what happened to us?"

She squeezed Lola’s arm as her smile stretched a bit. "After yesterday... specifically, after meeting your children, I realized I need to try again — harder."

"You better not use my children —"

"Please attend the engagement party!" Melissa cut her off, her eyes shining so brightly it was almost blinding. "I already sent you an invitation, but here."

She finally let go of Lola’s arm and pulled out an invitation card from her handbag. Holding it with both hands, she shoved it at Lola.

"I already asked permission from our parents, and they agreed," said Melissa. "And they’re also excited to meet my nephew and niece. Also, we’re adding an extra seat for your husband."

"..." Lola blinked many times, utterly confused. She knew Melissa met the twins, but a husband? When?

"We know," Melissa snatched her hand and placed the invitation in there. "You don’t have to be shy. I mean, it’s not like you’re embarrassed of your family, right?"

Having said that, Melissa finally let her go and took a step back. A satisfied smile dominated her face.

"Don’t worry about anything. All you need to do is come to the engagement party. Your dress and the twins’ clothes, even your husband’s clothes — don’t worry about anything. Just send me your address and I’ll send you nice clothes to wear for the event, okay?"

"Al... right?"

"Nice!" Melissa cheered happily before she glanced at her "friends." "Anyway, Lola, the three of us were planning —"

"No, thanks."

"Right. You can’t because you’re a mother and have kids to put to bed," Melissa mused, unable to hide a tinge of mockery in her voice. "Anyway, I’ll let mom and dad know that you’d be coming. See you there, sis!"

With that, Melissa finally turned and faced Pixy and Megan. "Let’s go?"

Lola stood in place, watching Melissa and the other two head to the main entrance. On their way out, she caught Silo walking in and past the group.

"Huh?" Silo glanced at Melissa on his way before he reached Lola. "Lola, what is that? Why are you with them?"

Lola didn’t answer immediately, but rather stared at the group entering a car waiting for them outside.

"Honestly, I have no idea," she shook her head, arms crossed under her chest. "She invited me to come to her engagement party with Derek and seemed very happy about it."

Silo raised a brow at her and scrunched up his nose. "You’re going?"

"For... what?" This time, Lola shot him a look of confusion.

"Then why did she look so happy?"

"That — I don’t know. She’s born weird, you know?" She shrugged before she shook her head. "Anyway, where’s our van?"

"Oh, I parked it in the parking space because I thought I’d have to wait for you."

"I see." Lola rocked her head and then checked the time. "Let’s go. I need to go somewhere."

"Where?"

Lola just flashed him a smile. "To a restaurant."

After all, Lola thought of Director Sarian and Ida’s advice, and she wanted to make a move as early as tonight. Time was crucial, and she couldn’t waste any more of it.

With that thought in mind, Lola and Silo headed to the parking space where their vehicle was. But just as Silo opened the door for her, the two of them froze as they had a surge of déjà vu.

There inside were the twins, beaming at them while waving.

"Hello, Mommy~!"

And with them, seated in the second row, was their father.