Chapter 1957
Ivy had been on a job application spree, sending out resumes like messages in bottles cast into a vast, indifferent sea. Each time she checked her email, the emptiness of her inbox echoed back at her, filled with silence rather than replies.
She sighed in resignation, “Man, why’s it gotta be so tough to land a job?”
Flopping onto her bed, Ivy’scrolled through her contacts on her phone.
Thanks to Clara’s meddling back in school, making friends was like trying to catch smoke with her bare hands – nearly impossible.
After graduation, the numbers dwindled even further.
But there was one girl, Megan, who often shared detention duties with Ivy. They had a good relationship, and even after graduation, they occasionally kept in touch with greetings.
Ivy opened Megan’s chat and hesitated before typing. [You around?]
It didn’t take long for Megan’s reply to pop up. [What’s up?]
[Got time to hang out soon?]
[Totally! I’m free as a bird!]
They chatted for a bit and agreed to meet for dinner that evening.
Feeling uplifted at the prospect of seeing her friend, Ivy decided it was time to spruce up before heading out.
She swung open her closet and was surprised to find a bunch of brand-new outfits, all perfectly her size.
Puzzled, Ivy called for the housekeeper to shed some light on the mystery.
“Whose clothes are these, and why are they in my closet?”
The housekeeper replied respectfully, “These were personally selected for you by the lady of the house.”
It was Grandmother.
Ivy hadn’t expected Alyssa to be so thoughtful and considerate. Touched by the gesture, she picked out a simple, elegant dress and got ready to leave.
Taking the bus to the rendezvous, Ivy spotted Megan from a distance and quickened her pace to greet her, “Long time no see, Megan!”
“Tell me about it! You vanished after graduation. What have you been up to?” Megan took Ivy’s hands, looking her up and down. “Whoa, Ivy, something’s off about you.”
Feeling self-conscious under her friend’s scrutiny, Ivy glanced down at herself, “What do you mean? What’s off?”
Megan squinted at her, “That dress must’ve cost a small fortune. It’s super fancy! Did you hit the jackpot or something?”
Ivy paused, looking down at the dress.
What? This thing’s worth thousands?
She knew the clothes Alyssa picked out wouldn’t be shabby, but she had no idea the dress was that pricey!
“Uh… you must be mistaken. It’s just a no-name brand, you know my situation, I’m not exactly rolling in dough to splurge on clothes.”
“Really? Well, this ‘no-name’ brand seems pretty high-quality to me!” Megan said, half in awe of the ‘no-name dress,’ half concerned for her friend. “Ivy, is your family still giving you a hard time?”
