Chapter 86 Jealousy
Laura leaned in, all serious-like, "Look, what I'm trying to say is super simple. Us gals, no matter how tough it gets, we can't take the easy way out. We gotta keep it real and steady. No shady shortcuts!"
Camilla nodded, "Yeah, totally."
"You with me on this?" Laura looked relieved.
"Absolutely."
"Great, that's a load off my mind." She nodded, satisfied. "You should return that villa ASAP. Might cost a bit, but it's worth the peace of mind."
Camilla looked confused.
"Can't let it go?" Laura's face darkened. Was all her talk just wasted?
Camilla chuckled, finally getting why Laura was there.
"First off, I totally get what you're saying. Women should definitely stand on their own. But."
Camilla's tone shifted. "I haven't leaned on anyone else. So, I'll take your advice as just that—advice. But I'm not taking it personally."
That was clear enough.
Anyone with half a brain could get it.
"Plus, the villa's for my folks. Contract's signed, no returns. And lastly, maybe next time you share your life lessons, be a bit more chill. Suggestions are cool, but no need to boss people around."
Laura's words were basically making decisions for them.
To put it nicely, she meant well; to put it bluntly, she was meddling.
Camilla wasn't having it.
As expected, Laura stormed off.
Before leaving, she threw a parting shot, "Sharp-tongued and stubborn!"
Alistair frowned deeply at that.
"Camilla, don't sweat it," Bella said bluntly. "She doesn't know what she's talking about."
Laura's words hinted that the money had a shady source.
Camilla didn't really care. What bugged her was if Laura knew, did that mean others knew too?
If people started showing up one after another, she could handle it, but it would be a pain.
Surprisingly, the next week was chill.
No one else came by.
The move was in full swing.
Alistair was bummed about leaving the green plants. The potted ones were easy, but the trees that had been growing in the yard for over a decade would take some effort to transplant.
Bella was way simpler. Her prized possessions were the books in her study.
As long as she had her books, she was good.
The lush greenery and the newly transplanted laurel tree made the villa pop.
Alistair had also set aside a plot in the backyard. The amaranth seeds she had sown recently were already sprouting, and in half a month, they'd be ready to eat.
Plus, Camilla's swing, Bella's recliner, and the wisteria from the old house were all moved over, bringing a familiar vibe to the new place.
Most of the front and back yards were still bare, but come spring, the dry soil would sprout a lush green lawn, and the flowers they had moved would bloom all over the yard. Camilla felt her effort was worth it.
During the move, something "interesting" happened.
Their neighbor Anouk saw the three of them moving stuff in and out every day and thought Alistair had finally had enough and was moving out.
So, Anouk figured if Alistair was moving out, she could snag the space between their houses and maybe even part of their yard.
"Hey, moving out?" Anouk stood at the gate, arms crossed, with a smug grin.
Alistair was too busy digging to even look up.
Bella, hearing her voice from inside, quickly pulled her foot back from the door.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Anouk sneered, "What's there to be proud of? Still got kicked out by me."
"Anouk, off to buy groceries?"
Anouk was on her way back from the market when she bumped into an old friend she liked.
"Yeah, got some eggs. They're half-price now compared to the morning!" Anouk raised her eyebrows, feeling all proud.
Not to brag, but no one in the neighborhood was better at managing stuff than her.
"Then I'll go at this time next time. By the way, did you hear? Your neighbor Alistair is moving out."
Anouk nodded. "Yeah, I know. Wonder where they rented a place. Can it be as convenient as here?"
She thought, 'They're not kids. If they can't handle it, moving out is good. Saves me from trimming those annoying flowers and vines every two months.'
The old friend lowered her voice, "Do you think it's because of the argument you had that they're moving out?"
Anouk raised her chin proudly, "I don't know. If that's the reason, it just shows they're petty and can't take a loss!"
"You're amazing. You should take over their yard and plant vegetables."
"I was really thinking about it!" Anouk's eyes lit up.
"What are you talking about?" Another neighbor hurried by. "Aren't you going to get some candy? It'll be gone soon."
Anouk asked, "What candy?"
"Alistair's candy. You're neighbors, so you must have gotten some already. I need to hurry, or there won't be any left for me."
"Wait! Why is Alistair giving out candy?"
"You don't know? Alistair is moving to a new house! A big villa! She's giving out candy to the neighbors."
Anouk's eyes widened in disbelief, "A villa? Her new house is a villa! Rented?"
"Of course not! They bought a new villa in that nearby development, what's it called, Stardust something?"
"Stardust Enclave?"
"Yes, that's it!"
Anouk gasped, "How is that possible!"
"A few days ago, my husband drove Alistair to deliver flowers there. He took a look inside! It's spacious and beautiful, with front and back yards. So comfortable. Alright, I need to get some candy and share the good luck. Maybe I'll live in a villa someday too."
The laughter faded away, but Anouk stood frozen, like she'd seen a ghost, unable to move.
After a busy week, they finally settled into their new home.
Alistair whipped up a fantastic meal.
Bella raised her glass, "To a new home, new beginnings, and everything going smoothly."
The clinking of their glasses echoed with laughter, spreading through the garden.
The moonlight was perfect, and the night was bright.
The next morning, Alistair got a call from Zoey.
"Mom?"
"I heard you moved to a new house?"
"Yeah," Alistair replied honestly.
"According to tradition, you should invite relatives and friends for a housewarming. How about we come over tomorrow?"
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