Chapter 147 - Grow Together

Isabella pov

"Father, she was bullied in the academy." i was not surprised that she knew the matter. Somehow she always knew more things than others do. But I have never thought that Abi would blatantly tell me about it. It was not like I did not want to complain but I did not want to bring Oliver in attention.

Father looked surprised at her and then at me. "Bella, would you care to explain, love?" asked mother, fidgeting at her seat looking at the angry face of father.

"Mother, it is not a big matter. We just have some small misunderstanding in the academy.`` I replied with a smile, though I was sure it was looking worse than my cries.

She nodded her head in satisfaction and then looked at father who was still looking at me pensively. His deep eyes were a boring hole in my body. As if he was trying to decipher my thoughts.

"It must be a small matter since she said so. I am sure Isabelle is a smart child. She would not argue with someone." mother replied, patting my shoulder.

"Did I say that she argued? I said she was bullied. And father, I need your seal to make an official complaint to their families. So that they would not do it again." replied Abigail, surprising everyone on the table.

"Since when have you started caring that much about Bella? It would affect her image negatively, if she would create an issue on the first day of the academy." replied mother and I sighed. This was not how it should go!

"Bella, I don't know why you are silent over the matter when you complain about every small thing that happened to you, but I am giving you the last chance to speak up. Or else I would.`` Abi pressed me and I sighed.

I myself did not know why I was trying to hide the matter. Maybe I did not want to bring Oliver into the light. I did not want his image to be tarnished before even forming in the eyes of my father! But why.. Why was I keeping him above myself? I took a deep breath as the pain started to form in my heart.

'No, it was because he became part of the mess because of me. So, I feel pity for him.' I looked at Abi, who was looking at me with anger. I was sure that she would tell everything even if I wanted to hide it. So I took a deep breath and told everything.

"Father after the exam…." Once I finished, my father's eyes turned cold. Though he was sitting there silently, everyone could feel the drop in temperature. His eyes were seething with anger.

"I will handle the matter properly." he said just a line before he stood up and left the dining room. I looked at his plate, he had not even eaten a single bite of the food.

"It was necessary. It is time for everyone to know that you are the youngest and pampered daughter of the Duke Essendson's family." my eyes widened and then softened at Nickolas's words who had just joined the room and Abi nodded supporting him.

Mother looked at Abi suspiciously but said nothing. I know she did not trust abi yet. But I was sure she would with the time being. This Abi was not the one we knew.

"Do you want to talk about it?" mother asked, looking at me apologetically but I shook my head.

"I am better, mother. I am strong enough to handle these small matters." I replied but she still looked at me reluctantly.

"But darling.."

"Mother, you should go and talk to father. He was looking very angry.'' I replied calmly and she looked at me and then at the door. Then she sighed and stood up.

"Grace, take the trolley of food and follow me." I patted my head and left with food.

I looked at Nicholas and Abi with a self deprecating smile on my face, "you did not need to do it. It was not a big deal." 

"We are family, remember." said Nick with a smile.

"If you are worried about Oliver then don't be. I have a way to handle his problem too." When Abi assured me about it, only then did I feel the heavy feeling in my heart.

I stood up and hugged both of them with tears in my eyes.

"It's fine. I will handle this matter well, I promise." replied Abi as she patted my back.

"I will make sure that they will learn from their mistakes too." added Nick making me smile.

"Now don't cry, your makeup will be ruined." tested Abi making all of us chuckle.

When I went back to my room, I thought I would finally sleep. But once I settled on bed, my thoughts drifted to Oliver again.

"Myra, go and call Oliver." I finally instructed since I knew I would not feel better anyhow.

She hesitated for a second but then bowed and left.

After a few minutes he was here. He was calm as always.

"Everyone leave." I ordered the two maids and they exchanged glances.

"But my lady." there was hesitation in his voice.

"I said leave.. Now!" They finally bowed and left.

"Why did you do that?" I asked , coming to the point. I did not want to talk in a roundabout manner.

"I did what was right. They were insulting you."

"So, what does it have to do with you. Do you not know that they all are nobles and they could snatch your golden chance of studying in the academy and your bright future too.`` I asked as it hurts. I did not want to be the reason for someone's bleak future.

"Ha! My future did not depend on the academy. Am I not making jewels with you? I will grow with you and be your partner when you open a big store of jewels. We will together soar high in the sky."

"..........."