Chapter 119
Chapter 119:
Wait a minute! Could Sierra be infatuated with her?
Janice looked at Sierra again, noting that her gaze was indeed intense.
“Sierra, are you finishing school this year?” Nina asked unexpectedly.
“Yes, I graduated back in June,” Sierra replied, her face falling as she spoke. “But honestly, I’m not excited about graduating. Once I’m out of college, I won’t be able to do the things I love anymore.”
“It sounds like your mother has already set your path for you. A career-driven woman like her tends to control not only her life but also the lives of her children,” Nina commented, her voice tinged with sympathy as she anticipated the restrictive life awaiting Sierra.
Though Nina was close to Leonie, their views on parenting were starkly different. Nina valued respecting children and believed in never forcing them to do things they didn’t want to, while Leonie, on the other hand, wanted her children to adhere to her plans.
“Nina!” Janice said softly, noticing the unease on Sierra’s face. Realizing her tactlessness, Nina quickly added, “Oh, Sierra, I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have said that.”
Sierra shook her head, resigned. “It’s okay, I’ve come to terms with it.”
Janice frowned. “So, you’re just going to comply and be a puppet?”
“Janice…” Sierra looked at her, almost pleadingly. “What choice do I have but to accept?”
“Sierra, remember this,” Janice said with conviction. “You should live for yourself. Don’t let anyone become the shackles that restrict you.”
“But my parents won’t let me choose my own path. They’re determined to push me down the one they’ve chosen.”
“That’s exactly the problem,” Janice said, tapping the table and looking thoughtfully at the chandelier above, her demeanor that of someone who’d seen it all. Nina and Aiden looked on, taken aback by her assertive stance. Was she turning into Sierra’s life coach?
“Sierra, you’re a kind girl, but that has become your weakness. Because you are too kind and well-mannered, your parents have managed to bind you.”
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Confused, Sierra asked, “Then what should I do?”
“Don’t let your kindness prevent you from chasing what you really want,” Janice said, gesturing towards the luminous crystal chandelier as if to draw strength from it, and imparted some heartfelt advice. “Live life on your own terms.”
Sierra trembled slightly, her puzzled eyes beginning to sparkle. She saw Janice as a guardian angel sent to rescue her, offering a ray of hope on her confusing journey.
“Ahem!” Nina couldn’t resist pulling Janice aside and whispering, “Janice, you might be leading Sierra off course with that advice. And definitely don’t say that in front of Leonie; she might start hating you.”
“How could I possibly lead her astray? I’m simply helping her find her path,” Janice replied, a hint of pride in her voice. Nina and Aiden simultaneously rolled their eyes. That was Janice, always bold and unfiltered. They had no choice but to accept it.
“Janice, I know what I need to do now,” Sierra said, her fists clenched, her eyes alight with determination to follow Janice’s advice.
Janice smiled approvingly. “You’re incredible. Keep at it. Aim for a life with no regrets.”
“Yes,” Sierra nodded vigorously. “A life without regrets. Thank you, Janice. Your advice means a lot to me.”
Just then, Aiden teased, “Looks like you’ve got yourself a new admirer.”
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