I nodded faintly. "You’re right."
Seeing my apparent agreement, my best friend’s lips curved into a secretive smile.
"Arabella, you truly are the woman Axel cherished with his life," she said, her tone laced with mock admiration.
"If he knew all you’ve done for him, he’d be moved to tears."
Her words carried a veneer of sincerity, but I caught the ironic twist in her smile. I laughed softly, too.
She laughed at my supposed naivety. I laughed at her overconfidence.
After I rejected Aunt Vivienne’s blind date, my best friend wasted no time spreading her version of the story among the neighbors.
"Arabella has decided to stay single for the rest of her life," she announced with conviction.
"Don’t even bother introducing anyone to her. She’s drowning in tens of millions of debt. Anyone who wants to be with her must first help her pay it off to prove their sincerity."
Her words, deliberately exaggerated and strategically placed, quickly turned the neighborhood into a hotbed of gossip.
"This Arabella is such a fool! How does she think she’ll pay off tens of millions of debt alone?"
"Exactly! She’s a widow with a child. Why push herself to the brink?"
"She’s out of her mind, clearly. Her husband’s death must’ve messed with her head."
I ignored their whispers, focusing instead on what mattered most—my son and the mountain of debt I was determined to conquer. I worked tirelessly, juggling jobs and responsibilities, while slowly mending the gaping hole in Axel’s company.
As the seasons turned, my son grew taller and more independent. But my best friend grew bolder.
At first, she’d only come by to see my son. Now, she often took him away for entire nights.
I knew what she was doing. She was taking him to reunite with Axel’s family.
My son, too young to understand the implications, was delighted. He eagerly awaited her visits, especially on holidays, when she’d promise to pick him up for outings.
Her behavior toward me shifted as well. Her once-concealed disdain now showed openly in her eyes.
Then came my son’s birthday.
Early in the morning, my best friend arrived, carrying a cake and gifts. Her enthusiasm was palpable, her actions overbearing.
After the meal, my best friend couldn’t wait to turn to my son with a bright smile.
"Rowan, tell your godmother what your wish is. Godmother will do everything to make it come true!"
My son hesitated for a moment, glancing at me for reassurance before replying, "I hope the family debt can be paid off quickly."
His words made my best friend’s eyes light up with understanding. She turned to me with a serious expression.
"Arabella, look at how thoughtful Rowan is. Even his wish is about the family debt."
"You’ve worked so hard all these years. How’s everything coming along?"
Their expectant gazes locked on me, and I offered a small smile.
"Soon," I said calmly.
"Axel’s company is operating again. Once it’s fully back on track, not only will the debt be paid off, but the company might even see a strong comeback."
Hearing this, both of them broke into laughter, their relief palpable.
My best friend turned to my son, her tone brimming with encouragement.
"Rowan, you should also work harder and focus on your studies. When the company flourishes, you can help your mother manage it."
Rowan nodded enthusiastically, his eyes shining with determination.
My best friend then shifted her gaze back to me, her voice soft and full of feigned concern.
"Arabella, you’ve been through so much over the years. You truly deserve some happiness."
"Rowan is such a bright and promising boy. When he grows up, he’ll be so filial to you."
"Your good fortune is just around the corner!"
She looked so proud, so content, as if she were somehow part of the success she anticipated.
I smiled back at her, though my thoughts were bittersweet.
My best friend, you think you’re lucky. But it is I who has luck coming my way.
As the company regained its footing, partnerships blossomed. Orders flooded in, and the market value soared.
Before long, I had paid off every last cent of the debt.
And the company? It didn’t just recover—it grew exponentially, becoming larger and more successful than ever before.
