Chapter 138 - Trying too hard

~ At the Lim Villa~

"Come in, Mana. This is your first time here, make yourself comfortable."

Lila Lim welcomed the girl she had always been disgusted by with a sugary, elegant voice and the most practiced smile in her armoury.

She grit her teeth, deeply. What had the world come to? She had to befriend this loser to get back at that crazy woman Lina. Why couldn't she have remained missing? Why did she have to make such an explosive entrance back into society?

Mana looked around at the grand villa awkwardly. The missy of the house stood in front of her, dressed regally in a beautiful deep green, short qipao embroidered with intricate flowers, her luscious hair in an elegant, low bun.

"Thank you for inviting me. Your dress is beautiful." Mana complimented.

Lila almost rolled her eyes at what a kiss-ass this woman was. But instead, her face softened. For a moment, Mana thought perhaps that was her more genuine face.

"That's nice of you to say. It once belonged to my late mother" there was a note of sorrow in her voice, that quickly wiped away, masked by the cold, elegant smile of the lady of the house.

Two maids followed behind them as Lila led Mana to the main drawing room where the Lims entertaining company.

It was done so tastefully, and royally, Mana had to hold her breath. Antiques and chandeliers covered the room, but somehow it didn't look crowded. Lila belonged so perfectly in that room, Mana felt like she was at the service of a princess in her court.

"Would you like tea, coffee, lemonade or some other kind of beverage?" Lila asked softly, her maids attentive at their guest's response.

"Oh-uh, thank you, some tea would be lovely" she managed to say, not expected the ultimate hospitality on part of the woman who had bullied her brutally the very first day of their college orientation.

The maids quickly hurried off to prepare tea trays.

Lila looked back and Mana and flashed her yet another disarming smile.

"I'd like to clear the air between us, Mana, to begin with" she began.

"Oh, no no! Don't worry at all, there isn't any air to clear" Mana stopped her, feeling more than gracious toward the princess who invited her into her home.

That was more than her so-called, self-absorbed best friend had ever done. Lina had only ever invited her over to that bare apartment she called a home, while going back to the warmth of the Moshi mansion and all the riches and comforts it provided.

Day by day, Mana's resentment had grown towards Lina, jealousy stemming from a long-buried sense of insecurity.

Lina had been nothing but supportive, but Mana didn't want her pity and support. She wanted to feel like an equal. And Lila would help her feel that way.

Lila laughed prettily.

"No, please, I know it was long ago and we were just silly girls. But I do feel like I owe you a massive apology. I'm very sorry for being insensitive and bullying you for being different on that day, Mana"

Lila's deep eyes and well-practiced sincerity had Mana speechless. If this proud princess could have the decency to apologise to her, what right did Lina have to toss her aside?!

Furthermore, Lila was rumoured to have connections to the famous Lim clan. The main branch was said to have ties to royalty from Country C. The drawing room, Lila's dress…it seemed to fit the profile. If she wasn't a branch clan, she was surely part of the main branch.

Could Lina really even compare to that status?

Mana shook her head vigourously.

"Lila, don't worry about it. We were young and immature. It happens. Let's put it behind us. I haven't been the nicest to you either. Us women, we must stick together."

Mana's words made Lila scoff internally. This woman was such a hypocrite, betraying her best friend and telling her they should stick together.

But what difference did it make to her. Mana was just a tool anyway. She had bigger fish to fry. Not only did she have to deal with Lina, but there was also the question of the mystery woman, the current Madam Moshi she would have to remove from her path.

Lila's pride was equal to that of a divine goddess and not being able to punish Lina for publicly assaulting her during the very first day at university was a grudge she hadn't let go of. Even her father, the great head of the main Lim branch, couldn't get that bitch removed.

She had often asked her father why he wasn't able to touch Lina. But he always avoided the subject. She must have had some very strong backers. And Lila had often wondered how she could take her revenge without any blowback.

And then this fickle woman Mana showed her true colours and insecurities, becoming the perfect tool. Not to mention, her annoying brother was useful in enticing Mana to roll over more easily.

She noticed Mana had made a special effort to look prettier, but her efforts were pale in Lila's eyes. Her clothes were plain, and the accessories she had tried to decorate herself with didn't match. Her brother would never spare a girl like Mana a second look unless he had something to gain from it.

Mana's gaze was shifting around, as if she was expecting someone to walk in. Yet she was trying to remain composed. Lila scoffed internally, having realised she was hoping Loren would join them.

"Unfortunately my father and brother are out on business today so they won't be able to join us" Lila said politely, feigning apology.

She saw the light in Mana's eyes go out, as she held back a sarcastic laugh. Did this girl actually think she had a chance?

"Of course, they must be extremely busy. But I'm so glad you made time to see me"

Mana was really trying too hard, and Lila wanted to almost walk out in disgust. But she held back.

"I didn't have to make time, I'm happy to be in your company. I feel like we've had a lot of years of bad blood hold us bad."

As Lila said this, with a dazzling smile on her face, Mana became more comfortable, slowly forgetting every ounce of guilt she may have felt towards Lina. What would that woman know how lonely and abandoned she felt wondering what had happened to the one person she trusted.

She had tried to reach Lina every single day for days and then weeks, but had lost hope. At one point, she even mourned Lina. She never knew who to ask, since Lina had never spoken or introduced her to any family.

But now, it didn't matter if Lina was back. She would move on to better things for herself.

Like Lila Lim.