Chapter 7 The yard at The Manners Villa was huge, packed with all kinds of colorful flowers and plants, plus a few rose bushes.
The air was filled with a sweet scent that just made you feel good.
In the living room, the whole family was gathered around, checking out gifts and laughing.
The place was buzzing with joy.
Out in the big yard, a gentle breeze made the flowers and plants sway.
It was such a peaceful scene.
Katniss tried to sneak through the living room to her room but got caught by Clara, who had this challenging look in her eyes, clearly looking to mess with Katniss.
Clara grabbed Katnisss hand with a big smile, Katniss, youre back! We got guests today, and Dad bought a ton of yummy food to celebrate us getting out of the hospital.
Your cooking is the best, and I cant wait to eat your dishes.
That was when everyone noticed Katniss.
Seeing Clara all buddy-buddy with her, they all frowned, looking pretty sour.
Lucas walked over, gave Katniss a quick glance, and then reached for Clara.
Clara, come here.
Remember how you got hurt? Stay away from Katniss; shell hurt you.
Lucas, Ive told you a million times, it wasnt Katniss… Nathan cut her off, It wasnt her, but she let those thugs mess with you.
Clara, stop defending her.
Youre too nice, and thats why Katniss bullies you.

Katniss didnt want to deal with them and headed straight to her room, but they werent about to let her go.
Katniss, where do you think youre going? Planning to set Clara up again? Nathan sneered, blocking her path with a smirk.
Katniss frowned, not wanting to get into it with Nathan。 I got stuff to do in my room.
Move.
Nathan laughed mockingly, Stuff to do? More like running from your responsibilities.
Katniss, you cant keep hiding from this.
Ill make you pay.
Simon walked over, handed Katniss a piece of paper and a pen, and ordered, Katniss, since youre back, apologize to Clara and write a self-reflection.
You messed up, so youll have to make it right.
Katniss looked at the paper and pen, a cold smile creeping onto her face.
She took the paper, her eyes turning icy.
Without a second thought, she tore the paper into pieces and tossed the pen to the ground with a snap.
Katniss, what the hell are you doing? Simons voice had a hint of anger, his eyes blazing.
Katniss turned to face Simon, her expression firm, Im not writing a self-reflection, and Im not apologizing.
I did nothing wrong.
Simons face darkened, his voice low, Youre openly defying the family rules.
Arent you scared of the consequences? Ive thought about the consequences long ago, Katnisss voice was cold, I wont wrong myself, and I wont bow to you.

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Simon was fuming, veins popping on his forehead.
He sneered, Alright, if youre gonna be that stubborn, get ready to face the music.
Just then, a tall guy in a white shirt walked over.
It was Desmond, Katnisss so-called fiancé.
Katniss, you think you can hurt Clara and fool everyone? Think again, Desmond accused, not holding back.
Was he here to play the hero for Clara? How touching.
Desmond strutted over, thinking his scolding would make Katniss cave, apologize to Clara, and write a self-reflection like before.
Her ingrained humility was seriously annoying.
But Desmond seemed to forget that Katniss had just refused to apologize and tore up the paper in front of everyone.
Clearly, she wasnt the same pushover anymore.
Katniss looked at Desmond, a hint of mockery in her eyes.
She used to love this seemingly gentle guy, hanging on his every word.
But now, her attitude towards him was ice-cold.
Desmond, dont treat Katniss like this.
Shes your fiancée, and she might have her reasons.
She must be really upset, Clara said, trying to defend Katniss.
Fiancée? Desmond said with a cruel smile, Not for long.

Desmond stared at Katniss, his eyes flashing with malice, a mocking smile on his lips, If you dont apologize, Ill break off the engagement.
He thought Katniss would panic and rush to apologize, explaining herself humbly like before.
But Katniss just stood there, unmoved, like it didnt even matter.
Her lips curled into a slight smile, she sneered, Oh, go ahead.
The sooner, the better.
Katniss looked at Desmond, feeling a wave of disgust.
She thought about their engagement, wondering why she didnt object back then.
Was this something she even wanted? Desmonds anger was clear, veins bulging, fists clenching.
Desmond, its all my fault.
Dont argue.
Katniss is just speaking out of anger.
Dont blame her, Clara said softly, holding Desmonds hand.
Desmond turned, glaring at Katniss, You! Desmond, dont get worked up.
Lets talk this out, Clara said, holding Desmonds hand tightly, her eyes filled with reluctance.
Lucas couldnt stand Claras behavior.
She was the victim, yet she was defending Katniss, making his heart ache.
He pointed at Katniss and yelled, Katniss, how can you be like this? Clara is speaking up for you, and you still dont repent.
This is your last chance, apologize now!