Chapter 269

Bella knew what Clarice was talking about. She said, "All we did was head to the library to study." Clarice said, "He doesn't look like the studious type, if you ask me. You need to understand where I'm coming from, Bella. Many young men look outstanding now, but you'll realize how ordinary they are when you grow older. Look at your father—" "Dad is wonderful. At least, that's what I think," Bella cut her off. She wasn't happy with Clarice's prejudice. That rendered Clarice speechless. Still, she knew pushing Bella when the latter was madly in love would only have the opposite effect. She decided to take a step back and said, "I'm inviting a few friends for a gathering this weekend. Since you're so sure of this young man, why don't you bring him along?" Bella was delighted to hear that. "Does that mean you approve of him? You'll let us be together?" Clarice didn't give a straight answer. "We'll see how it goes." "Okay!" Naively enough, that gave Bella hope. She chatted with Clari