Chapter 57: The Fiction of a Fiancé

**Thelma Zane’s POV** Of course, it wasn’t actual alcohol. The drink being served at dinner was simply non-alcoholic fruit water. Initially, my friends were a little reserved in my mother’s presence, but as the evening wore on, they began to relax. Before long, they were chatting freely, even revealing some of my more embarrassing moments at school. “You should’ve seen the football captain’s face!” Mara said, laughing. “He’s been such a bully, strutting around like he owns the school. I don’t think he ever imagined someone would knock him flat.” My mother chuckled at this story of my so-called bravery in dealing with bullies. Meanwhile, I sat off to the side, laughing nervously and silently praying Mara and Avril wouldn’t dig up anything more humiliating to share. “This is the first time I’ve heard from someone else just how righteous Thelma is,” my mother said, her tone both proud and teasing. She turned to Mara with a smile. “Thank you for sharing this with me.” Mar