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Chapter 6 - Chapter 8

The competition featured a variety of performances, including a debate, drama, dance, basketball, and works of art. The event was a resounding success, and all attendees enjoyed the performances; however, the results would be announced the following day. On their way home, Mrs. Valerie approached Clark, addressing him, "My son, how have you been?"

Mrs. Jane looked at her, curious about how she recognized her son. Mrs. Valerie expressed her pleasure at seeing Clark's mother, while Mr. Frank Clark's father, asked, "Hello, ma'am. How may we assist you?" Mrs. Valerie complimented them on the encounter before parting ways.

The Bieber family found the interaction somewhat awkward but chose to overlook it. Yvonne approached the Biebers alongside her mother, Mrs. Selana, and engaged them in conversation. Meanwhile, Clark sought out Bella. Kira and her siblings were with Kim's family when Clark inquired about Bella. They informed him that she was on the roof, prompting Yvonne to follow him, intrigued by his unusual behavior.

Clark ascended to the roof and discovered Bella gazing into the distance. He approached her and asked, "Why are you alone here?" She expressed a desire for solitude. Clark probed further, and Bella stated, "Clark, is it necessary to conceal our relationship? Is it not dangerous if people discover it?" She grasped his hand and gazed into his eyes, asking, "Are we not lovers? Why must we pretend to be merely friends?"

Clark responded, "Do not think that way; I assure you that the right time will come." Bella, in tears, replied, "I simply want to be close to you, to miss holding conversations freely... not to have to pretend to be just friends." Yvonne, witnessing the exch,ange she filmed them, felt a profound sense of sadness and heartbreak, prompting her to depart with tears streaming down her cheeks. Although Yvonne harbored feelings for Clark, he remained unaware of her emotions. To comfort bella, Clark embraced her tightly, urging her not to cry.

Yvonne promptly entered her residence and began to weep. Mrs. Selana, upon noticing her distress, excused herself from the conversation with the Biebers to check on her daughter. Upon entering the room, Mrs. Selana saw Yvonne in tears and inquired, "Oh my dear, who has caused you harm? Please, speak to me." Yvonne expressed to her mother that she wished to return home. Consequently, Mrs. Selana signaled to the Biebers and departed.

After a short period, Clark's parents began searching for him. He emerged from the house accompanied by Bella and introduced her to his parents, stating, "Mom, Dad, this is the woman who approached me; her daughter is this one." Following this introduction, Clark's mother decided to leave and entered the vehicle.

Mr. Frank, Clark's father, inquired, "How are you? It is a pleasure to meet you." While Mr. Frank was cordial, Mrs. Frank did not find Bella acceptable. Bella greeted Mr. Frank respectfully.

Mrs. Valerie and her children decided to return home while Clark bid farewell to Bella before departing. Clark questioned his mother regarding her abrupt exit from the gathering, to which she responded, "Clark, I prefer not to discuss it."

Clark chose to let the matter rest. Subsequently, Mrs. Valerie asked Bella about the nature of her conversation with Clark. Bella replied, "Mother, it was merely a discussion regarding our relationship." Kira expressed sympathy for Kim, indicating that she was unaware of the situation, given their friendship. Joan urged Bella to inform Kim, despite their close relationship. Feeling remorseful, Bella committed to informing Kim about the circumstances.

Clark attempted to contact Yvonne via phone, but his calls went unanswered. He subsequently sent her a text message, which also received no response, leaving him concerned about her well-being.

Yvonne arrived at school with a frown, prompting Sam to approach her and inquire, "Yvonne, what is troubling you? As your friend, I would like to talk." Yvonne disregarded Sam's efforts and remained silent. The students buzzed with excitement as the results were announced by Mrs. Bradford, who proclaimed the names of those who had been admitted, including debaters, artists, and drama participants.

Bella and Kim expressed their joy with enthusiasm, hugging each other upon hearing the news. However, Yvonne did not share in their excitement, remaining preoccupied with the events of the previous day. Sam, feeling anxious, sought to understand the reason for her melancholy demeanor. Meanwhile, Clark felt disheartened that his name was not included among those selected, as he wished to make his parents proud. He approached Yvonne to inquire about her mood and to extend his congratulations, but she remained silent.

Clark placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes. In response, Yvonne withdrew from his touch and walked away, leaving Clark perplexed regarding her behavior. He consulted Sam for insight, but Sam replied, "I do not know what is troubling her." As Kim and Bella celebrated their success, Clark approached them to offer his congratulations. Bella noticed Clark's somber expression and inferred that he was unhappy about not being selected, leading her to make a significant decision.

Bella informed Clark, "Out of my affection for you, I have decided to offer you my scholarship." Clark rejected her generous proposal, reminding her not to sacrifice her dreams due to her feelings for him. He urged her to consider her family's well-being. Bella responded, "You are part of my family." In a state of conflict, Clark promised to repay her kindness, while Bella proceeded to the principal's office to discuss her decision.

Principal Bradford questioned Bella about the wisdom of her choice, urging her to consider her family circumstances. Nonetheless, Bella remained resolute, and her name was subsequently replaced with Clark's. Upon learning of the decision, Clark joyfully embraced her.

Kim observed their interaction with suspicion, while Clark's friends expressed surprise at his selection, given that they were all part of the same team. David commented on the close bond between Clark and Bella, prompting laughter from Caleb and David. Bella, feeling overwhelmed, exited the area, while Clark defended her against their teasing.

Kim later approached Bella for clarification regarding her relationship with Clark. They retreated to the rooftop, where Bella confided in Kim but struggled to express her feelings. When Kim received an urgent message about her aunt's illness, she excused herself, leaving Bella distressed about how Kim would react to the news she had yet to share.

Bella descended from the rooftop, collected her belongings, and prepared to leave. Unbeknownst to her, Yvonne followed, discreetly documenting Bella's home address and sending it to Mrs. Jane. Upon reviewing the message, Mrs. Jane expressed disdain, contemplating how to impede Bella's association with Clark.

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