The Moment She Changed – J.S. Caldwell 3

The Moment She Changed – J.S. Caldwell 3 Summary

 

In the afternoon, Joan visits a downtown bank to manage her finances, discovering that her father has frozen one of her credit cards in an attempt to control her by cutting off financial support. However, Joan remains unfazed, knowing she still has access to a gold card left by her mother, which holds a substantial balance. She transfers a large sum to her savings account, securing her financial independence despite her father’s interference.

 

Later, Joan receives messages from Alex and Lily, both urging her to come home and apologize, reflecting their concern and the family’s desire for reconciliation. Lily even sends a photo of her family happily together, with a gaming console that was meant to be Joan’s gift now in Lily’s possession. Joan responds with a smirk, rejecting their offers and support, signaling her determination to stand her ground.

 

The next day at school, Joan faces a hostile atmosphere as her classmates judge her based on a damaging post on the campus forum. The post portrays her as jealous and unreasonable for breaking up with her boyfriend and moving out overnight, while casting Lily as the innocent victim and Ryan as the noble helper. The post includes carefully timed photos that paint Joan in a cruel light, sparking negative comments and gossip among the students.

 

Despite her desk partner’s encouragement to defend herself, Joan chooses silence, feeling numb and resigned. She understands that the truth no longer matters, as people will believe the narrative that suits them. Joan suspects Lily is behind the post, given the precise timing of the photos, but she decides not to engage, accepting the situation with a calm exterior.

 

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In the afternoon, I had no classes, so I went to a bank downtown. 

I had two cards in my name. One was a secondary card that Dad had given me, for my monthly living expenses. The other was the card my mother had left me. 

As soon as I stepped into the VIP lounge, my phone rang. It was the bank manager. “Ms. Anderson, your father just called the bank and froze the credit card ending in 8888.” 

I wasn’t surprised at all. This was Dad’s usual trick–thinking that if he cut off my financial support, I’d obediently listen to him. 

“Got it,” I replied. 

“What about the other card?” 

The manager’s tone became more respectful. “Ms. Anderson, the gold card your mother left you has the 

highest privileges. No one but you can operate it. The current balance…” 

He rattled off a long number. It was enough to ensure I’d never have to worry about money again for the rest 

of my life. 

“Okay, thank you.” I hung up the phone and transferred a large sum from the gold card to my regular savings 

account. 

After leaving the bank, I received a message from Alex. [Joan, Dad froze your card. If you’re out of money, 

just come home and apologize. Don’t just keep holding on.] 

So noisy. 

That evening, Lily sent me a message. [Joan, don’t be mad at Dad and the brothers, they’re just really worried 

about you. Where are you now? I can have Ryan come pick you up and bring you home, okay?] 

She attached a photo. It was of our living room, where her family of four was happily eating fruit together, 

Lily leaning against Dad’s side, smiling brightly. 

On the coffee table was an open gift box containing the latest model of a gaming console. That was the gift Ethan had promised to buy for me a few days ago. Now, it belonged to Lily. 

I smirked and replied, [Thanks, but no thanks!] 

The next day, I went to class as usual. 

As soon as I entered the classroom, I could feel the atmosphere was off. Everyone was looking at me with 

Chapter 3 

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strange, judgmental eyes. 

My desk partner, a girl I usually got along with, hesitantly leaned in. “Joan, did you… see the post on the campus forum?” 

I pulled out my phone and opened the forum. A headline in bright red caught my eye. 

#BreakingNewsJoan Anderson, Jealous of Her CampusHeartthrobBoyfriendHelpinga NewTransfer Student,Publi clyBreaksUpWithHimandMovesoutOvernight! # 

The post vividly described what happened at the school anniversary party. It painted me as a jealous, petty, unreasonable villain. Lily was portrayed as the innocent, pitiful, lovable flower. 

Ryan was the caring, righteous “good guy,” helping his friend’s even at the cost of upsetting his girlfriend. 

The post included several photos. One of Lily crying backstage, one of Ryan looking frantic while on the phone, and another of me walking away coldly, my back turned. 

The angle was perfect, making me seem heartless and cruel. 

The comments were already piling up with hundreds of replies. 

[I always thought Joan was full of herself, guess she really is that kind of person.] 

[Ryan’s really unlucky to have a girlfriend like that.] 

[Poor Lily, she just got here and is already being bullied.] 

[I heard she’s still staying at Joan’s place. Now it’s going to be tough for her, definitely going to be treated 

badly.] 

My desk partner cautiously asked, “Joan, don’t you want to explain? You can’t just let them talk behind your 

back like this!” 

I dug my nails into my palm. For a moment, I wanted to find the person who posted this and tear their words apart. But in the end, all that rushing emotion turned into a numb void. 

I put my phone away and said calmly, “There’s nothing to explain.” 

What the truth is doesn’t matter. They’ll believe whatever they want to believe. 

And it’s obvious who posted it. Who else could have those “perfectly timed” photos, if not Lily? 

Chapter 4 

Conclusion

 

Joan’s experience in this chapter reveals the painful reality of being misunderstood and misjudged by those around her. Despite the financial control her father tries to exert, she finds strength in her mother’s legacy, symbolizing a quiet resilience. The public scrutiny and betrayal she faces, especially through the campus forum, deepen her isolation but also highlight her growing detachment from the need for approval or validation from others.

 

The emotional weight of being painted as the villain contrasts sharply with the loving image of Lily, emphasizing themes of perception versus reality and the complexity of relationships. Joan’s calm acceptance of the situation, choosing silence over confrontation, marks a turning point in her emotional journey, showing a shift from reactive anger to a more guarded, self-protective stance. This chapter poignantly captures the loneliness and strength that often accompany personal transformation.

 

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

 

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the fallout from the viral post that has cast Joan in a harsh, unforgiving light. As whispers and judgments swirl around her, Joan’s resolve and emotions will be tested like never before. Will she confront the growing tide of misunderstanding head-on, or will she retreat further into herself, weighed down by the isolation and betrayal she feels?

 

Tensions between Joan and those closest to her, especially Lily and Ryan, are bound to intensify, revealing cracks in relationships and hidden motives. The emotional undercurrents simmering beneath the surface hint at confrontations and revelations that could change everything. Readers will be drawn into this storm of conflict and heartache, eager to see how Joan navigates the treacherous path ahead.