They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 24: Pretense 2

She had never been happier, and the thought of going back to the chaos of the royal family only made her dread it more.

"Your second brother has something to say to you too," the Queen said with a practiced smile. Her voice was gentle, but it carried an unspoken command. "Come over here, Obinna."

Obinna's reluctance was palpable as he slowly walked over, his hands stuffed in his pockets. His eyes avoided Nnenna's as though even glancing at her might cost him something.

Finally, he pulled out a small, elaborately wrapped box and held it out stiffly.

"This is for you. I hope you... get better soon," he said, his tone colder than the hospital air conditioning. Without waiting for a response, he dropped the box onto the bed beside her with a careless toss and turned on his heel to walk away.

Nnenna stared at the box, her expression unreadable. She then shifted her gaze to Obinna's retreating back, a soft, bitter smile tugging at her lips.

Not a word escaped her as her fingers lightly brushed the box's corner before withdrawing completely. Whatever was inside, it seemed to hold no importance to her at the moment.

For a brief second, silence filled the room. It wasn't the silence of peace, it was heavy, laden with unspoken thoughts and hidden wounds.

Nnenna turned her head away, her gaze drifting toward the window as if searching for an escape from the suffocating presence of her "family."

It was a small act of defiance, but it spoke volumes.

Queen Chioma let out an awkward, nervous laugh, waving her hand lightly as though to dispel the tension in the air. "You know your brother," she began, her voice coated in fake warmth.

on, open the gift and see what it is." Her chuckle

The others watched as she opened it with careful hands, pulling

moment her eyes landed on it, her movements paused. Recognition

bitter memory surfaced. Wasn't this the dress her so called "twin sister" had worn about three years ago during one of the royal events? Her fingers brushed against the fabric's edges, and she noticed

a bitter smile as she thought to herself, 'So, this is all I'm worth? Second hand clothes?' It wasn't just second hand, it was practically a relic. The realization struck her like a cruel joke. The dress was out of style, out of date,

treatment... Or maybe not even second hand, more like

dress back into the box without a word, the sound of it hitting the container barely audible. Then, with a calculated calmness, she slid the box to the side and leaned back into her

recovered, masking her discomfort. The tension in the

Nnenna's heart clenched painfully. She didn't show it on her face, but deep

like she was less than even the castle servants. Not once

forced herself to remain outwardly composed. Then, an idea struck her like

System," she called out inwardly, her voice firm despite her swirling emotions. "I want him to change

her mind, calm and mechanical. "Are you sure you want

Nnenna replied without hesitation.

passed before

announced, "Ding! Changing hearts to change gifts. 200 good

smile as she thought to herself, 200 good points. 'He must

into her heart, but she quickly shoved it

expression shifted dramatically, his brow