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.

words, so don't mind him. Come on, open the gift and see what it is." Her chuckle was strained, but she tried to

barely acknowledged the comment, her fingers hesitantly reaching for the box. The others watched as she opened it with careful

on it, her

familiar. A sharp, bitter memory surfaced. Wasn't this the dress her so called "twin sister" had worn about three years ago during one of

second hand,

maybe not even second hand, more like tenth hand. 'Even the servants get treated better

audible. Then, with a calculated calmness, she slid the box to the side and leaned

The tension in

clenched painfully. She didn't show it on her face, but

was less than even the

herself to remain outwardly composed. Then, an idea struck

firm despite her swirling

echoed in her mind, calm and mechanical. "Are you sure you want to waste your

Nnenna replied without hesitation. "Change

moment of silence passed before

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

points. 'He must truly despise me to make me pay that much to change

heart, but she quickly shoved it

Obinna's expression shifted dramatically, his brow furrowed as