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

Chapter 26: His Entire Savings

Without much thought, she tossed the box aside, the action deliberate yet casual, as if its contents were beneath her notice. She had no intention of indulging them by opening whatever "gift" Chidera had prepared.

However, Queen Chioma was not about to let things slide so easily. She wanted to ensure her "concern" as a mother was on full display, especially in front of the king, and perhaps subtly remind everyone in the room of Nnenna's place.

After all, Obinna's unexpected gesture had already disrupted the carefully crafted hierarchy she had worked so hard to maintain.

"Now, Nnenna, that's no way to treat a gift," Queen Chioma said, her voice laced with false sweetness. "Come now, open it. These are thoughtful presents chosen specifically for you. Show some gratitude, my dear."

Her words might have sounded kind to an outsider, but Nnenna could hear the underlying command. It wasn't a suggestion, it was an order wrapped in flowery language.

Nnenna's fingers twitched slightly as she resisted the urge to retort. Instead, she leaned back against her pillow, her calm demeanor masking the irritation bubbling within her.

She looked at Queen Chioma, her expression neutral but her eyes cold. "Is it really that important?" she asked softly, her voice calm yet filled with unspoken meaning.

The queen's smile tightened. "Of course, it is, darling," she insisted, motioning toward the box. "Gifts are an expression of care and love. I'm sure Chidera put a lot of thought into it."

At this, Nnenna let out a barely audible sigh. It wasn't worth the fight, yet. Reaching over, she picked up the box again, her movements slow and deliberate.

She held it for a moment, her fingers brushing against the edges as if contemplating whether it was even worth her time.

Nnenna was still basking in the satisfaction of Obinna's changed gift. The Rolex watch on her wrist glinted softly. Buoyed by this small victory, she decided to humor the situation once more.

With measured composure, she opened the box Chidera had given her.

The moment the lid came off, a foul, nauseating smell filled the room. Her stomach turned as her eyes fell on the grotesque contents inside.

"A rat?!"

and incredulous, as the realization hit her. He had given her a dead rat as a "gift." The

a moment, silence enveloped the room. Even the king, who had been watching passively, frowned in

he shifted his gaze to Chidera, who stood there with a smug, unapologetic look

not everyone shared

she had wanted, a clear message sent to the "attachment" that dared to overstep

satisfaction evident

someone knows their place,' Queen Chioma

but she held herself steady. She wasn't going to

glanced at the box, then back at Chidera, her expression hardening into something unyielding. Slowly, she closed the box and set

none of the turmoil raging inside her. "I'll make

again. For a moment, even Chidera faltered. Her response wasn't what

the high road, leaving him and the others unsure how

inside, Nnenna seethed. 'Love System,' she called out silently, her voice sharp and

"Yes, Nnenna?"

this one slide. Change this pathetic

tone almost amused. "You'll have to use

"Do it."

well," the system

Ding!

gifts.' 300 Good Points

of guilt washed over him and a look of panic crossed his face as he stepped

wasn't the gift I meant to give!" he blurted out, his voice uncharacteristically

replacing her amusement. "What are