When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 0825

Mindy’s expression remained calm, while Nelly felt her anger burn even hotter upon seeing her composure.

Nelly’s gaze turned icy, and there was a blend of fury and jealousy flashing in her eyes. Suddenly, she let out a cold laugh.

The moonlight fell on her face, casting a pale and somber glow. Paired with her red coat, she looked like a haunting figure from a ghostly tale. Mindy frowned, confusion crossing her features.

“I’ve always envied you,” Nelly began, her voice laced with bitterness. “I envied how you had Mom and Dad’s love, how Timothy always looked after you. Wherever you went, you were the center of attention, the one everyone admired.

“When I stood beside you, I was like the ugly duckling highlighting the swan. But I share the same last name as you! Why wasn’t that enough?”

Mindy furrowed her brow and stepped forward to steady her. “Nelly… you’re drunk.”

But Nelly shook her off, raising her hand to push Mindy away. “Don’t touch me! Stop pretending to care! I bet you’re laughing inside right now, aren’t you?”

“I’m not-”

“From the time we were children, as long as you were there, Mom and Dad only ever looked at you. Their eyes never left you. Why?” Nelly abruptly turned, gripping Mindy’s shoulders with increasing force.

darkened. “For more than 20 years, everything was fine. Life was peaceful and uneventful. Why did you have to come back? Wouldn’t it have been better to

CO

have a happy family. You’re even a best–selling author! You already have everything. Why isn’t that enough for you?

pitch, hysteria bubbling over as years of resentment, anger, and bitterness

grip to create space between them.

I know you,” she said evenly. You didn’t come here tonight

froze for a

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0825

as an excuse, pretending to let slip some ‘drunken truths.‘ But this doesn’t seem like a spur–of–the–moment thing. Since we both know what kind of people

want to say. Tell me what you’re planning. That way, I don’t have

escaped Nelly’s lips as she straightened up. “After all these years, you’re

the same sharpness. That

straight to the point,” Nelly said, shedding the pretense of drunkenness. Her eyes now

where you two stand with each other

voice remained steady. “And? Did you

clearly still has feelings for you. Don’t deny it–I have eyes. It’s plain