Chapter 175 Die Together
Nina paused and said, "It's over."
It was tough, but she wasn't hesitating anymore.
Kelsey was right. Charlie was a jerk, and she needed to stay away from him.
"Bella?" Nina noticed Isabella was quiet, deep in thought. Worried, she asked, "What's up? You okay?"
Isabella shook her head. "No. Nina, did you see what happened to Charlie?"
"Yeah, I did," Nina sighed. "Honestly, it was satisfying."
Kelsey chimed in, "Whoever put that jerk in his place deserves some good luck!"
Kelsey's words made Nina think about what Charlie had said earlier.
"Nina, you set me up, didn't you?"
Why would he say that?
Did someone secretly get revenge for her?
The Jose family? Unlikely.
Seb? Isabella didn't seem to know either.
Then who?
Nina thought about it and Richard's face popped into her mind.
Her heart skipped a beat, and her fingers curled up.
Was it Richard?
At the Jose family home, the servants had set the table early, and the food was already served.
Isabella looked at the spread. It was even more lavish than last time.
"We didn't know what you and Bella like, so we made a bit of everything. Come, sit and eat," Margaret said.
Everyone took their seats.
Nina pulled Isabella to sit down, and Kelsey joined them. "I'll sit next to Nina."
Isabella noticed Margaret wanted to sit closer to Nina, so she let go of Nina's hand. "I'll sit with Seb."
Nina didn't say anything.
After Nina sat down, Margaret nervously asked, "Can I sit here?"
This was Margaret's home, yet she seemed so reserved.
Nina pursed her lips and stood up to pull out the chair for her. "Please, have a seat."
"Okay," Margaret said repeatedly.
Nina's small gesture made Margaret's eyes well up with tears.
The meal was harmonious.
After the meal, the men went upstairs to the study to talk.
Kelsey took Nina and Isabella for a tour around the villa.
When they reached a room, Kelsey stopped and said, "Nina, you open this door."
Nina looked at her suspiciously. "Why?"
Kelsey just pushed Nina forward. "You'll see."
Nina hesitated but eventually turned the doorknob. The room came into view.
It was a bright bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows on one wall. The curtains fluttered, bringing in the scent of flowers. The room was clean and fresh, with a wooden table holding a vase of lilies. Dolls were scattered around, adding a girlish touch. A nearby cabinet held books ranging from classic literature to children's picture books.
Kelsey opened the closet, revealing girls' clothes arranged from small to large, all with new tags. Shoes, socks, and accessories were neatly organized.
"Look here," Kelsey said, opening the window.
Sunlight flooded the balcony, overlooking the garden. The breeze carried the scent of flowers.
"This is your room," Kelsey said. "It has been waiting for you since we moved in. Mom bought a doll every year for your birthday. She also buys new dresses and shoes every year. These books are from kindergarten to college. Even now, Mom sometimes goes to the bookstore by herself, picks out good books, and places them on your shelf."
Nina lowered her eyes. "No matter what she does, it can't make up for abandoning me back then."
"Mom never abandoned you," Kelsey said, her eyes red.
She wanted to say more, but Margaret's voice came from the door, "Kelsey!"
"Mom, let me say it."
Margaret shook her head and said to Isabella, "Bella, can you and Kelsey step out for a moment? I want to talk to Lisa alone."
Isabella nodded and pulled Kelsey out of the room.
"Mrs. Jose, I should leave now," Nina said.
"Lisa," Margaret grabbed her hand, almost pleading, "Don't go. Please don't go, okay?"
Nina turned slightly away. "Mrs. Jose, your daughter Lisa died the day you abandoned her. Maybe she starved, froze, or was beaten to death for stealing food."
Nina pointed to the table. "She can't use any of this. Maybe you should put a photo of her there.."
"Lisa," Margaret cried, her heart breaking. But she never let go of Nina's hand.
"I know you hate me and you should. But Lisa, can you listen to what I have to say?"
Nina remained silent.
Margaret, crying, said, "I got a letter from your father back then. He was framed in business, lost all his money, and was kidnapped! I sold the house and took the money to save him."
"Then why didn't you take me with you?" Nina turned, her eyes filled with tears. "You said you'd let me take a leave from school and then take me to find Dad! I took the leave, but you left. You abandoned me and left me all alone."
Margaret shook her head desperately. "It's not like that. I didn't abandon you or not want you. I went to find your dad, ready to die if necessary. I thought if things went wrong, I'd die with him. But Lisa, you're my daughter, you were so young. How could I let you die?"
"What if I wanted to die with you?" Nina cried out in anguish.
Margaret was stunned.
