When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0826

+25 BONUS

“Why not sit down with him, talk it out, and explain what’s bothering you? Can’t you just tell him what you’re unhappy about and what you expect from him? Wouldn’t that be a more effective way to solve the problem at its core?” Mindy suggested.

Nelly clicked her tongue, her tone dripping with disdain. “There it is–that face of yours.”

She sneered. “That calm, detached look, like every difficult situation becomes so simple in your hands. As if you’re the only smart person in the world, the only one who can come up with solutions!”

“If I could actually demand anything of Timothy, why the hell would I come to you?” she roared, her voice filled with fury.

Mindy’s expression turned serious. “You’re his wife. Isn’t it natural for a married couple to communicate, to discuss things together?”

Nelly let out a hollow laugh. She bit her lip in frustration, and it seemed they might draw blood. “He doesn’t even treat me as his wife!” she spat.

Mindy was silent for a moment. Then, after a long pause, she raised her eyes and spoke with clarity. “I’m sorry, but I can’t meet your demand.”

“What do you mean by that?” Nelly’s eyes narrowed. “Are you saying you want to rekindle your relationship with him?”

“First, your demand is unreasonable. Why should I agree to it?” Mindy’s tone was calm but

firm.

“Second, Timothy, you, and I–we grew up together. If I were to do as you ask, does that mean I can’t even talk to him anymore? That we have to treat each other as strangers from now on? Do you think that’s realistic?

“Finally, I’m under no obligation to give you any guarantees, just as you have no right to dictate how I should act.”

Nelly’s face twisted in anger. “So, at the end of the day, you still haven’t let go of him!”

Mindy decided there was no point in continuing. Some people simply couldn’t grasp reason, no matter how many times it was explained to them. They’d remain trapped in their own faulty logic, stubbornly clinging to it,

Turning away, she started walking back toward the house.

Yet behind her, Nelly’s voice darkened. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell your husband about what

happened between you and Timothy? Do you think he’d still treat you the same if he knew?

11

Chapter 0826

Mindy paused, then turned back with a faint smile. “Go ahead, tell him. I have no objections.”

“You… you’re not afraid?” Nelly stammered, her voice faltering.

“Why should I be? He already knows,” Mindy replied coolly.

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“What did you say? Lionel knows about you and Timothy?” Nelly’s eyes widened in

disbelief.

Mindy nodded. “Of course. Why wouldn’t he? When I regained my memories, he naturally had questions. It’s only normal for him to ask, and I answered.‘

“And

you just tell him?” Nelly’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Mindy nodded. “Of course.”

“And he’s… not angry?” Nelly’s voice trembled.

→

“It’s ancient history. What’s there to be angry about?” Mindy genuinely didn’t understand her sister’s confusion. But this conversation made one thing painfully clear; Nelly’s marriage to Timothy wasn’t as perfect as it appeared.

“Ha! Lies! All lies! Mindy, you’re such a fake!” Nelly’s laugh was hollow and bitter.

Ignoring her, Mindy turned and resumed walking toward the house.

Suddenly, Nelly’s voice erupted like a thunderclap. “Minnie! You’re nothing but a filthy, shameless-”

“Enough!” Mindy’s voice cut through like steel

“Oh, what? Did I strike a nerve?” Nelly sneered. “But I’m not done! You’re trash, just absolute trash! Back then, when you were abducted, who knows how many men had taken their turns on you!”

Mindy’s gaze turned icy, and her calm demeanor vanished. “Abducted, huh? So you admit it was an abduction. But here’s my question for you, why?”

Nelly froze.

Mindy stepped closer, her eyes locked on Nelly’s as she asked, “Why did you do it back then? We were hiding, safe and unnoticed. Why in that cri

tical moment, did you deliberately make a noise and lead the abductors straight to us?”