When fate plays its hand

Which of those rich heirs out there didn’t have a wild youth? But playing around should never go too far. Nelly knew better than to spell things out too directly as she had no proof of anything specific. She gave a subtle warning instead.

“When it comes to relationships, you ought to be careful. Experience doesn’t mean you can dismiss women as if they don’t matter. One day, you might end up hurt.”

Sam looked puzzled. “Mom, what exactly are you trying to say?”

Unwilling to delve further, Nelly shifted topics. “A few days ago, I spoke with Dr. Thatcher. He said your grandmother’s eyes and health are significantly improving. Arrange a time for me to go see them.”

Roman Thatcher, a renowned ophthalmologist at Coops Corp Hospital, had been Fiona’s primary doctor for years. Nelly had arranged with the hospital to be informed immediately if her mother’s health improved.

“You’ve been telling me she’s too fragile to handle any emotional strain, so I’ve held back from seeing her. But now the doctor says she’s doing better. What reason do you have to keep me away?” Nelly stared at Sam, as if she already knew his answer.

Sam hesitated before responding, but he gently reminded her, “Grandma’s physical health may have improved, but her mental state is still fragile. Any emotional stress could set her back. It’s best not to disrupt her recovery…” C0ntent © 2024 (N/ô)velDrama.Org.

“What’s so emotionally stressful about seeing her own daughter? Despite Sam’s careful choice of words, Nelly’s frustration flared. “I’m her daughter, her only daughter! How has she not come to terms with that after all these years?”

“Mom-”

“She must be blind in more ways than one!” Nelly seethed, her voice breaking with anger and bitterness. Who has cared for her, worried about her, and attended to her needs all these years? And yet, she’s still thinking about Minnie!

“She’s dead! Minnie’s been dead for ages! There’s nothing left but dust! Why can’t the old woman get it through her head?”

That ghost of a person still lingered, casting a shadow over everything.

“Mom, that’s enough!” Sam’s tone grew cold as he listened to her spiraling words.

Over the years, the mere mention of Minnie caused Nelly’s usual poise and grace to disintegrate, leaving her disturbingly out of control.

“Sam, I truly don’t understand. Maybe you can explain it to me?‘ Nelly’s voice was tinged with desperation. “Whenever they need something. I’m there. Every holiday, I call, send gifts–everything’s on

time

“I’ve tried so hard to be a good daughter, and what do I get? Calls ignored, gifts returned, and whenever we meet, it’s like I’m their enemy. They don’t even see me as family! And now you’re telling me I’m out of line?”

Frustrated, Nelly stood up, pacing aimlessly around the living room while muttering to herself, “Is what I’ve done still not enough? Why haven’t they forgiven me after all these years?

“What was so perfect about Minnie? She was spoiled and headstrong–how am I any worse? Is it just blood ties? Are adopted daughters always viewed as less than from a biological one?

“If that’s the case, why adopt me in the first place? Why give me a home but not their full affection?”

Sam watched her silently as she vented. His gaze was steady while she cycled through anger, pain, and desperation. Only when she looked on the verge of breaking down did he speak with a calm voice.

“Two people left together, but only one came back. How do you expect Grandpa and Grandma to accept that, much less forgive it?”

Nelly froze as her body grew tense and unmoving.