When fate plays its hand

“I actually thought about the possibility of you surviving,” Nelly said, her voice laced with disdain. “Maybe as a cripple, maybe sold to some remote mountain village, or maybe even as a beggar… but I never imagined you’d end up living so comfortably.

“Minnie, why do you have such amazing luck? Even after being abducted, you came back unscathed. And when you returned, everyone treated you just like before.”

Mindy met her gaze evenly. “It seems like you’re really envious of me.”

Nelly let out a cold laugh. “Yes, I envy you, but I hate you even more!”

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached, followed by Miranda’s voice. “Mom?”

Mindy cast Nelly a deep look before turning back toward the house. “Mimi, I’m here-”

“Grandma’s been asking where you went. She’s been looking everywhere for you.”

“I just finished sorting some things; I’ll be right inside!”

Nelly stood frozen, not moving an inch. Snowflakes then fell onto her head, melting into her hair. She could feel the chill seeping from her scalp straight into her heart.

When Timothy and Sam came out of the study, Fiona was nowhere to be seen. Only Mindy remained in the living room. Nelly had also left at some point.

Even so, Timothy didn’t ask a single question.

“Dad, I’m going outside for a smoke,” Sam said, heading toward the door.

Timothy turned to Mindy, walking over to stand in front of her. His heartbeat quickened uncontrollably. “Happy Easter, Min.”

“Happy Easter,” Mindy replied with a faint smile.

Their eyes met–one gaze deep and turbulent, and the other calm and composed.

“Finished talking with Dad?”

“Yeah.” Timothy nodded. “I’m heading out now.” novelbin

“Alright.” Mindy called toward the kitchen, “Lionel, stop for now and come out. Let’s see. our brother–in–law off together.”

The title was like an arrow to Timothy’s heart. He simply lowered his head, concealing the pain and sorrow in his eyes.

“Coming!” Lionel called out, hurrying from the kitchen with his hands still damp.

Mindy handed him a napkin. “Here, wipe your hands.”

“Thanks,” Lionel said while taking the napkin. “The milk’s almost ready. Just need to wai a bit longer.”

⠀ Earlier, Mindy had mentioned feeling cold after returning from the garden and asked for

something warm to drink.

Fiona had gone upstairs to fetch her a hand warmer, while Lionel had gone straight to the kitchen to make warm milk. That was why, when Timothy had entered the living room earlier, only Mindy was there.

“Let’s go,” Mindy said. “We’ll walk Timothy out.”

“Sure,” Lionel responded with a bright smile.

Timothy’remained silent as he watched them.

At the door, they saw Sam standing outside, holding a cigarette between his fingers. Timothy suddenly felt the urge to smoke, too.

“Sam,” he called.

Sam turned back. “Dad, you’re leaving already?”

“Yeah.”

Sam extinguished his cigarette and joined them.

Mindy spotted Miranda nearby and called out, “Mimi, come over here and see your cousin and uncle off.”

Sam’s expression froze. He suddenly wanted to light another cigarette. At that moment, his eyes met Timothy’s. For a brief second, they shared an unspoken understanding–a shared sadness and bitterness in their gazes.

Under the watchful eyes of Mindy, Lionel, and Miranda, both Timothy and Sam drove away in separate directions.

Sam was headed back to his apartment, so he was driving opposite Timothy’s route. At an intersection, their cars parted ways.

Just then, Timothy’s phone buzzed. Pulling over to answer, he said curtly, “What is it?”

On the other end, Nelly’s stiff voice replied, “I saw your car. I’m at the café nearby.

A few minutes later, Nelly got into the car. The door opened, letting in a gust of cold air. Timothy restarted the engine and drove toward their home.

Once they arrived, Nelly walked in first, flipping on the lights. She turned and received a sharp slap that echoed through the room, jerking her head to the side.

“Timothy, are you crazy!” she screamed while clutching her cheek in disbelief.

“I heard everything,” Timothy said, his voice low and icy.

Nelly froze. What exactly did he hear?