Chapter 103
Cameron managed to brush off Patrick and Miranda with a few quick words before trudging heavily into the house.
As he walked past Nellie’s room, he hesitated for once instead of just ignoring it. Standing at the door, he got lost in his thoughts, trying to unravel why Nellie had turned so cold and unfeeling. But every reason he could think of seemed to fall short. How did she end up
like this?
Unable to hold back, Cameron knocked on the door. After waiting for what seemed like ages, there was still no answer. Frustrated, he said, “Nellie, I know you’re in there. Open up. I’ve got something to say.”
From inside came Nellie’s stiff voice, “I need to rest. Whatever it is, it can wait till tomorrow.” Her tone was icy and even a bit annoyed.
Cameron was caught off guard. Back in the day, Nellie would’ve been thrilled if he reached out to her. But now, even when he swallowed his pride to approach her, she acted like he was the last person she wanted to see. This was just like he used to treat her.
Feeling a pang of regret, Cameron softened his voice, “Nellie, your sister’s really sick this time. You should be there with your parents to help her through. That’s what families do…”
Nellie’s voice cut through like a knife. “Get out.”
Cameron’s face fell, but he pushed on, “I know your folks made mistakes when you were a kid. But it’s been so long, and at least in the past few years, your dad and sister have been good to you. Maybe try to be a bit more forgiving.”
Suddenly, the door swung open, and Nellie stood there, her eyes blazing with anger. “Cameron, I’m no saint. I hold grudges, big time…. I’ll never forgive them, not in this life, and not in any other.”
Cameron’s face went pale, a shiver running down his spine. This vengeful side of Nellie shook him to his core, reminding him of the time he took one of her kidneys. In comparison to Patrick and Miranda, he wasn’t much better.
Would Nellie hold a grudge against him, too?
Cameron tried again, “Nellie, everyone makes mistakes…”
But she interrupted, cold as ice, “Cameron, you’re no different from them. You’re just another backstabber who forgets kindness and breaks promises.”
Cameron’s face twisted with discomfort as if he was in deep distress. Suddenly, Nellie slammed the door with a loud bang, making him jump. With a heavy heart, he walked away. He couldn’t shake the feeling of heaviness in his chest.
Back in his bedroom, he sank into the sofa, his mind elsewhere. His phone buzzed, breaking his thoughts. It was a message from Greta with a photo of an old–fashioned pocket watch engraved with ancient symbols.
Along with the picture, Greta had sent a little blurb:
Name: Timeless Cycle
Origin: Ancient king’s burial treasure, age unknown.
Value: Legend says the Timeless Cycle was a love token between a mysterious king and his queen. If you can unlock it, you’ll learn about your beloved’s past and future lives.
How to unlock: Unknown.
Cameron glanced at the pocket watch, feeling utterly disinterested. Then Greta’s message chimed again: [Cameron, I want it.]
