When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 74

“Alright, I’m on your side. Whatever you want to do, I’m with you today.” Selina handed Nelly a tissue, her tone gentle and soothing. Nelly wiped away the two tears she’d managed to squeeze out, doing her best to look pitiful.

Lunch was draining for Selina. She had to comfort Nelly, serve her food, and pour her drinks, which meant she barely got to eat herself. Nelly, meanwhile, barely spoke, claiming she was just too upset. But she sure didn’t let that stop her from eating, and she finished off most of the fruit wine by herself.

When they were finally done, Selina wasted no time calling the waiter over. “Charge it to Ms. Stewart’s card, please.” She rattled off Nelly’s phone number out of habit.

The waiter checked and replied, “Sorry, there’s no balance left on this card.”

Selina turned to Nelly, expecting her to take out her wallet as usual. But this time, Nelly just sat there sniffling, head down.

“Nelly?” Selina nudged her.

Nelly looked up, eyes hazy with confusion. “What’s wrong?”

“There’s no money on the card,” Selina whispered, embarrassed with the waiter standing right there.

Nelly didn’t seem bothered at all. “Oh, Selina, I forgot to mention… Since I’m refusing to divorce Brody, he froze all my accounts. I don’t have any money right now.”

“What?” Selina almost lost her cool. No money? Why did she come here in the first place? Even the cheapest meal here cost a fortune, easily half a month’s salary.

“I know, I know, I’ve just been so sad my brain’s not working. I meant to tell you when we ordered that I’m broke. That’s why I didn’t dare order anything expensive.”

Nelly watched her with big, innocent eyes.

Selina felt her face burn. She was the one who’d ordered all the pricey dishes. Now she couldn’t even suggest they split the bill.

“Selina, I always treated you before when we went out. Don’t tell me you can’t even buy me one meal?” Nelly kept going, and with the waiter still standing there, Selina felt herself shrinking in her seat.

The bill was over two thousand. If she topped up the membership card, she’d get a discount, but that would mean depositing at least five thousand.

Left with no way out, Selina tried to explain. “Nelly, it’s not that I don’t want to treat you… It’s just, this place is too expensive. I can’t really afford it.”

After they left the restaurant, Nelly was still in a bad mood. Selina felt even worse, but she forced a smile and kept comforting her, staying close.

Nelly dragged Selina around the mall all afternoon, using the same tricks to get her to buy nearly eight thousand dollars’ worth of stuff, all sent directly to Nelly’s place. The total was almost exactly what Selina’s bag was worth.

Selina realized Nelly was set on getting her money’s worth. At this point, the money was already spent, so she decided to play along and make herself look even more generous. The more she did for Nelly, the easier it would be to control her later.

By the time they finished shopping, it was almost evening. Nelly then asked Selina to go with her to a friend’s place for dinner.

Selina was exhausted and ready to say no, but Nelly mentioned this friend was really rich and might help her out. If that happened, she’d pay Selina back for everything.

Hearing that, Selina perked up and agreed right away. But she kept up the act. “Money doesn’t matter. Even if I’m broke, I want you to be happy.”

“Selina, you’re the best. You really are my best friend.” Nelly gave her a big smile, but Selina couldn’t shake the feeling she was gritting her teeth as she said it.

Soon, their car pulled into a familiar neighborhood. Selina knew it well. Sheila lived here.