When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 75

“This place…” Selina glanced at Nelly, but Nelly looked completely at ease. “What, have you been here before?”

“No, not at all,” Selina said quickly. “Your friend lives in a really fancy building.”

“She does,” Nelly replied, smiling.

Nelly didn’t explain any further, and Selina couldn’t help but feel a little suspicious. “So, what does your friend do? I don’t think you’ve ever mentioned her before.”

“Oh, well. We haven’t known each other long. She’s a professional at helping people work through family problems.”

Nelly’s calm answer seemed to put Selina’s worries to rest.

So, it’s a lawyer, Selina thought. What a coincidence that she lives in the same building as Sheila. Then again, there aren’t that many luxury buildings in Westhaven.

Thinking about it, Selina followed Nelly into the elevator, not even noticing which floor Nelly pressed.

It wasn’t until they stepped out and she saw the front door that Selina froze.

Wait. This… this is Sheila’s place.

Before Selina could make sense of it, Nelly pressed the doorbell.

“Nelly, actually, I just remembered I have something else to do…” Selina tried to turn around, but Nelly grabbed her arm and pushed her right in front of the video intercom.

“You’re already here. Just stay with me, alright?”

Nelly gave her a smile that sent chills down Selina’s spine. For the first time, she saw what was really behind that friendly face.

A moment later, Sheila opened the door. She’d seen Selina’s message earlier and thought she was just stopping by to drop something off.

“Selina, why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

But as soon as the door swung open, Sheila’s face went pale.

Standing right behind Selina was Nelly, watching her with a raised eyebrow.

“Hey bestie, the homewrecker you were just complaining about is here. Actually, never mind, you two already know each other pretty well, don’t you?”

Nelly put her hands on Selina’s shoulders and nudged her toward Sheila.

Selina was stunned and stammered out, “Nelly, what are you talking about? I swear, I—”

“Oh, so you’re saying you don’t know each other?”

Nelly actually laughed. “What, did you forget? On the anniversary of my son’s death, you were here celebrating her birthday, weren’t you?”

“Nelly…”

Selina tried to defend herself, but Sheila stepped forward and stood in front of her.

“Yes, Sheila and I are friends,” she admitted. “But she only kept it from you because I asked her to. I never thought it would hurt you this much…”

Sheila quickly pulled herself together, her voice soft and sincere.

“Come on, don’t be so dramatic. I’m not hurt.”

Selina was still in shock when Sheila said, “Wait here. I’m going to talk to Nelly. I don’t want her doing anything she’ll regret.”

“Sheila, just forget about that crazy woman. She’ll never appreciate it!”

Even now, Sheila was still worried about someone else. She was way too soft-hearted.

But Selina couldn’t stop her.

Still in her thin nightgown and slippers, Sheila hurried down the stairs and pressed the elevator button.

“Nelly, I know I hurt you. I’m sorry. I hope you can forgive me and stop putting yourself through this.”

The instant the elevator doors opened, Sheila rushed in, her eyes full of tears.

Nelly just laughed. “Drop the act, Sheila. You think I can’t tell what you’re really like? You’re not as innocent as you pretend to be.”

“Think whatever you want,” Sheila said. “I know you’re angry, but I never wanted to hurt you.”

Nelly tried to hit the elevator button, but Sheila blocked her way.

“Move.”

Nelly had lost all patience. She reached out to push Sheila aside, but Sheila grabbed her hand, pulled her out of the elevator, and dragged her to a spot the security cameras couldn’t see.

Nelly realized what Sheila was up to and pushed back, pinning her against the wall.