Thalia found herself outside Nelly 's room. Just then, she unexpectedly bumped into Donna .
Spotting the little girl emerging from the room, Thalia greeted her with a playful smile, “Oh, you're up early too.”
Donna yawned. “Good morning, Thalia.”
“If you're feeling tired, maybe you should go back to sleep for a while,” Thalia suggested before entering the room herself.
“Are you looking for Nelly ?” Donna asked.
In response, Thalia gave a dip of her head.
“But Nelly 's not in the room.”
“She isn't? Where did she go then?”
“I just made a call and it seems like they're all outside, enjoying the sunshine,” Donna informed her.
Hearing this, Thalia chuckled lightly. “ Nelly sure knows how to enjoy herself, huh?”
“That's exactly what I'm thinking too. It's really strange.”
“Let's go and take a look,” Thalia suggested.
“Okay.” Donna nodded, and the two of them walked outside together.
The sun rose in the east, signaling the arrival of autumn. The morning air carried a subtle chill, but its warmth was gradually spreading as the sun climbed higher.
As Thalia and Donna stepped outside, they scanned the surroundings for a while before finally spotting a figure dressed in white sitting not too far away.
From a distance, Nelly was wrapped in a deep khaki blanket, her white robe contrasting with the surroundings, giving her an ethereal and enchanting appearance. She seemed like a fairy who had found her way into the mortal realm.
As Thalia drew closer to Nelly , her eyes lit up with delight, and she couldn't help but comment, “ Nelly looks truly...”
A perplexed Donna queried, “Truly what?”
“Beautiful!”
Donna chuckled, a faint smile gracing her lips, with a touch of satisfaction evident. “Absolutely!”
The two of them strolled along, engaged in light banter. “I was complimenting Nelly , so why are you acting so smug?”
Donna 's eyes glimmered with mischief as she gazed at Thalia. “Of course, I should be proud. Let's set
aside the rest; she's my Nelly after all. Even if I can't inherit all of her genes, I should be able to claim at least half, don't you think?”
Thalia playfully averted her gaze, her tone feigning seriousness. “But you know, they say daughters often resemble their fathers. What if you end up inheriting less than half of that?”
Donna remained unfazed and responded with a smile, “Well, even if I take after my daddy, it wouldn't be too bad, would it?”
“Who told you that? You'd turn out ugly!” Thalia retorted, looking at her.
“You're just biased against my daddy!”
“I'm unbiased, but he's still ugly!”
“Hatred has clouded your judgment!” The little girl shook her head helplessly.
Thus, the two of them bantered as they walked, quickly reaching Nelly 's side.
“Mommy!” As soon as she got close, Donna immediately called out and ran straight to Nelly .
Nelly gazed at them, and at that moment, Donna affectionately launched herself into her arms, nuzzling her head against Nelly 's, “ Nelly , Mommy, I've missed you so much!”
Nelly 's lips curled into a smile. “Donna , it's about time you changed your opening line. It's getting stale!”
“I meant what I said!” said the little girl.
“Okay, I missed you too,” Nelly replied warmly.
“Really?” Donna inquired, finally lifting herself from Nelly 's embrace. She had rushed into the hug earlier without paying much attention, and now, seeing Nelly up close, Donna was a bit surprised.
“ Nelly , you—” Donna looked at her, suddenly speechless.
“What's wrong?” Nelly asked.
“W-Why are you...” Her words were on the tip of her tongue when Thalia appeared, drawn by the sound of her voice.
“You sure know how to enjoy yourself...” Thalia's statement faded as soon as she laid eyes on Nelly 's gaunt form.
In that instance, Nelly resembled a dandelion, with its petals already dispersed, appearing as though they could break with the gentlest of breezes.
Thalia observed, her complexion shifting.
“H-How did this happen?” she asked, her eyes filled with shock.
It appeared as if Nelly had foreseen their response; she offered a casual smile and inquired, “What's the matter?”
Thalia leaned closer, her gaze fixed on Nelly . “Just a few days have passed since we last saw each other. How is it possible that you've...”
“I just tried to lose weight. I didn't anticipate the outcomes to be this conspicuous!” Nelly persisted with this justification.
“Quit with the absurd excuses!” Thalia dismissed her words, disbelief evident in her eyes. “You're not even overweight. Why would you need to lose weight?” While speaking, her glance wandered, and she caught sight of Alpha Kilian entering the room, holding a cup of something.
At the sight of him, Thalia exploded in fury. “Alpha Kilian Morris , is this your way of looking after Nelly ? How did she reach this state? Is this your version of showing love for her?”
Confronted by her accusations, Alpha Kilian appeared almost oblivious. He advanced toward Nelly , leaned down, and presented her with a cup. “Take a sip of water,” he gently suggested.
As she observed his silence, Thalia's frustration intensified. “Alpha Kilian , I'm talking to you! What good is water? If you're incapable of looking after her, then I will!”
Alpha Kilian displayed a hint of discontent as he raised his gaze to meet hers.
Nelly , apprehensive that another argument might ensue, shook her head at Alpha Kilian . Observing her gesture, Alpha Kilian managed to suppress his words.
Nelly once again turned her gaze toward Thalia, softly uttering, “Thalia.”
Thalia didn't respond, her gaze still fixed intently on Alpha Kilian .
Upon seeing the situation, Nelly reached out and tugged at Thalia's sleeve. “This has nothing to do with him.”
Thalia eventually directed her gaze downward, locking eyes with Nelly , concern evident in her expression. “How can it not be his responsibility? If he didn't take proper care of you, it's on him!” As she spoke, she crouched down, arranging the blanket around Nelly . “No, it's chilly out here. You shouldn't stay here. Let's head indoors.”
“I'm fine!” Nelly chuckled. “Being cooped up indoors every day was stifling. Now, having the chance to gaze at the sky and experience the breeze feels wonderful!”
Thalia gazed at her, her brows knitting with worry. All she could feel was a pang of sorrow. “Where is Spencer? How could he allow you to reach this state? No, I have to talk to him later and ask just how he's been taking care of you!” Thalia exclaimed, her tone tinged with frustration.
“It's not his fault either...”
“Why isn't he to blame!” Thalia exclaimed, her gaze briefly shifting toward Alpha Kilian . “It's their responsibility, being a man and a doctor, to ensure your well-being!”
Alpha Kilian stood off to the side, his gaze profound and shadowed. His typically pallid complexion now bore a touch of discontent.
“Rather than assigning blame here and there, it might be more worthwhile to contemplate whether one's own actions have contributed,” he retorted, his tone carrying a chilly edge.
Hardly had he concluded his statement when Nelly directed her gaze upward, locking eyes with Alpha Kilian . It was only then that Alpha Kilian shifted his gaze away, choosing silence.
Nelly followed suit, redirecting her gaze toward Thalia.
In that instant, Thalia was momentarily caught off guard. She then rose to her feet, regarded Alpha Kilian , and inquired, “What are you implying?”
The man remained quiet, his gaze anchored to Nelly 's shoulder, seemingly disregarding Thalia's words entirely.
“What do you mean by that!” Thalia roared.
“Thalia,” Nelly addressed her, her gaze focused. “It doesn't mean anything. He was simply speaking without much thought.”
Alas, those words fell on deaf ears as Thalia cast her gaze downward, fixing her eyes on Nelly , her captivating gaze conveying an inexplicable mixture of emotions.
It appeared as if she had understood something