Chapter 446

After Ophelia split from Nathaniel, she sold their old villa and moved into a house she owned that had been sitting empty.

This place was right by the river, offering some pretty agreeable views.

Nina followed Alvin inside, and Ophelia came out of the kitchen carrying a dish.

When she saw them, her face lit up with a smile. "Perfect timing! Alvin, take Nina to wash up for dinner."

Ophelia set the dish down and headed back to the kitchen.

Nina put down the fruit gift box she had brought and followed Alvin to the sink.

Nina had just turned on the faucet and barely lathered her hands when she suddenly heard a loud "bang."

Before she could react, she was drenched in cold water.

"What the heck?" Alvin shouted and came over.

Nina was just as confused.

She raised her arm to block the water and turned to him, "I have no idea," her voice raised over the splashing.

Alvin reached out and pulled her closer. "You okay?" he asked, clearly worried.

Nina nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine."

Alvin took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

He then hurried into the bathroom and turned off the water valve.

The bathroom was a mess, water everywhere, and Alvin's T-shirt was soaked too.

He came back out, looking apologetic. "I'm so sorry. I invited you for a meal, yet caused this mess."

Nina shook her head, "Is everything okay?"

Alvin hesitated, then nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine."

Nina paused, a bit confused.

She had meant the faucet, not him, but it didn't seem like the right time to clarify.

"Alvin, Nina," Ophelia called out as she walked over, noticing their wet clothes.

She raised an eyebrow in surprise before chuckling. "This house has been empty for too long. I've been here a few days, and something's always breaking. Looks like I'll need to call the repairman again."

Alvin glanced at Nina, concern on his face. "Mom, Nina's soaked. You should take her upstairs to change."

"Right." Ophelia said, quickly catching on. She gently took Nina's hand and led her upstairs.

Alvin grabbed a suitcase from the living room and went upstairs to change too.

Ophelia found a clean dress for Nina. It was brand new, tags still on.

It was a bit oversized for Nina; fortunately, she still looked elegant in it.

Ophelia looked her over and said sincerely, "You usually dress pretty casual. I didn't expect you to look so stunning in a different style."

Nina cared little for her attire; wiping the droplets from her face, she got straight to the point. "You said you had news about Richard? What is it?"

Ophelia's expression turned serious, a hint of anger in her eyes. "I talked to an old college roommate yesterday and found out Richard is getting married. To Elodie from the Black Family. Did you know?"

Nina felt a pang of disappointment. She had hoped for different news.

Under Ophelia's concerned gaze, she nodded, "Yeah, I know."

Ophelia asked, "Are you planning to crash the wedding?"

Nina was taken aback, "Crash the wedding?"

"Yes. You're pregnant, right? Richard is the father, so he should take responsibility," Ophelia said, noticing Nina's expression was a bit off.

"Are you planning to have the baby and raise it alone?"

Nina nodded, "Yeah. I can handle it on my own."

Isabella had been raised by Nina from a young age, back when Nina had nothing and no one to lean on.

She had survived those tough times. Now that she had family support, raising a child wasn't a big deal.

"But it's not good for the child to be without a father," Ophelia said, concern in her voice.

"No problem," Nina replied firmly. "My child will undoubtedly be strong. Even without a father, my child will grow up just fine."

Ophelia looked at Nina, sensing her determination and maybe a bit of stubbornness.

She wanted to persuade Nina but felt it might be pointless.

Nina wasn't some fragile woman raised in luxury.

The experiences she and Isabella had gone through had made her self-reliant.

Now that Richard was getting married, even if Nina cared, it would be hard for her to ask him to change his mind.

She definitely wouldn't use the child to force Richard not to marry.

Outside the door, Alvin stood quietly, listening to their conversation.

A few days later, one morning, Nina came downstairs as usual.

She saw Zaire standing at the door with a suitcase by his feet.

Nina walked over and asked, "Zaire, heading out on a business trip again?"

Zaire looked at her and replied, "I'm going to Silvercrest for Richard's wedding."

There was a moment of silence.

Nina lowered her eyes, her face calm. "Ok. Be safe. Remember to call home when you get there. Mom and Dad always worry when you travel far."

Zaire asked, "Nina, do you want to come with me?"

Nina shook her head decisively. "I have too much work at the company. I can't leave."

Zaire frowned and continued, "Are you really going to just sit by and watch Richard marry Elodie? What about you and the baby once they do?"

Nina frowned, her expression serious. "Zaire, I told you not to mention my pregnancy to Richard!"

Nina was very obstinate, and Zaire didn't dare to go against her wishes.

Zaire sighed, "I won't say anything. I just think Richard might have his reasons."

Nina coldly responded, "Whether he has reasons or not, I don't care."

Zaire wanted to say more, but at that moment, Kelsey came running down the stairs, linking her arm with Nina's. "Nina, I'm ready. Let's go," she urged.

Zaire asked casually, "Where are you two off to so early?"

"We've got a doctor's appointment. I'm going with Nina for her prenatal checkup," Kelsey said excitedly.

"It's Nina's first ultrasound, and my first time seeing the baby in her belly. Zaire, I'll send you the pictures when we get the report."

Zaire shrugged, "The baby is just a bunch of cells right now. What can you even see?"

"Really?" Kelsey was a bit clueless but found it all fascinating.

She grinned, "It doesn't matter. Everyone starts as cells, right? As long as I get to see the baby in Nina's belly, I'll be satisfied."

Maybe women were naturally more emotional than men.

Listening to Kelsey's words, Nina felt a warmth in her heart, saying, "I hope the baby in my belly is a girl."

Kelsey nodded in agreement. "A girl would be great. Girls are more caring. Look at Sweetie, so young and already hugging her mom's neck affectionately. If you have another girl, Sweetie will be very happy."

Nina nodded, "Yeah. They will be like me and Bella."

When Nina talked about the baby, she radiated maternal love.

Zaire knew she had made up her mind and didn't try to persuade her further.

At the hospital, after Nina's ultrasound, she and Kelsey sat on a bench waiting for the results.

Kelsey was a bit impatient, constantly checking her watch.

Nina was relatively calm, but Zaire's words had her a bit lost in thought.