Chapter 447

"Nina? Hey, Nina?" Kelsey's voice snapped her back to reality.

Nina blinked and saw Kelsey looking at her with concern.

"What's up?" Nina asked.

"I've been calling you several times. You okay?" Kelsey asked, her worry evident. "You are nervous or something?"

Nina chuckled. "Nah, I'm good."

"Want some water? I'll grab you a bottle," Kelsey offered.

"Sure," Nina nodded.

Kelsey dashed over to the vending machine by the elevator.

Nina watched her go, then felt a gentle tug on her clothes.

She turned to see no one in the seat next to her.

Nina's hem was tugged once again.

She looked down and saw a little girl, barely reaching her knee.

The kid was dressed to the nines, with short, neatly braided hair and a cool expression. She clung to Nina's clothes and timidly said, "Daddy, daddy."

The little girl's clear eyes melted Nina's heart.

Just as she was about to kneel down, a young woman rushed over, relief washing over her face.

She scooped the girl up. "Sweetie, didn't Mommy tell you to wait on the chair? How did you end up here? You are freaking me out." she said, her voice gentle but firm.

The girl pointed at Nina, "Daddy."

The woman finally noticed Nina and gave an embarrassed smile. "I'm so sorry. My baby gets confused sometimes."

Before the woman could finish, the girl pointed at a passing couple and called the man "Daddy, daddy," louder this time.

The couple turned, the man looking a bit awkward.

The girl got more excited, trying to wriggle free from her mom's arms, waving her little hands, signaling the man to hold her.

The couple looked mortified.

The mom had to cover the girl's mouth and awkwardly explain again.

Once the couple left, the girl quieted down.

But as soon as her mom let go, she started bawling.

Big tears rolled down her cheeks, making her look heartbroken.

The young mom tried to calm her, but it didn't work, and tears welled up in her eyes too.

Seeing this, Nina stepped forward, gently patted the woman's shoulder, and asked, "Mind if I try holding her?"

The woman looked up at Nina, eyes wet.

Nina suggested, "She seemed to want me to hold her earlier. Maybe it'll help."

The woman hesitated but then handed the girl over.

Nina took her, and the crying slowly stopped. The girl's big eyes blinked, and she still called out "Daddy."

After a while, the girl fell asleep in Nina's arms.

The young woman looked apologetic and whispered, "I'm really sorry for the trouble."

"It's no trouble," Nina said, handing the girl back.

After a pause, she asked, "What about her dad?"

The woman looked away, her gaze dropping.

After a moment, she said, "He passed away."

Nina's eyes softened. "I'm sorry."

The woman shook her head, tears brimming but with a determined look.

"It's okay," she said, her voice steady despite the emotion. "I can give her everything she needs. The only thing I can't give her is a father."

She sighed heavily. "Sometimes I really regret having her."

Nina felt a pang in her heart.

She glanced at the child sleeping peacefully in the woman's arms and gently said, "Don't say that. It would break her heart if she heard you."

The woman gave a bittersweet smile. " I know. I love her more than anything and would even lay down my life for her. But it's tough raising a kid on my own, without a father around."

Nina drifted into her thoughts.

Raising a kid without a father was indeed challenging.

She didn't know about others, but Isabella's situation was a perfect example.

Isabella had grown up without parents, so Nina, as her sister, worked tirelessly to earn money and provide for her.

For a long time, Bella envied other kids who had parents.

Even if she never said it out loud, the longing in her eyes was unmistakable.

Nina understood better than anyone the importance of parents to a child.

Nina couldn't help but think about her own unborn child.

Would her child also long for a father's love in the future? When that time came, how would she explain to her child where their father went?

"Nina," Kelsey called out and returned with the water. "It's about time to get the report, right?"

Nina snapped back to reality and went to get the report.

There were two ultrasound photos, showing a small, round shape.

Kelsey took a few photos of the report and then sent them to the Jose family group chat.

The group chat was buzzing with conversation, but Nina was lost in thought and didn't hear what Kelsey was saying.

As they walked out of the hospital, Nina suddenly grabbed Kelsey's hand and said firmly, "Kelsey, I need to go to Silvercrest!"

Kelsey was stunned. "What?"

Nina didn't respond; instead, she hurriedly searched online for plane tickets.

She always carried her documents with her, so going to Silvercrest was just a matter of buying a ticket.

But for some reason, all the tickets to Silvercrest were sold out today. The earliest ticket was for tomorrow.

But tomorrow was Richard and Elodie's wedding. If Nina went then, it would be too late.

Nina sat in the car, her sense of despair growing with each passing moment.

"Nina, what's wrong?" Kelsey asked.

Nina put down her phone, leaned back in her seat, and looked dazed. "Maybe this is God's will," she muttered to herself.

God did not wish for Nina to prevent the wedding of Richard and Elodie.

Kelsey didn't press but smiled meaningfully, "Let's go home."

Nina nodded. "Okay."

Kelsey started the car and drove toward the Jose family home.

As soon as the car entered the yard, they saw Zaire sitting on a garden bench, drinking tea.

Nina got out of the car, and Zaire walked over.

"Zaire, I thought you had already left?" she asked in surprise.

Zaire exchanged a glance with Kelsey and replied, "I was supposed to leave, but I was worried you might regret it, so I decided to wait a few more hours. The helicopter can take off at any time. I was afraid you wouldn't be able to get a ticket and would be sad."

Nina finally smiled. "I'll go pack my things now."

Before Nina could take a step, she saw Margaret pushing a suitcase out.

It was Nina's suitcase.

"Mom," Nina murmured, her eyes brimming with tears.

Margaret handed the suitcase to Nina and gently patted her hand.

She said gently, "Go. No matter the outcome, you need to make this trip. If things go well, bring Richard back. If not, come back safely. We will always stand behind you, supporting you unconditionally."

Nina choked up, "Thank you, Mom."

She stepped forward and hugged Margaret, tears streaming down her face.

Nina prided herself on being a strong woman who had weathered many hardships and didn't need to rely on anyone.

Yet in the presence of Margaret, Nina could not maintain her bravado.

In front of her family, Nina was willing to reveal her vulnerability, seeking support and assistance.