The Enigmatic Return (Nancy’s And Roxanne )

From beginning to end, her tone was very calm, completely devoid of any emotional undertones. It was as if she were telling someone else’s story.

But as her words fell, Wrenn’s face was already covered in tears.

While Neera spoke, she kept her eyes downcast, her fingers idly caressing the rim of the cup. Now, she looked up

and couldn’t help but pause.

She opened her mouth, then closed it again, taking a long moment before she softly asked, “Why are you crying…

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There was a hint of helplessness in her tone.

She pulled out a piece of tissue paper and handed it to Wrenn. “It’s all in the past now. For me, those things have become an insignificant past.”

Wrenn was crying so hard that her eyes became red and swollen.

She took the piece of tissue, wiping away the tear stains on her face. Yet, her tears fell even more fiercely, leaving her unable to utter a single word for quite some time.

After a long pause, she was still crying, her voice filled with sobs. Suddenly, she said, “Neera, if only I had known about your past, I would never have treated you that way, no matter what…”

To Neera’s surprise, Wrenn’s first words were actually these, leaving her slightly stunned.

And the words that followed caused a slight change in her expression.

“Neera, you were so young, and life was so tough for you. Those years must have been very hard, weren’t they…”

Neera was taken aback once again.

When Adriana came to take her away years ago, the first thing she said upon meeting Neera was the

same.

streaming down just as much as

hard it was, it’s all

the more she downplayed it, the

had never truly

such deep regret. She was filled with both sorrow and remorse.

experiences were beyond her wildest

life, nor had she

this girl to grit her teeth and persevere in

9

95%

muck yet not giving up, tenaciously drawing on every bit of hope that can keep

could endure all these hardships was truly a testament to her

only she had taken the time to understand Neera from the very beginning

origin, background, and experiences – none of these were things she could choose

the person she is today and reaching

was like no

lamented silently. Why is it only now, at this moment, that

deep breath, handed her another tissue, and began

the past now. Compared to my current life, those past experiences don’t matter much. I didn’t feel it was hard at the time, and looking back now, I don’t think it was that difficult. We all have to take life one step at a time. Even if the days are terrible, we still have to live each day as

listened with a heavy heart, unable to fathom the amount of hardship

she began to feel angry

had known this earlier, I wouldn’t have let those two leave so

really care either

have any involvement with them anymore. I’ve already repaid all past favors I owe them. What I should have done, and even what I shouldn’t have done, I’ve done it all. Even if this matter gets exposed, I have nothing to fear. I don’t care about others pointing fingers

lip, suddenly

don’t you understand yet? To me, you are like my own daughter now. Whatever I do that has anything related to you, I will definitely consider your feelings. I just regret that I understood you too late, that I once listened to one-sided stories and treated you so poorly. If I had known how hard it had been for you, I would never have treated you that way…”

a smirk abruptly tugging at

it’s my past experiences, or previous misunderstandings, you had your convictions back then, and I don’t blame you. As for what happened with Thora later, you had your thoughts, and your intentions were