Reborn From Oblivion

Nellie's voice was cold as ice. "Better to stand your ground than to stir up drama for no reason."

Greta sniffled, "We came today to invite you to my celebration party. I'd love for you to come but won't force you if you're not up for it. I just really wanted to share my happiness with you." Then, Greta handed her an invitation and stumbled away. Cameron stood there, torn between Greta and Nellie, before finally sighing and going after Greta. He always chose Greta.

Nellie tossed the invitation into the fireplace without a second thought. The room was instantly filled with the acrid smell of burning plastic. Greta and Cameron were not yet out the door. They turned back, eyes wide with shock at the sight of the invitation being devoured by flames.

Nellie used to be eager to attend every party just to catch a glimpse of Cameron.

Cameron's expression darkened, his voice filled with restraint. "Nellie, if you don't go to your sister's party, she'll be upset."

Nellie rolled her eyes. "Cameron, if you want to cater to all her needs, that's your business. Just leave me out of it."

Cameron's face went pale. He stammered, "Your sister's not well. I'm just looking after her. Why do you have to be so harsh?"

Nellie scoffed, "Funny, I don't see you caring for me, your actual wife..."

Cameron was visibly uncomfortable.

With tears in her eyes, Greta said, "Nel, Cameron and I are truly in love. He married you out of necessity. If you have any decency, you'd let him come back to me."

Cameron snapped at Greta, "Greta, what nonsense are you spouting?"

Nellie suddenly felt nauseous.

Lizzy, concerned, asked, "Are you okay?"

Greta and Cameron both looked at Nellie, puzzled. Greta, particularly uneasy, glanced at Cameron as if she figured something out.

Cameron's gaze drilled into Nellie, questioning.

Nellie shrugged at Lizzy. "Oh, nothing, just a bit queasy from seeing something gross."

Cameron's expression turned stormy. "Nellie, you've been out here too long and are getting reckless. You're coming back home with me in a few days. Time to straighten up."

Nellie rolled her eyes again. "So, I have to drop everything and go home because you say so, and come back when you decide?"

"Why should I? Cameron, I'm not your puppet. You don't get to pull my strings."

Cameron was dumbfounded. Nellie's defiance was a revelation to him.

He said firmly, "Nellie, you don't have a choice."

In his eyes, Nellie saw the bold decisiveness of a businessman. She felt a sudden, inexplicable panic.

That evening, Nellie got a text from Nathan.

[I heard from Lizzy that you've managed to get Jasmine as your mentor. I'm thrilled for you. To celebrate, I've got a surprise waiting for you at Milan Clubhouse. Make sure you swing by and pick it up yourself.] Nellie's lips curled into a smile.

"The Milan Clubhouse?"

Greta's party was being held at Milan Clubhouse in town. Local bigwigs, respecting Cameron's status, showed up to support Greta. Cameron and Greta's close pals had also traveled from afar, giving Greta plenty of attention.