Chapter 1303: An ominous gift

Nina’s only reason for going to Mama was to help Allison and Jessa and to see if there was anything she could do before the family meeting. However, what she got in return was much better than she had expected. Even so, she was grateful—if not for Allison and Jessa, she would have spent the whole night overthinking the family meeting.

"Always lock your doors and windows, alright?" Charles reminded her from the driver’s seat, glancing at Nina as she stepped out of the car. "And don’t open the door immediately to anyone. You have to check first who it was, alright?"

Nina flashed him a smile, lowering her head slightly. She caught Allison’s smile from the front passenger seat. "Thank you, Dad. Mom." She paused and turned her gaze to the back seat, where Jessa was. "Thanks, Aunt Jessa."

"Why don’t you just come home tonight, huh?" Jessa suggested irritably. "Goodness, it’s been a while since you visited. Yuri cries herself to sleep because she misses you."

"If Yuri is crying, I’m sure it’s because of her boss," Nina quipped. "Take care on your way."

With that, she took a step back, intending to send them off before heading inside. "Goodnight," she said, waving at them mildly.

"Don’t send us off, Nina," Allison said gently. "Just go in first."

"That’s right. Why are you sending us off? Go in now, it’s late," Jessa added before Charles backed them up. "It’s better if we see you get inside safely before we leave. Hurry."

A soft chuckle escaped Nina. She was used to this kind of treatment. But for once, she wanted to send them off first. Unfortunately, with all three of them insisting, she could only comply.

"Okay, then." She hummed. "Take care on your way. I’m going in now."

Lowering her head slightly, Nina didn’t dawdle and quickly went inside. She knew them too well — especially Charles. They wouldn’t leave until they saw her safely inside. So, she didn’t waste a breath. Even so, once she was inside, she walked straight to the window to check.

"It’s not like something will happen now that I’m in front of my own place," she mumbled with a chuckle, her heart full. "And then, they kept wondering why I worry a lot."

Shaking her head, she closed the curtains and dragged her feet toward the living area. But before she did, she glanced at the entryway. Finn’s shoes weren’t there.

"I wonder if his parents have arrived," she muttered, slumping onto the couch and taking out her phone.

[To: Finn]

Just got home. How are you? Did you pick up your parents?

Since Finn’s parents were based abroad—their main branch was outside Anteca—they were flying in for the family meeting. So Nina wasn’t surprised he wasn’t home yet. Not that she was expecting him to be. If she were in his shoes, she’d want to spend the night with family, too.

She waited for Finn’s response, but it took a while before her phone lit up.

[From: Finn]

Their flight was delayed, so I’m still at the airport. They’ll be landing soon, though. I’ll drop them off at the house and then I’m coming home. Have you eaten dinner?

[To: Finn]

Yes. I had dinner with my parents. You should eat while waiting.

[From: Finn]

I’ll wait for them and then eat with them. Don’t wait for me. I might be late, but I’m coming home.

Nina pursed her lips, smiling at the message. It wasn’t just the words but the way he called this small place home. Compared to Finn’s house, hers was practically the Davis family’s guest house—maybe even smaller. Yet, Finn seemed completely comfortable here.

[To: Finn]

If it’s too late, stay at your parents’ place tonight. I’ll be fine. Spend time with them, Finn.

[From: Finn]

But I want to see you.

Nina furrowed her brows as another message came through—a sticker.

"Since when did he learn how to send stickers?" she wondered aloud, unaware that Zoren had influenced Finn. Zoren had picked up the habit of using stickers instead of typing messages.

The couple exchanged a few more messages until Finn sent his last one.

[From: Finn]

Oh, I think they’re here. I’ll call you later.

Nina didn’t respond, knowing he was with his family. She didn’t want to intrude—Finn had always told her the same thing. Smacking her lips, she leaned her head back and rested.

Silence settled over the living room. If a pin dropped, she would have heard it.

"Now that I think about it, this place feels empty without him," she whispered, scanning the room. "And kind of... big, too."

Another shallow breath slipped past her lips. She idled on the couch for a while before mustering enough energy to go to the restroom. After going through her usual nighttime routine, she was ready for bed. It had been a long day, and even though she had nearly forgotten about Patricia and Cassandra, the thought of them still lingered.

As she walked back to her room, drying her hair, a frown crept onto her face.

"What is this?" she wondered, approaching the vanity where a small gift box sat. It wasn’t too big or too small—just enough to fit in her hand. "Don’t tell me he bought me something again."

Her lips curled up slightly, despite repeatedly telling Finn not to buy her more presents. The flowers he brought her daily had already taken up space in the living area.

Thinking it was from Finn, she happily pulled at the ribbon. Intrigue filled her mind as she tried to guess what was inside.

But the moment she lifted the lid—

A loud shriek escaped her mouth as she tossed the box away, stumbling backward and falling onto the floor.

Her entire body trembled, her complexion turning pale. Her lips quivered as her wide, shaky eyes darted toward the fallen box.

The gift lay tipped over on the floor, its contents spilling out.

A bird.

A bird with a small knife stabbed into it.