Chapter 52: Breaking the news to Nina

Unlike Haines’s worry, Penny didn’t see him differently after hearing what he said. If anything, she felt a little surprised he spoke his mind so casually and honestly with her.

"I understand, Uncle Haines," she said mildly. "I don’t think Uncle Haines is being selfish."

Haines heaved a sigh as he glanced at the rearview mirror. "That feels reassuring, Penny."

Penny didn’t answer, but she felt more reassured that Haines was looking out for her. But as silence settled in, she couldn’t help but wonder.

’In my first life, Uncle Haines had to leave as soon as winter ended or around early spring.’ At the same time they resolved the company issues. ’I’m not sure about the date, but he should’ve gone abroad by now.’

Was it because she was now indulging with Charles that Haines had to do all the work? But Charles was still working at home and would visit his office a few times a week. He even told her he would return to the office since she was starting school.

What she didn’t consider was that Haines didn’t want to leave because he was worried about her.

Although Penny was now in the Bennet Family, Haines was aware her current position was still unstable. With Nina’s constant insinuation, the boys not opening up to her, and the Bennet couple being indecisive, he decided to stay.

In Penny’s first lifetime, Haines didn’t bear such worry because Penny and Nina got along pretty quickly in the beginning. But because Penny had already seen Nina’s true colors and was not interested in falling for the same trap, it granted Haines the chance to see Nina’s schemes early.

When the two of them reached home, everyone in the house was acting normally. There didn’t seem anything amiss, which meant the couple hadn’t told Nina about it. Penny didn’t mind because she expected this much. Her parents were probably waiting for the perfect timing. Haines also thought the same and didn’t bring it up.

The dinner went by without any big events.

*

"Nina."

Nina was brushing her hair in front of the vanity mirror when she heard a knock and Allison’s voice. She turned around, only to see Allison peek her head in.

"Mom?" she slowly got up from her seat. "Are you here to brush my hair?"

Allison smiled, but then, marching into the room with her, was Charles.

"Dad?" Nina tilted her head to the side. "What are you doing here?"

"Uhm, Nina, your dad and I need to talk to you about something," Allison reluctantly explained, and her heart sank when excitement lit up in Nina’s eyes.

"Is it about my birthday?" she skipped to the couple excitedly. "Did my dress come?"

Allison and Charles looked at each other first before casting their eyes down to her. They sat Nina down on the edge of the bed between them.

"Nina, about the birthday... we had to cancel the party," said Allison, watching the confusion form in Nina’s eyes. "Thing is... your birthday —"

"Nina, your auntie wants you back," Charles intercepted before Allison could mention Penny.

He didn’t want Nina to think they were canceling her birthday just because of Penny. Nina and Penny’s relationship might change because of it.

What Charles said diverted Nina’s focus.

"What?" Nina panicked as she quickly looked up at Allison for help. "Mom, you didn’t agree with her, right?"

"Nina..." Allison sighed while holding Nina’s hand. "Nina, your auntie Jessa might have a unique way of talking, but we think she’s a good person."

"But Mom..."

"Don’t worry, Nina. You can come here every weekend," Charles added. "Since she’s your real auntie, we thought it’s best if you build a bond with her and your cousins."

Nina’s mind went blank for a second before she jumped out of bed. Looking at her parents, her mouth opened and closed.

"Mom, Dad, are you... are you throwing me away because I’m not your real daughter and don’t love me anymore?" Tears immediately pooled in her eyes. "I don’t want to live in a stranger’s home!"

"Nina..." Allison sighed and, much to their surprise, Nina leaped to her and hugged her legs.

"Mom, please don’t send me away. I’ll behave and study well. I will also not fight with Penny and will always give way to her! I know I’m not your real daughter, but I’m scared to go into that household!" Nina begged through her tears and snot, clinging to her mother as tightly as she could.

Allison hugged her back and looked at Charles. However, Charles, although showed a look of guilt, also showed determination.

They already agreed with Jessa Cortez and they couldn’t go back with their words. Jessa’s main concern was the conflict between the real daughter and the fake one. Although Penny wasn’t Jessa’s real niece, she was the one who raised Penny, and she absolutely cared for Penny.

On the other hand, Jessa was prejudiced about Nina. But then again, Jessa didn’t know Penny wasn’t her real niece at first, but she still took care of her. If Jessa saw that Nina was also a good kid, it would be peaceful for everyone. Who knew? Jessa might change her mind and decide to send Nina back to them if she realized Nina wasn’t capable of stirring trouble for Penny.

"Nina..."

"Mom, you promised me that even if I’m not your real daughter, you see me as your own! You promised that you’d protect me and love me! How can that change? Did I do something wrong? Did I offend Penny? I’ll apologize to her now!"

"Nina, listen to mom." Allison held Nina’s shoulder and stood her up. She smiled bitterly, cupping Nina’s red face from all the crying. "Nina, it’s not like that. Your auntie isn’t a bad person, and when she realizes that you’re a good kid. She might let you stay with us longer."

Charles tapped Nina’s shoulder and said, "Nina, even with this setup, nothing changes. We still love you and we’re always here to support you."

"We will always be your family," Allison added kindly. "But even so, they were also your family. If you open up your heart, I’m sure you’d see the good in their hearts."

Nina darted her eyes between her parents, pursing her lips before she sobbed her heart out. Seeing the look on their faces, Nina knew they already decided. No amount of tears could change their minds. However, she still couldn’t stop her tears because her biggest fear since the time they found out she wasn’t the real daughter finally came to life.