Episode 2

Everyone had arrived for dinner, Alexander, Max's older brother, was teasing his younger brother with his newlywed wife.

"Little Nina will surely be all dolled up for you, I'm sure she'll be attentive to you as always," Alex smiled, provoking his brother.

"That's for sure, she'll be buzzing around me like a fly," Max replied mockingly, though he didn't dislike Nina, he just didn't appreciate her publicly declaring her love for him.

When everyone was already gathered, Nina was missing, leaving everyone puzzled. She was usually cheerful and always attentive to the guests.

Brenda was about to go upstairs to bring her stubborn teenager down when she saw Nina coming down in denim shorts like any other day, a long sweatshirt, and canvas sneakers, her delicate hair tied up casually.

Everyone looked at her, a little confused. Nina was a girl who always dressed very feminine and elegant despite her age, but she really looked like a 16-year-old girl now.

Brenda stared at her, taken aback. Nina had a fresh face, not a trace of the light make-up she used to enhance her beautiful features. She actually looked more beautiful without makeup.

Everyone decided not to say anything about it, but Nina didn't greet anyone, especially not Max, completely ignoring his presence.

"Shall we start dinner?" she said to her mother, who just looked at her astonished. Brenda wouldn't create a scene to reprimand her daughter in front of guests, so she simply urged everyone to the table.

Maximiliano just stared at her, feeling a bit disoriented. That girl used to be like a tick clinging to him, but now she seemed so distant that he didn't recognize her.

While everyone was having dinner, Celia was talking to her mother about her studies.

"Mother, I've decided to change my major. I don't like my current career; I want a different profession," Celia said, giggling while Brenda grew furious.

"Celia, this is the third time you're changing your major. At this rate, you'll never finish university," Brenda was overwhelmed by her daughter's lack of commitment.

Everyone laughed at how fickle Celia was, but someone's attention was caught by the silent and distant Nina, who hadn't uttered a word or even looked at anyone.

"Nina, I know you're graduating high school this year. You're very young, what are you planning to study?" Alexander asked, looking at her expectantly, knowing she would stay in the city to be near her brother.

"I've decided to take the scholarship I was offered and study at Notram Country. Their university is one of the best," Nina replied without looking at anyone, while cutting her steak. She didn't care about their reactions; she had made up her mind.

Brenda's eyes widened. She never thought Nina would choose the scholarship. She knew Nina wouldn't leave the city as long as she could be near Max.

"Nina, darling, you didn't tell me that. I thought you would study in the city," Brenda's smile was tense. She didn't understand anything.

"No, I'm leaving. I already spoke with my grandmother, she said it's okay. Plus, you said you would respect my decision if it's for my own good," Nina said, raising her gaze to her mother, the only one she looked at.

Everyone fell silent. Nina was still too young to be alone and so far away.

"It's good for my little sister to explore the world on her own. That way, she can have more exciting experiences, right, Nina?" Celia said with a smile, delighted for her sister.

"Sure, exciting experiences like having sex on a wedding balcony," Nina said, continuing to cut her steak, leaving Celia paralyzed. Celia looked at her in shock, she never expected Nina to know, she never thought she would find out.

"Nina, watch your language, young lady," Thomas, their father, warned, as Nina nodded.

"I'm leaving, my stomach hurts. Excuse me," Nina left without saying anything else, leaving everyone puzzled, while Max stared at her intently. That wasn't the little Nina, the sweet girl who always had a smile on her face. Celia immediately stood up.

"Excuse me, I'm going to check if she's okay," she said, running to meet her sister.

In the room, Nina put on her pajamas, and Celia entered her room without knocking.

"Nina, did you see us? Nina, I'm sorry, I was drunk, it wasn't important, just sex, you know, grown-up stuff. I regret it, I didn't mean to hurt you," Celia approached her little sister, wanting to hug her.

"No need to apologize, I understand. Grown-up things disgust me, especially when my sister fucks my younger sister's crush. No problem, but I'll stick to childish things. Now leave, I'm sleepy," Nina entered the bathroom, leaving Celia with her arms extended for a hug.

Celia left her room with a guilty conscience, knowing she has hurt Nina all because of a fling that shouldn't have happened. She should have hooked up with anyone but Maximiliano.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***