During Nelson’s absence, the servants helped Callie bathe, which made things less awkward. Apart from a bit of guilt, she found living alone in the Paucaster Villa Complex quite comfortable.
In the evening, she lay on the sofa, tapping away at her phone, unable to type a single word.
Nelson pushed open the door and saw a woman with long legs stretched out, glowing white under the light.
“Mr. Oconnor? You’re back,” the servant’s voice woke Callie. She immediately jumped up, straightened her clothes, and sat there nervously.
Nelson withdrew his gaze from her and let the servant take off his coat.
Bianca ran out from the kitchen upon hearing the noise. “Nelson, you finally came home!”
Nelson pressed his temples. “Too many things at hand.”
Bianca coughed and pulled him aside to speak quietly. “Excuses. Not even a phone call for days. Did you two have a fight?”
Nelson glanced sideways and saw Callie sneaking a fearful look at him. When she noticed his attention, she quickly turned away.
“Did she say that?”
“I guessed. Callie didn’t say a bad word about you.”
“… Sort of.”
Bianca frowned. “Is it serious?”
Is it serious to be accused because of another man?
“Not really,” Nelson said flatly. “It was her fault.”
Bianca wanted to speak up for Callie but was momentarily at a loss for words. “If it’s not serious, why haven’t you come home for so many days? Who are you giving the cold shoulder to?”
Nelson raised an eyebrow, somewhat incredulous. “Did she tell you I gave her the cold shoulder?”
“I guessed that too. Why are you so petty towards Callie?”
He laughed in exasperation. “Bianca, what kind of spell has she cast on you and Grandpa? Whose side are you on?”
Bianca stiffened her neck. “I’m on the side of justice. You handled this poorly. Even if there’s a conflict, you can’t neglect your wife for so many days. She must feel wronged.”
She feels wronged? Nelson was speechless. He had just seen her happily playing on her phone when he came in.
Bianca pushed him towards Callie. “Go apologize. Just coax her a bit.” She suddenly added, “But Callie’s still injured, so you need to restrain your appetite!”
A flicker of light crossed Nelson’s calm eyes at her words, and he frowned. “Bianca!”
“Alright, alright, I won’t say anymore.”
Callie saw Nelson approaching and her heart raced. Her hands were sweaty as she clutched her clothes.
She wanted to speak but didn’t know what to say.
Nelson sat beside her, picked up an orange from the table, and started peeling it nonchalantly. “Is your face better?”
“It’s fine now.” Callie immediately took the orange from him. “Let me do it.”
His hand fell empty, and he smiled slightly. She peeled quickly but struggled with one hand, causing the orange to roll onto the floor, making the scene awkward.
Callie’s face turned red as she hurried to pick it up, but it was already dirty and had to be thrown away.
“Well… sorry.”
“It’s just an orange,” Nelson said as he picked up another one and played with it in his hand.
Callie grew more anxious and straightened her back. “I wasn’t talking about the orange.”
“Then what?” he asked slowly, guiding her.
“I shouldn’t have believed others’ words and accused you. I’m sorry, Nelson,” she finally said after much hesitation.
Nelson’s smile widened as he looked at her leisurely. “So you do have a conscience.”