“Yes, I did say that I would follow my mother for a while to practice,” Charlotte quietly reminded Callie, making her recall their encounter at the entrance of Paucaster Villa.
She had indeed said something similar to Nelson.
Sienna was flipping through a scripture, muttering as if she hadn’t heard their conversation.
“Since Miss Marsh is here, I’ll owe this cup of tea for now,” Charlotte stepped forward, placed the teacup in front of the Buddha and Sienna, then turned around. “Let’s go out first.”
Callie thought the same.
The temple was crowded with tourists, but this area was quiet. Charlotte led Callie through the winding corridor, beside a large pond where lotus flowers were in full bloom, looking very beautiful.
“This place was originally abandoned. My mother donated a lot of money to have it renovated,” Charlotte explained. “This is also where I reunited with my mother.”
Callie asked calmly, “Reuniting with family must feel wonderful. When I find my father one day, I should feel the same as you.”
Charlotte thought for a moment, her eyes vacant. “Of course, but having a blood relationship and not having one are different.”
She was subtly mocking Callie’s relationship with Reuben.
Callie didn’t get angry and looked at the incense smoke in the distance. “Do you seek anything?”
Charlotte also looked over. “I don’t believe in this.”
“You believe in human effort?”
“Of course.”
“But what if some things are destined and can’t be changed no matter how hard you try?”
Charlotte frowned slightly, staring at Callie, trying to discern something from her faint smile but found nothing.
“I’m leaving.” Callie had no intention of staying longer and her steps became lighter.
“Callie,” Charlotte suddenly called out, her voice tinged with urgency. “Will you and Nelson reconcile?”
It seemed she was unsure, which was why she asked. Callie stopped and turned back. “Who knows what will happen in the future.”
Charlotte cautiously asked, “Do you still love him?”
“But my love for him is useless. He has to love me for it to matter.”
Callie smiled. In fact, she didn’t know what Nelson was thinking, but this answer clearly made Charlotte unhappy.
Callie left, and Charlotte stood there watching her figure gradually disappear until she was no longer visible.
“What are you looking at?” A steady voice came from behind; it was Sienna.
“Mother? I… nothing, just enjoying the scenery.” Charlotte immediately regained composure and observed Sienna’s expression. “Callie’s behavior today was really strange. Did she say anything to you?”
Sienna walked out of the winding corridor with an unclear expression. “Just ordinary words, nothing special.”
Charlotte silently breathed a sigh of relief. “But she told me… she still wants to reconcile with Nelson. Mother, you know me, I have no one else in my heart but him.”
Hearing this, Sienna sighed and patted Charlotte’s hand. “Our Ellison family daughters seem to be under some spell, all falling for him.”
Charlotte’s smile stiffened. “Marilyn is married, so it’s impossible for her. But I am sincere.”
“Nelson is in Anbusea. I’ll find an opportunity.”
“Good!”
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Marilyn. Do you know what she’s doing?”
Hearing this, Charlotte pursed her lips. “I don’t really know.”
Sienna hummed in response. Charlotte then asked, “Mother, did Callie really not say anything to you?”
“… Nothing much. What’s wrong with you?”