She had spent a considerable time at the Police Station, and then more time at the Hospital having the strangle marks on her neck examined. All in all, a significant amount of time had passed.
Nia Mitchell looked at the time and decided to call her father to see when his train would arrive at the Train Station.
"Hello, Dad, where are you now? How much longer until you reach the Train Station? Uncle Peary and I... I mean, your son-in-law and I will pick you up."
Nia Mitchell still wasn't sure how to refer to Maxwell Peary when speaking with her father, and she almost blurted out "Uncle Peary."
"Um... Nia... I'm really sorry, but I'm already on the train back home."
"What?"
Hearing her father's apologetic words, Nia Mitchell was somewhat taken aback.
"Your stepmother and her family returned unexpectedly, so I have to rush back. Otherwise, your stepmother will be very angry. I'm truly sorry."
Nia Mitchell's smile gradually vanished. Her father had only planned to visit because her stepmother and her family were away. Now that they were back, it made sense that her father couldn't come.
"It's okay, Dad. Don't feel guilty. I understand your predicament."
She knew her father's situation at home all too well. Otherwise, she wouldn't have chosen to study so far away in Capital Town. Even for her engagement, her father had...
"Nia, I've let you down all these years. I'm such a failure."
Shaking her head, Nia Mitchell's eyes welled up with tears.
"Not at all, Dad. I'll bring him home when we get a chance. It's all the same."
After ending the call, Nia Mitchell collapsed onto the sofa, tears streaming down her face.
She wasn't particularly sad; after all, this had been the situation for a long time. Yet, for some reason, she still cried.
Her mind was filled with memories. Back then, she had left, dragging her luggage, amidst her stepmother's curses—a scene she could never forget.
Forever...
Maxwell Peary returned to the Company to deal with some matters. He likely wouldn't be able to go to the office in the afternoon, as he planned to accompany Nia Mitchell to meet her father.
Hmm... "Accompanying his father-in-law." Those words sounded pretty good.
After rushing back from the Company, Maxwell Peary opened the door and changed his shoes. He had called Nia Mitchell earlier, but she hadn't answered. Is she making a habit of not answering her phone?
"Nia, get ready, we're leaving."
He casually took off his jacket and turned around, only to find Nia Mitchell asleep on the sofa.
Maxwell Peary was taken aback. He lightened his steps and walked over. Why did she fall asleep here?
"Nia?" he gently poked her pink, flushed cheek.
He didn't mind her sleeping soundly, but if they missed picking up his father-in-law, he wouldn't be able to handle it if she threw a fit.
"Nia? Wake up."
"Mmm..." Her ear felt itchy. Nia Mitchell lazily scratched it and continued to sleep.
"Nia? We're going to be late."
Seeing her sleeping so soundly, her lips slightly pursed, Maxwell Peary couldn't help but lower his head, intending to steal a kiss.
SLAP! Nia Mitchell slapped him across the face.
The loud sound echoed throughout the Living Room, lingering for a long time.
The man, whose lips hadn't yet reached their destination, was stunned. He'd been slapped!
Nia Mitchell suddenly opened her eyes, only to see... Maxwell Peary's darkened face.
Um... What's this slap mark on Maxwell Peary's face? Was he slapped by someone?
"Nia Mitchell!" Maxwell Peary gritted his teeth. To do something wrong and still look so innocent—she's truly mastered the art of playing coy after getting her way!
"Huh? Uncle Peary, you're back? I must have fallen asleep."
Nia Mitchell embarrassedly ruffled her hair. Why does my left hand hurt a little? Could it be...?
A terrible thought surfaced in her mind. No, that's impossible! I would never hit Uncle Peary. It must have been Uncle Peary who hit my hand with his face! Yes, that's definitely it!