Chapter 679
On the TV screen, Juan gazed at Shelia with an affection so tender it could almost be mistaken for genuine. He gently fixed her hair, the two of them laughing and chatting, every inch the picture-perfect couple. The warmth in his eyes was convincingโnot a hint of pretense to be found.
Erica leaned in and remarked, โStrange, isnโt it? This isnโt their first public appearance together. Iโve just come from the banquet where they were present.โ
โYes, it is strange,โ Debra murmured, her eyes glued to the screen. Juanโs gaze was filled with nothing but warmth and devotion. Then, something else caught her eyeโa ring gleaming on Sheliaโs finger. It was unmistakably the Nichols familyโs heirloom ring.
Debra grabbed the remote, rewound the footage for a few seconds, and paused it. The scene froze with Juan brushing Sheliaโs hair aside, her smile bright as she raised her hand to straighten his tie. There it was, clear as day. Shelia was wearing the Nichols familyโs heirloom ring.
โWhatโs wrong?โ Erica asked, sensing Debraโs sudden tension.
โThe ring on Sheliaโs finger is the Nichols familyโs heirloom,โ Debra said. She remembered that ring clearly. In her previous life, when she was pregnant, the ring had been placed in her bedroom. She had thought it was a sign of Melodyโs approval. But then came that nightmare where Shelia walked into the morgue and pulled that very ring from Debraโs cold, lifeless hand. Debra could never forget the smug look on Sheliaโs face.
โDebra, donโt blame me for being heartless. The only way I can become Mrs. Nichols is if youโre out of the picture. Who wouldโve thought Juan really gave you the heirloom ring? But it doesnโt matter. From today on, itโs mine,โ Shelia said.
Debraโs head pounded, and she stumbled back. Marion was quick to steady her, concern clouding his eyes.
Erica gasped, โDebra, are you alright?โ
โIโm fine, just a little lightheaded,โ Debra reassured them, but her face had gone pale. Marion looked down at her with unmasked concern and tenderness.
Randy nudged Erica, whispering, โSee? I told you not to bring it up. Now look at what youโve done. Itโs late and time to go home. Iโll drive you.โ
Randy hurriedly ushered Erica out, who waved goodbye to Debra. โIโll come by tomorrow to check on you, okay?โ
โLetโs go already,โ Randy urged, practically dragging Erica out the door.
Chapter 679 +25 BONUS
As the door clicked shut, Marion asked in a low voice, โAre you sure youโre not overworking yourself?โ
โMaybe,โ Debra said with a weak smile. She wasnโt entirely sure what was wrong. Perhaps it was the overwhelming number of things happening recently, or maybe it was the long flight she had taken earlier that day. Either way, her body felt drained.
โIโll get some hot water ready. You should rest soon,โ Marion said.
Debra nodded, and he gently stroked her cheek before heading to the bathroom to run her a bath. She sat down on the sofa, her eyes wandering back to the TV screen. As she looked at the ring, a growing unease stirred in her chest. The scene on the screen mirrored her past life when Juan held Sheliaโs hand as they attended banquets together. Debra was terrified that sheโd wake up to find herself back where she started, losing everything all over again.
Marion returned, wrapping his arms around her from behind. His low voice whispered in her ear, โArenโt you going to take a bath? Iโll let you off tonight, but once youโre better, donโt expect me to be so forgiving.โ