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CHAPTER 7

As she stared out of her window, the soft vibration of her phone on the coffee table interrupted her reverie.

Picking it up, she saw her mother's name on the screen. A mixture of emotions welled up within her—a combination of warmth and apprehension. With a sigh, she answered the call.

"Hey, Mom," Nina greeted, trying to infuse her voice with the enthusiasm she felt her mother deserved.

"Hi, sweetheart!" Her mother's voice came through, brimming with affection. "How are you, darling?"

Nina smiled, grateful for her mother's unwavering love and support. "I'm doing well, Mom. Just winding down for the night."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, as if her mother was considering something. "Nina, your father and I were thinking, It's been a while since you visited. When can we expect you?"

Nina's heart sank slightly as she contemplated the upcoming conversation. Her parents had always been excited about her relationship with Ralph, especially now that their wedding was on the horizon. She knew that her lack of enthusiasm was likely to disappoint them.

"Mom, how about tomorrow?" she suggested, trying to sound eager. "I can swing by in the afternoon."

Her mother's delight was palpable in her response. "Oh, that would be wonderful, dear! We can't wait to see you."

They chatted for a few more minutes, catching up on the details of their lives and sharing small anecdotes. As the call ended, Nina felt a mixture of anticipation and dread settle within her. Tomorrow's visit would be a test—a test of her ability to put on a facade of excitement when her heart was heavy with doubt.

The next day, the sun shone brilliantly in the sky as Nina pulled up to her parents' house. The cheerful exterior of the place mirrored her parents' warm personalities, and as she walked up the driveway, she felt a pang of nostalgia for the times when her excitement matched theirs.

As the door swung open, her mother's radiant smile greeted her. "Nina, darling, it's so good to see you!"

Nina returned the embrace with genuine affection, pushing aside the apprehension that had settled in her chest. "Mom, it's great to be here."

Her father joined them in the foyer, his hug a reassuring embrace that reminded her of his unwavering support. "Welcome home, Nina."

Throughout the day, the house was a whirlwind of activity. Her siblings, Lisa and David, had come over to join in the family get-together. The air was filled with laughter, the aroma of her mother's cooking, and the excited chatter about the upcoming wedding. Nina tried to match their enthusiasm, offering smiles and nods in response to their excitement.

Yet, no matter how hard she tried, her heart remained distant. As they gathered around the dining table for lunch, the conversation turned to wedding plans. Her parents shared their ideas, her siblings offered suggestions, and all the while, Nina felt like a silent spectator in her own life. She knew she should be excited about her upcoming wedding to a man as kind and loving as Ralph, but a voice within her whispered that something was amiss.

"Isn't this exciting, Nina?" Her sister Lisa asked, her eyes shining with genuine happiness. "I can't believe you're getting married in less than a month from now!"

Nina managed a smile, her response carefully crafted to match the enthusiasm around her. "Yes, it's definitely an exciting time."

After dinner, when everyone had dispersed to their different rooms, Nina heard a soft knock on her bedroom door.

"Nina, sweetheart, can I come in?" Her mother's gentle voice reached her ears.

Nina looked up from her perch on the edge of her bed and answered. "Of course, Mom. Come in."

Her mother entered the room and closed the door behind her, her eyes filled with a mixture of love and curiosity. She took a seat beside Nina, their proximity a comforting reminder of the unconditional support she had always offered.

"Nina, dear, is everything okay? I noticed your coldness all through the time we talked downstairs, although you tried to hide it," her mother began softly, her gaze never wavering from her daughter's face.

Nina hesitated for a moment, her emotions swirling within her like a tempest. She knew her mother was genuinely concerned, but the words she needed to say felt like heavy stones lodged in her throat. She took a deep breath, her voice tentative yet honest.

"I... I'm just not feeling as excited about the wedding as everyone else," Nina admitted, her gaze dropping to her hands.

Her mother's response was immediate—a warm, understanding smile that seemed to hold the weight of years of shared experiences. "Nina, sweetheart, it's okay to feel that way. Your wedding is a big step, and it's natural to have mixed emotions, especially when you're getting married to such a rich and influential family as the Thompsons." Mrs. Smith said, smiling.

Nina knew that her mother had a special likeness for the Thompson twins, and she beamed with smiles anytime she spoke of Ralph and Charlie. "I'm so happy you'll soon be getting married to one of those handsome and brilliant twins." She added.

Nina's eyes welled with tears as her mother's words resonated with her own struggles. She wanted to confide in her, to share the truth that had been gnawing at her thoughts, but the fear of disappointing her mother and shattering her expectations held her back.

Her mother reached over and gently took her hand, her touch a soothing balm to Nina's inner turmoil. "Nina, you can always talk to me. I'm here to listen, to support you through whatever you're feeling."

Nina met her mother's gaze, the warmth and love in her eyes urging her to open up.

"Mom," Nina began, her voice trembling, "there's something I need to tell you. Something that's been weighing on me."

Her mother's expression softened, and her eyes were a wellspring of compassion. "Nina, you can tell me anything. I'm your mother, and my love for you is unconditional."

Nina took a deep breath, her heart racing as she grappled with the decision before her. She opened her mouth, ready to speak the truth that had been haunting her thoughts, but the words caught in her throat. She couldn't bring herself to say it—to confess the secret that could shatter the world she had known.

Before she could gather her courage and speak, her mother's voice interrupted her thoughts. "Nina, whatever it is, remember that honesty is the foundation of any relationship. The truth, no matter how difficult, can set you free."

Nina's eyes met her mother's, the truth of her words piercing through the layers of fear and uncertainty.

"I know, Mom," Nina replied, her voice a mixture of gratitude and sadness. "I just... I need some time to sort through my thoughts."

Her mother nodded, her gaze filled with empathy. "Take all the time you need, Nina. I'm here whenever you're ready."

As her mother rose from the bed, Nina felt a mix of relief and regret. She had come close to sharing her secret and unburdening herself of the weight she carried. But fear and uncertainty had held her back, causing her to withhold the truth once more.

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