Saying Goodbye to My Troubles (Nydia and Mick)

Chapter 14

Nydia was surprised when Norman nodded decisively.

"That's right, we're relatives," he said.

Nydia would soon become his aunt. She would be his closest family.

Nydia froze. She didn't dare to claim any relation to Eddie.

To her surprise, Nelson bent down and picked Norman up. "You can call me Mr. Mcbride. What do you like to eat? I'll treat you and Nydia to a meal." Norman immediately began listing dishes.

Honestly, even those fast-talking comedians couldn't beat his speed. He kept listing food and urging, "Come on, let's go! I'm starving."

www

Nelson's face showed a hint of concern. "Can you really eat 108 different dishes by yourself?"

Norman rolled his eyes. "Are you looking down on big eaters?"

Nydia explained from the side. "If you want that many dishes, it's not about making things hard for Nelson, it's about making things hard for the restaurant." Norman was surprised. "Is it hard to make all that food?"

Eddie could have the food delivered in an hour. His mind raced, and he came to a conclusion. Nydia's friend must be too poor to afford all that food.

He reluctantly said, "Just order what you can, then."

Nydia was speechless.

However, Nelson remained as gentle as ever. "Alright, let's go. We'll look at the menu when we get there. Whatever you like, we can have the chef prepare it."

With that, he leaned in and quietly reassured Nydia. "Kids often think they can have anything they want when they're hungry. Don't worry, even if he wants to eat everything, I can afford it.

Nydia felt a little embarrassed, thinking to herself that she would insist on splitting the bill

later.

Mick, unable to suppress his anger, called a few friends to go out drinking.

Buck Barton and Milton Osborne chose a private dining room at a renowned restaurant.

The restaurant was famous for its dishes throughout Elipus and they had requested a private

Chapter H

room. The private room had windows facing the bustling street, offering a view of the city's lively atmosphere.

Buck ordered the restaurant's specialties, and soon, waiters entered with several dishes. They laid the food out across the table.

Then, Milton tossed the menu to Mick. "Mick, stop staring at the view. Look at the menu and tell me if you want anything else."

Mick swirled his drink in his glass, his eyes cold with a hint of irritation.

Before, Nydia had practically fawned over him. But since their divorce, it seemed like she had become a completely different person, especially today.

Even after he had signaled that he was open to reconciliation, she still refused to return. He wondered how much longer she would keep playing this game. He should have realized his patience was wearing thin. His thoughts, tangled because of Nydia, became a mess. He lit a cigarette and took a long, deep drag.

Milton, who had added a few more meat dishes to the table, smiled and spoke up, "Mick, are you thinking about Nydia?"

There were no secrets between the best friends. They had all heard about the divorce registration.

Buck, ever carefree, chimed in, "No way. Mick must be thrilled to be free again. Do you remember how Nydia used to drive him crazy? Every time we went out for drinks, her calls were endless." Milton teased. "You don't get it. That was just her way of showing she cared about Mick'

Mick felt a moment of disorientation.

The truth was, a long time ago, Nydia had stopped calling him much. Even when he came back. from drinking late at night, she wouldn't ask a thing.

Buck shook his head. "I've been through plenty of women, and none have left a mark on me. One thing's for sure, I'll never settle down. If I did, I'd end up like Mick-never a peaceful day in my life." Milton raised his glass with a laugh. "Mick, you've been quiet. You're not thinking about going back to Nydia, are you?"

Mick was pulled from his thoughts with a scoff. "Why would I think about her?"

"Come on,

it's normal to miss your wife. Just a few sweet things and she'll be fine. No need for

a divorce," Buck teased.

Mick responded sarcastically, "Sweet things for her? She doesn't deserve that."

They had fought plenty during their marriage, and many times had been worse than this. But she was always the one to back down first, always the one to make things right.

A woman like her wasn't someone he had to pacify. Once he did, she would take advantage of

him.

"Exactly. She's just a small-town girl with no one to rely on. After a rough time out there, she probably wants to beg you for help now." Buck sighed.

Mick shared this view. But for some reason, when he thought of the resolute way Nydia had turned her back on him today, he felt a strange anxiety.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated. It was a message from the bodyguard who had been following Nydia. The photo showed Nydia leaving the hospital with Nelson.

Nelson was holding Norman, and Nydia was walking beside him, presenting an image of affection and intimacy. The atmosphere in the private room instantly turned cold, almost freezing everyone in place. Buck scratched the back of his head. "Mick, what's wrong with you?"

Mick sneered. "Nothing. Just thinking some people's judgment has gotten worse."

Nydia had grown bold. She dared to flirt with other men. Nelson wasn't someone Mick had much of a relationship with, but their families did have some business dealings.

They were barely acquaintances. This man was shrewd, with a deep agenda. He was someone who would take advantage of a person without a second thought.

Mick couldn't help but think that Nydia might end up being taken advantage of by him. Mick clenched his phone, planning to drag Nydia back immediately. But then he reconsidered. Maybe it would be better if she learned a lesson So, she wouldn't come back acting the way she had before, always trying to control him, constantly proud of that insignificant job.

"Let's drink!" Mick's face darkened, and he downed his glass in one go.

The other two didn't dare to say much. They quickly joined in the drinking.

Norman had listed many dishes before they arrived, but once they reached the restaurant, he realized there was hardly anything he liked. His excitement quickly turned into a dejected mood. Nelson noticed and quickly had two chefs prepare the dishes Norman actually liked, making sure he could eat his favorite flavors. Norman ate heartily, while Nydia felt a little embarrassed. "It's fine as long as the kid enjoys it."

With no one else around, Nelson's gaze became more intense. "I heard you're divorced," he

said casually.

People had heard Nydia was married, but no one knew who her husband was. Since they had never seen him pick her up, many assumed she was a widow.

With his connections, Nelson knew the truth about her marriage status.

"Yeah, the cooling-off period just ended a little over a week ago," Nydia replied.

Nelson's smile widened. "So, what are your plans after the divorce?"

Nydia paused, holding her cutleries. "I want to be a good doctor."

Nelson, with a soft and inviting tone, encouraged her. "Not thinking about starting a new relationship?"

At his question, Norman suddenly perked up. He lost his appetite, no longer interested in food. His wide eyes stared at Nydia, curious.

Norman thought that if she was considering starting a relationship, she should think about

Mick.

Nydia smiled bitterly. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Nelson's eyes dimmed for a moment. But soon, as if he had thought of something, he smiled faintly. "Alright then. Then we can focus solely on our cooperation and mutual success."