After five failed tries, the smart lock automatically triggered an alarm. Michael opened the door shirtless. His eyes looked shocked when he saw me.
“You... why are you back so suddenly?”
I noticed his wet hair and replied bitterly, “This is my home. Why shouldn’t I come back?”
Michael was shocked to hear my words. “Nichole, that’s not what I meant. Shouldn’t you be resting properly in the hospital?”
Holding my father’s urn and leaning on my crutch, I replied, “Do you expect me, injured, to stand and talk all day like this?”
Michael finally led me inside. All the furniture and decorations had been replaced.
Seeing me stare, Michael smiled and explained, “Since your accident, Olivia thought the house had bad energy, so she had me renovate it.”
I frowned. “What about the photos of my parents’?”
Michael was silent for a long moment, unable to answer. Meanwhile, Olivia came downstairs in her silk pajamas.
“They’re in the basement. Dead people’s stuff is just eyesores to keep around.”
I glared at her, gritting my teeth. “Say that again?”