Chapter 120
Stella’s actions landed me in a bit of a pickle. Simmons seemed to have a hunch about who I was chatting with and what was being discussed. In a soothing tone, he said, “Don’t sweat it. I have a bunch of friends around here, or I can crash at a hotel. Don’t let Stella’s words get to you”
The more Simmons talked, it made it harder for me
Simmons, it’s okay! It’s just for a few days. I have two rooms here, it’s pretty convenient, I replied graciously.
“That’s very kind of you. I should be able to find a place in three days, Simmons replied, looking at me with sparkling eyes.
Well, I guessed he could stay for three days. After all, he was Stella’s brother
The next morning. I woke up to the smell of breakfast. Walking into the kitchen, I saw Simmons wearing an apron, bustling around.
“You’re up! Hurry up and eat so you can get to work,” he said, taking off his apron and bringing over a plate of salad and sausages
I usually grab a bite at the convenience store, as I’m not a fan of getting up early to cook. I had to thank him for this.
Thanks!” I said, stuffing my face with a bowl of noodles.
After finishing, I dashed off to work.
Unfortunately, I ran into Bonnie again at the office entrance. She had just gotten off her scooter. Without a second thought, I floored it and sped past her.
When it was time to get off work at noon, Bonnie suddenly popped up at our department’s entrance, causing a few male colleagues‘ eyes to pop out
“Irene!” Bonnie yelled, holding up a fancy bag.
My desk was next to Kate’s, and she looked up when she heard Bonnie’s voice. Her eyes widened in shock. “Karina?”
Bonnie didnt know Kate. She made a beeline for me.
“What do you want?” I asked, looking at her coldly
“Irene, Mr Whitmore mentioned that you’ve been having stomach issues, so I made you a lunch box It’s much cleaner than restaurant food. Give it a try.” Bonnie handed me the bag
I looked at the bag but didn’t take it.
Kate finally snapped back to reality and realized the girl in front of her was not her sister, but Neil’s new flame, Bonnie.
She took the bag for me. “Okay, thanks. You’re Bonnie, right?” she said in a gentle voice.
“Uh huh, I’m Bonnie. And you are?” Bonnie was always sweet and polite.
“I’m Kate, also from the development department” Kate reached out her hand to Bonnie.
Kate’s tone was very gentle.
Bonnie was taken aback. She probably couldn’t figure out why Kate was being so friendly
I stood between them, expressionless.
Didn’t Bonnie know that she’s just a relationship surrogate? She always thought she’s special to Neil. If she found out that Neil only liked her because she looked like someone else, would she break down and cry?
As I was mulling this over, Bonnie’s phone rang.
She glanced at the caller ID, then at me. No doubt, it was Neil.
It was time for lunch, so I got up and left. As for the lunch box, I’ll let whoever wants it have it.
As I was leaving the office, Neil was at the entrance. His expression turned cold when he saw me.
“Mr. Whitmore Bonnie called out from behind me. I turned around to see her bounding toward Neil like a happy deer.
Neil’s icy expression softened a bit. He let Bonnie throw herself into his arms. They looked very much in love, as if he was trying to rub it in my face.
Kate followed me out, and her face turned complicated when she saw what was happening.
Neil and Kate locked eyes, both of their expressions complex.
“Rena “Suddenly, Simmons’s voice rang out. I looked over to see him not far away, lunch box in hand. When he saw Neil, his smile slowly faded.
Neil’s expression instantly hardened, and both men stared at each other, hostility in their eyes.
Bonnie, in Neil’s arms, looked at Simmons, then at me, and cheerfully said, “Irene, did he come all the way here to win you over? I had a feeling he liked you when i saw him back home Men as devoted as him are hard to come by these days.”
“Yeah, you’re right Wherever she is, I’ll be there, Simmons said. He knew about my divorce with Neil. Gossip–loving Stella must have spilled the beans.
He walked over and held my hand
I stiffened This intimate gesture made me uncomfortable, but when I saw Bonnie nestled in Neil’s arms, I steeled myself and held Simmons’s hand back. “Best of luck to you guys Actually. Bonnie looked up at Neil, trying to gauge his reaction. “I thought you were into Russel. He always seemed to have a soft spot for you”
Neils expression darkened at Bonnie’s words.
Why did she have to bring up Russel and me?
Russel is Neil’s best friend, they’re practically brothers. Neil had suspicions about me and Russel before Now Bonnie was linking me, Simmons, and Russel together, clearly trying to make Neil uncomfortable
Even though Neil and I are divorced, he doesn’t want anyone to insinuate that I had an affair with his best friend.
Being late to the cheating game is still cheating
Bonnie is observant. She noticed Neil’s mood and immediately clutched his sleeve. “Did I say something wrong?”
“Do you have a driver’s license? Neil asked, ignoring Bonnie’s question.
1 do I got all my documents ready before coming here. But I haven’t driven since I got my license, Bonnie answered truthfully.
“Good. From now on, you’ll drive yourself to and from work. It’ll be more convenient, Neil said, handing her the car keys.
The new red BMW over there, which Neil probably gave Bonnie. This car was no surprise to Neil, but for Bonnie, it’s the first time she’s ever gotten such a fancy gift in her life.
“No, this gift is too much!” Bonnie was caught off guard, quickly wriggling out of Neil’s arms and returning the keys, “I can just take the bus or ride an e–scooter with friends, it’s all good!”
Neil’s brows furrowed, seemingly pissed off by Bonnie’s rejection.
I let go of Simmons‘ hand, looped my arm through his, and playfully whined, “Simmons! You didn’t ride an e–scooter to pick me up, did you? I don’t want to ride an electric scooter. I don’t like being in the sun.
Simmons knew I was just messing around. A loving smile warmed his eyes as he played along, “Of course not, let’s go to the car and have the lunch! brought, sound good?”
“OK, let’s go!” I turned and left.
I barely made two steps before Neil caught up and grabbed my arm, his eyes icy, “So you really are with him now?”
