Chapter 128
Bonnie got smacked by the bouquet, leaving a faint mark on her cheek. She held her face, staring at me in disbelief. This was the first time I’d ever laid a hand on her, my previous offenses were only verbal
Trene, I just came to check on you, I mean. I have no idea what this bouquet thingy is all about “Bonnie said with tears in her eyes.
She didn’t know? Didn’t the florist tell her? Always trying to get under my skin with her petty tricks.
“C’mon, cut the act and get out of my sight, now!” I warned her coldly, “Or I’ll have you thrown out.”
Bonnie left, tears streaming down her face
This was supposed to be a small blip, but later that night, I received a video from Barbara. It showed me in the hospital room, flinging the bouquet at Bonnie and ordering her to get out of my sight.
The video was edited, it was only a few seconds long and the only dialog was, “Get out of my sight!”
Bonnie’s helpless and pitiful appearance drew a lot of sympathy, including from some old friends and classmates, all defending her. In their eyes, Bonnie was still the innocent and kind girl they knew. Even if she’d become a homewrecker, it was not her fault.
I couldn’t care less. Let Bonnie take that video to Neil for some comfort or to cry on his shoulder, I chose to ignore it all.
What surprised me was that Neil never came looking for me, nor did he stand up for Bonnie because of the bouquet–throwing incident. I was left in peace, able to focus on the baby until all signs of bleeding were gone. After a series of tests, I was finally discharged.
Before leaving, the doctor instructed me, “Ms. Finch, your health isn’t great. You must ensure plenty of rest, a balanced diet, avoid overworking, and keep your emotions stable.”
I took the doctor’s advice to heart. Once home, I started thinking about work. Should I continue working, or take time off to have the baby? If I chose to keep working, there was a risk of miscarriage, but I hated the idea of quitting.
As I was debating, the doorbell rang.
“Russel?” I was surprised to see him at my door.
He was wearing a brown trench coat, his hair a bit shorter, looking refreshed. More importantly, he was carrying a suitcase.
“You’ve lost weight again,” Russel began to scold as soon as he saw me, “Have you been skipping meals? If you keep this up, you’ll harm your health.”
“Why are you here?” I asked in surprise.
Work assignment, Russel said blandly, “I’ll be working at a local hospital for a good half a year.”
Before I could react, Russel had already walked into the living room and placed his suitcase next to the couch, “Irene, I need a favor.”
Closing the door, I asked with curiosity. “What favor do you need?”
“I need a place to stay temporarily. The hospital hasn’t arranged my accommodation yet. Can I stay here?” Russel asked.
Confused, I asked, “Stay here? Why not go to Neil? Isn’t he nearby? Or Louis.”
Russel responded casually. “They don’t know I’m here.”
Well, this was interesting. Was I closer to Russel than I was to Neil? I couldn’t help but recall Russel’s words, he didn’t like Bonnie, and why couldn’t I be
the one he was after? Could it be…
My heartbeat quickened, this was not a good sign. I had just extricated myself from Neil’s mess, how could I dive into Russel’s issues? Plus, Neil and Russel were good friends. If things got complicated between Russel and me, it’d definitely bring Neil back into my life.
“No, get a hotel!” Considering these factors, I refused Russel immediately.
“Because of Neil? Russel was quick to catch on.
“He’s part of the reason, but mainly because it’s not appropriate for us to live together,” I shook my head, remembering the few days Simmons had stayed, my pregnancy was exposed. If Russel stayed for a few days, I couldn’t imagine what he’d find out. Being a doctor, he might notice something was off within a day.
Russel smiled helplessly. “Can I at least have dinner here? I’ll head to the hotel right after.”
I couldn’t refuse this request and agreed.
I took out some ingredients from the fridge, but before I could start cooking, Russel took them from me, “I’ll do it”
He seemed a bit tired when he said this. When our hands brushed, his felt hot.
Watching Pussel washing the vegetables, I asked worriedly. “Russel, you’re not running a fever, are you? Your hands feel hot.”
“I’m fine was all Russel said.
I walked up to him, fussing like a worried mother, “I have a thermometer, why don’t you go check your temperature? You’re a doctor, you just told me to take care of myself, but look at yourself. What if you pass out?”
As I reached out to touch Russel’s forehead, he suddenly grabbed my wrist, looking deep into my eyes. I froze, realizing my mistake. There was also something dangerous in Russel’s eyes.
“Why can Simmons stay here but not me?” He suddenly asked.
“Who told you?” I was taken aback.
“Mitch.” Russel’s gaze never left my face, as if searching for something.
Was Stella now the center of the gossip mill?
I pulled my wrist out of Russel’s grip, answering awkwardly, “Stella was messing around. Her brother only stayed for a couple of days”
“Have you completely forgotten about Neil? Have you given up on any thoughts of revenge?‘ Russel’s questions were changing quite quickly
was confused, “What do you mean? You know we’re divorced, right?”
“I know, but if you still harbor any resentment, you can use me” Russel’s words shocked me more. I didn’t know how to respond, just staring blankly at
him
He scrunched up his eyebrows, “Is it that hard to grasp? You can use me just like you use Oscar. I should be able to do a better job.”
“Enough!” I suddenly shouted, my heart racing, “Russel, have you lost your mind? Aren’t you and Neil best buds? Do you realize how absurd you sound right now?”
Russel just chuckled, 1 like you, isn’t that absurd enough?*
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