Chapter 14
Russel looked at me somewhat surprised. We barely familiar, let alone having a meal together In the past, we would simply glance at each other without even exchanging greetings
However, this time it was about his best friend’s marriage and he knew the importance of the relationship between the Whitmore and Finch families.So after some thought, he agreed, “Alright, let’s say this evening. I’m free.”
“Great! I know a coffee shop with some really good coffee and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for a chat. Here, add me on WhatsApp, and I’ll send you the address?” I enthusiastically took out my phone, opened my WhatsApp QR code, and placed it in front of Russel.
Russel glimpsed the QR code, then handed me a pen, “No need to add me on WhatsApp, just write the address on a piece of paper.”
What an old fashioned guy! Like a hermit who just crawled out of a cave? I gave him a speechless look, then wrote down the address for La Rencontre.
“See you there at eight thirty,” I said with a smile, then cheerfully left.
At eight o’clock, Russel would be at La Rencontre, but he wouldn’t meet me, he would meet Bonnie.
With this expectation, I was excited all day, looking forward to the scene when Russel meets Bonnie. I even decided to dress up and personally witness this important moment.
Neil and Russel are really close friends, even falling in love for the same woman. I’m just not sure if Russel fell for Bonnie at first sight or if he gradually developed feelings for her
If it wasn’t love at first sight, then tonight might be disappointing.
I put on a loose black dress and pants, even wore a wig. At around eight o’clock, I headed to La Rencontre alone.
I didn’t walk into the cafe but only looked through the window. As expected, Russel was already sitting in a spot near the corner. Wasn’t that my favorite spot?
He was wearing a simple white T–shirt, combed his hair, and looked a few years younger. His demeanor was still aloof, quietly sipping his coffee without even taking out his phone.
What about Bonnie? I looked again at the counter, trying to spot her.
After a while, I didn’t see Bonnie. Instead, my strange actions caught Russel’s attention. He saw me and walked out. I wanted to run, but felt it was inappropriate.
“Irene, can’t you see me?” Russel asked as soon as he saw me.
“You’re a doctor, can’t you speak more politely?” I said somewhat perplexed, taking off my wig. Honestly, it was hot.
“You invited me to talk and then secretly spy on me from outside, what’s the meaning of this?” Russel asked with a frown.
“I’m here, I just wanted to confirm whether you were in there,” confidently retorted.
Without further words, Russel opened the door to the cafe and spoke to me commandingly, “Come in.”
I walked in reluctantly with my wig. When I passed by the counter, I again took careful looks around but did not see Bonnie.
Lasked another girl, “Where is Bonnie?”
“She’s off today,” the girl replied.
My face fell and my heart, once full of anticipation, felt empty. I sat down disappointedly next to Russel, ordered a cup of Americano as usual, and drank in silence. Russel looked at me, “Weren’t you going to talk to me about you and Neil?”
I shrugged, “I don’t want to talk anymore. I just invited you for a cup of coffee. You can go home and rest.”
As soon as I finished speaking, I felt Russel’s icy demeanor. His sharp eyes were on par with Neil’s.
“Are you playing a trick on me?” he asked coldly.
“No, I just don’t think there’s anything to talk about between Neil and me. You guys know I’ve liked him for years, right? But he doesn’t like me. He didn’t in the past, he doesn’t now, and he certainly won’t in the future. What’s the point of talking about it?” I answered somewhat irritably, “If you really want to help me, and then persuade him to divorce me!”
Russel stared at me, seemingly judging the credibility of my words.
Feeling uncomfortable, I pretended to drink my coffee.
“Your marriage alliance isn’t as simple as ordinary people getting married, and you don’t need me to tell you that.” Russel finally spoke, “Unless there’s a serious problem, you can’t divorce, Neil won’t agree.”
“You really do understand him, he said the same thing,” I sighed, “You guys are really of the same mind.”
Russel didn’t say anything, just took a sip of his coffee.
I didn’t want to chat with him anymore. Since Bonnie was not here, there was no need for me, a side character, to have so much dialogue with today’s protagonist.
After three minutes of coffee, I got up to pay the bill.
“Let me take care of it, Russel stood up, chivalrously blocking me.
“Alright I didn’t refuse To Russel, this amount of money was nothing..
While Russel was paying. I quickly left the cafe and drove off. At the intersection, I saw in the rear mirror that he had just came out of the cafe, looking to the direction I had driven off
Shaking my head, I sighed Russel was destined to always be one step behind Neil. I had tried to help him twice and failed both times.
The relationship between Neil and Bonnie must be very strong I felt it was a waste of time to try and convince Russel anymore.
I might as well rest. It’s only ten days, right? I can wait
Just as I expected, Neil didn’t come back at all in the following week. We returned to our previous state, no contact, no meetings.
I enjoyed the peace and quiet, had time for my own things I picked up Oscar from the hospital when he was discharged, treated him and Bonnie to a meal. I also devoted myself to practicing cello, trying to regain the skills I had lost over the years. Having herbal supplements three times a day and eating Ada’s delicious meals, I surprisingly gained two pounds.
“Rena, have you been pigging out recently? You’re glowing!‘ Stella asked at the party, pinching my cheeks.
“I’m having some herbal supplements that are helping me gain weight. Gotta say, the extra food is doing its thing,” I replied cheerfully.
“That’s just not fair!” Barbara shouted excitedly. “We’re all here trying to lose weight, and you’re having supplements to put on more?” Alicia naughtily patted Barbara’s bouncy butt, “Your weight is a sign of happiness, girl, Be grateful!”
Barbara’s boyfriend was good at cuisines and really spoils her with his cooking.
Barbara swayed her head proudly, “envy, huh? That’s the benefit of having a boyfriend who knows his way around housework!”
Even though her boyfriend wasn’t as well–off as she was, he’s a great guy, good looking, and super gentle. So Barbara’s family didn’t object.
“Barbara, next time you have a suitable business plan for concert, count me in.” I suddenly thought about this. Staying at home was too boring and I needed to get my career going!
