Chapter 217
“Don’t say that. You don’t owe me anything.” I shook my head.
Russel heaved a sigh, “But you’re my girlfriend. If I can’t even take care of you, what’s the point of me?”
I smiled a bit, somewhat touched
At that moment, my dad chimed in from behind us, “Get a professional nurse to take care of your mom, so no one else can bother her?
I had the same thought, given how swamped I was
My dad was about to go on a business trip, so he dropped by to check on my mom. Bonnie’s actions and words earlier had weighed heavily on him. He was frowning the whole time.
The three of us left the hospital together. Bailey was waiting at the door for my dad. After they left, Russel took my hand and led me to his car.
“Let’s get you some food; put some weight back on,” he said with a grin.
“If only one meal could restore all the weight I’ve lost,” I sighed, letting Russel lead me.
He turned to look at me and said, “What’s so hard about that? From now on, I’ll eat with you every day. If I can’t, I’ll have someone send you gourmet food to make sure you’re well-nourished and healthy.”
Being so cherished felt so good Looking into Russel’s eyes, I suddenly felt that we were finally like a normal couple.
Russel took me out for a lavish dinner. He was incredibly gentlemanly and tender, peeling shrimp and picking out bones for me. Everything was perfect. It was the most relaxing day Id had in a while.
“Russel, were you mad when you found out I’d asked Neil and Anthony for help? Why are you still so good to me?” I rested my cheek on my hand, watching him across the table.
“I wasn’t mad; I was jealous.” Russel looked at me helplessly and said, “I’m your boyfriend, but you didn’t want to tell me when you had problems, instead asking other men for help. How could I not be jealous?”
I blushed, realizing I might have been a bit unreasonable.
I’d always hated to impose on Russel. I always felt like he was getting the short end of the stick by being with me, and he had to fight his family on top of it all, so I didn’t want to add to his troubles.
Seeing my embarrassment, Russel kindly changed the subject and asked, “Are you full? Want to go shopping?”
‘Full, Let’s go,” I answered quickly
Whenever Russel and I went shopping, he’d always ask me questions like, “Do you want this?”
‘Do you want this bag?
“Do you want this dress?”
“Do you want this bracelet?”
I always said no, but every time I glanced at anything for a second longer than usual, he’d buy it once we left the store.
I’d never shopped so crazily when I was with Stella and the others. In the end, Russel was loaded down with shopping bags, turning heads as we walked down the street.
It was past eleven when Russel finally drove me home. The backseat of the car was piled high with luxury goods, our spoils of war for the day
In the past, I didn’t understand this seemingly cold man. But after becoming his girlfriend, I realized he was good at expressing his love through actions, not just empty words
Even though I was already well-off, having a man willing to spend money on me without a second thought touched me.
“Russel, tell me how much all this stuff cost. I’ll transfer the money to you,” I told him as I got out of the car.
“Rena, that’s insulting me, Russel replied immediately. This is what I’m supposed to do.”
Alright. If I kept refusing, he might think I didn’t take his role as my boyfriend seriously.
In the end, Russel helped me carry a bunch of shopping bags into the house. When he left, I saw him to the door out of courtesy. Under the streetlight, his face glowed warmly
“I’m leaving now,” he waved at me, looking a bit reluctant to leave.
“Okay Drive safe, nodded.
“Um…” Russel looked at me, sounding a bit nervous, “Shouldn’t we kiss goodbye?”
His question left me a bit stunned. He moved a bit closer to me, and before I could react, he gently kissed me on the cheek.
That feeling was indescribable.
After he kissed me, Russel looked content, his smile even brighter, “Alright, I’m leaving. Go to bed early.”
I could only nod, still a bit dazed.
Watching Russel drive away, I couldn’t help but touch my cheek, the corners of my mouth curling up. I felt like I’d finally found what it felt like to be in love. But when I saw Neil, my smile vanished instantly. He came out of the villa next door. Even though he was quite far away and I couldn’t see his face clearly, I could feel he didn’t seem too happy
I didn’t know if he saw me and Russel kiss goodbye.
I turned to go back inside, about to lock the door, only to find Neil already standing outside.
I was startled and clutched my chest, “Are you trying to scare me to death?”
“Why are you so jumpy when you’re so happy?” Neil reached to open the door, and I immediately tried to lock it.
But I’ve never won against Neil in this sort of thing. Not only was he quick, but he was also strong. I was no match for him.
My dad wasn’t home tonight. I was the only one in the house. Although there were security cameras in the yard, I didn’t want any accidents
Both of our hands were on the edge of the door, stuck in a standoff. I could feel he wasn’t using his full strength, otherwise, I would’ve been pushed away long ago.
“Neil, what the hell are you trying to do?” I demanded, “My mom already had a heart attack because I met with you. Wasnt that enough?”
“You have two choices, Neil said coldly. “First, remarry me, second, break up with Russel”
I couldn’t help but laugh What the hell was he talking about? I’d just started to have feelings for Russel, and he wanted me to break up with him?
I didnt even have to think about it before I refused, “I choose neither.”
“Then you have a third choice.” Neil looked at me coldly. “Let the entire Finch family pay for your refusal.”
I didn’t understand. What was going on with Neil? How could a man be so fickle and obsessive?
It seemed like he couldn’t stand seeing me happy. It seemed like he just wanted me to follow him around humbly, like before.
What on earth did I do to deserve this punishment? In my past life. I didn’t want a divorce with him, but he ruined my family because of it.
This time around, I divorced him and didn’t want to entangle with him anymore, yet he still wanted to wreck my family.
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t resolve the clash between Neil and my family
“Neil, are you trying to drive me to the grave?” I retorted, “If you really can’t bear seeing me happy, I can disappear from your life for good. You don’t have to threaten me with my family. It’s not cool.”
Neil just gave a cold laugh, “You’re the only daughter of your parents, so you wouldn’t choose to die. Irene, I’ve always told you I’m a go-getter. I like to call the shots on everything, including our marriage. I’ve already made enough concessions”
