Chapter 301
I felt like I was on a roller coaster right now, totally on edge.
Ryan Whitmore noticed my blank stare and with a smile, he said, “We got a call from Neil last night too, so we came over this morning. We didn’t freak you out, did we?”
“Yeah, Neil mentioned you’re spending Christmas here and suggested we join in for some festive cheer” Faith took a couple of steps forward and waved me over, “Come on down. Lunch is almost ready”
I quickly composed myself and managed an awkward but polite smile as I said, “Good to see you guys here.”
“Indeed, it’s been quite a few years since we had a family Christmas,” Faith nodded.
I wasn’t sure how to respond.
Family?
Did she mean to include me? Had Neil not spent Christmas with his parents in the past few years?
As I descended the stairs, Faith tried to hold my hand but stopped, probably worried I might not like it.
‘I’m spending Christmas here because I’ve got some stuff going on, I explained awkwardly.
“That’s okay. No matter what’s happened, you’ll always be my daughter, Faith said gently, smiling.
This made me feel uneasy Ryan and Faith had always been kind to me. In my past life, it was I who kept my distance from them, and they ended up favoring Neil and Bonnie. In this life, they hid the truth about Karina.
All things considered, they’ve never done anything unforgivable. Their intentions were even good.
So, all I could do was nod and go along with whatever they said
Neil was nowhere to be seen. I didn’t ask. Instead, I sat in the living room chatting with Ryan and Faith about the latest family news and my relationship with Neil.
They clearly hoped that Neil and I would get back together I didn’t deny it, nor did I confirm it. I was just being noncommittal.
If they knew about my fertility issues, they probably wouldn’t hope for a reunion anymore. Neil was an only child, and his family. business couldn’t end just because there was no heir
By lunchtime, Neil was back. He greeted his parents and naturally sat next to me, ready for lunch,
Ryan and Faith watched this and exchanged glances, their eyes full of joy.
“Wool woof!” Suddenly, the puppy ran over, rubbing against my feel, seemingly wanting me to pick it up.
Out of respect for the elders, I gently pushed it away. To my surprise, Faith spoke, “What a cute dog! Who got it?”
I glanced at Neil and answered, “Neil did”
Faith was somewhat taken aback, probably not expecting her son to have a soft spot for animals.
As he slowly ate his meal, Neil added, “She likes pets, so I got one.”
Faith’s surprise turned into delight. She bent down, picked up the puppy, and started playing with it right at the dinner table. “So you were bought as a gift. How adorable!”
I breathed a sigh of relief. I was worried that Ryan and Faith wouldn’t like the dog. Over the past few days, I’ve totally fallen for this little dog Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I plan to take it with me when I leave.
“If you guys have a kid someday, this puppy will be a great companion,” Faith, in her excitement, let her thoughts wander.
“Cough cough, we’re still eating!” Ryan immediately coughed a few times, interrupting Faith, then gave her a look.
It was indeed premature for Faith to talk about having kids when Neil and I hadn’t even confirmed our relationship, especially given my previous loss.
Realizing her blunder, Faith quickly changed the subject. ‘Let’s eat! Try some of the poultry I raised myself!”
She put the puppy down and served me a chicken leg. I gratefully accepted without refusal.
Ryan and Faiths visit made Sterling Estates livelier. They were even nicer to me than before. I felt more like their biological daughter than Neil, who seemed adopted
On Christmas Day, I gave all the domestic help a day off, leaving only Hannah with us. I had Bailey drive her to buy decorations.
T take care of the Christmas wreath!” Hannah came back with a wreath, all excited.
“I can handle IL. You go help in the kitchen,” I took the wreath and gestured to Hannah.
While Faith was prepping the food in the kitchen with Ryan’s help, I sent Hannah to assist.
I decided to stay clear of the kitchen to avoid any awkwardness
Hannah nodded and headed for the kitchen
[fetched a chair and placed it next to the Christmas tree
The tree was quite tall Realizing I still wasnt tall enough, I stacked another chair on top and climbed up.
I was carefully arranging the wreath when the stacked chairs suddenly collapsed. I fell, too
I braced myself for the impact and closed my eyes.
I heard a sharp intake of breath.
To my surprise, I didn’t feel much pain. I realized Id fallen on someone
I opened my eyes to find Neil underneath me.
His back must have hit the cold, wet ground, turning his face slightly pale from the pain Despite that, his arms were still firmly around me, not letting go.
“Im sorry!” I quickly got off him and tried to help him up.
“How can you be so clumsy?!” Neil wore a sour expression, swatted my hand away, and got up on his own. He looked at me with a hint of disdain, “Why didn’t you get a ladder? Instead, you stacked two chairs. Clumsy
I was just arranging a Christmas wreath and got scolded. I was rather baffled
“Come in, I need you to apply some medicine, Neil glared at me, then turned around and walked away.
He hadn’t worn a coat when he left. His gray sweater was dirty and wet.
I glanced at the ground, sighed softly, and followed him inside.
As I was following Neil upstairs. Faith emerged from the kitchen and asked, “Irene, what dish do you like?”
When she caught sight of me and Neil on the stairs, she abruptly cut off her words, quickly switched gears, and mumbled her way back to the kitchen, “You should love all these dishes….
1 helplessly shook my head, only to find Neil looking down at me. “Daydreaming, huh?”
“Nope, let’s head up.” I shook my head again, decided to pick up the pace, and got to the top of the stairs first
