Chapter 328
Neil’s words left me speechless for a moment, but I knew deep down that my unease was fading away with his words.
“You didn’t have to tell me all this.” I hesitated for a moment before squeezing out this sentence.
“I didn’t do it on purpose, and I came here to see you.” Neil’s tone had a touch of authority, but it didn’t make me uncomfortable.
I initially didn’t want to come downstairs, but his words made me waver a bit.
After hanging up the phone, I tiptoed downstairs to avoid waking my mom. As I crossed the yard and reached the gate, Neil’s figure stood under the dim street lamp with a cigarette in his hand.
Seeing me, he quickly put out the cigarette and tossed it into the nearby trash can, then spread his arms, “Aren’t you going to run over and give me a hug?”
How could I possibly run over and hug him? I just walked over calmly and gave him a light hug.
Neil, in turn, hugged me back, his arms so tight that I was practically pressed against his chest, hearing his heartbeat.
“You showed a bit of jealousy today, not bad! Neil’s voice was full of pleasure and an undeniable smirk. He patted my head lightly, “When can you be like before?”
I was silent for a few seconds before responding, “I’m not sure.”
“Uncertainty means possibility,” Neil let go of me and kissed my forehead, “Then everything I do feels worth it. If you ask me to clean the streets, I will do it.”
I couldn’t help but imagine Neil cleaning the streets in my mind. His usual cool boss image in a suit would be gone. He would definitely become the most handsome janitor and would surely go viral online.
This thought made me laugh out loud.
Before I could laugh again, I felt a soft touch on my lips. Neil grabbed my waist, had me stand on my tiptoes, and kissed me deeply.
The night breeze carried the scent of flowers, adding a touch of romance to our kiss. I didn’t resist; I just closed my eyes and stopped overthinking.
It wasn’t until I was almost out of breath that Neil let go of me again.
“Once everything is over, I’ll come to pick you up at Sterling Estates; your parents should be able to accept me by then, right?” Neil’s lips were glossy and tempting from our kiss.
His gaze was firmly locked on mine, waiting for my response.
I was unsure, but if Neil really could help save my dad, they might think he was truly remorseful and give him a chance.
That was just a possibility. I couldn’t be sure.
“I guess they would; I’ll try my best then.” I said, feeling a bit uneasy inside but keeping a calm exterior.
“Good girl.” Neil’s smile brightened at my response, and then he sighed in a bit of frustration, “Ah, I can’t sleep with you tonight. It’s such a bummer.”
I didn’t respond, feeling a bit awkward.
My phone rang at that moment, it was my mom, “Rena, where did you go so late? Why aren’t you in your room?”
“Mom, I’m downstairs getting a drink of water. I’ll go rest soon.” I signaled to Neil to leave quickly and rushed back home.
As I closed the door, Neil was still standing there looking at me, his face full of disappointment.
I waved at him to leave as soon as possible, then he turned around and left reluctantly.
My mom was waiting for me in the living room when she saw me coming in from outside. She frowned, “Why are you outside so late?”
“I wasn’t feeling well, just went out for some fresh air after having water.” I made up an excuse.
D
My mom sighed faintly and said, “I can’t sleep thinking about your dad.”
Seeing my mom’s worried face made me feel even more down. I had to keep her company, chatting until 2 a.m. before we went back to rest.
My mom should have been resting well, but because of my dad’s situation, she couldn’t relax. Every day, we were discussing how to save my dad.
I didn’t dare tell my mom I was working with Neil, so I had to brush it off.
“This can’t go on,” Stella Wallace said worriedly when she heard about my situation, “What if your mom worries too much?”
“True, this is too hard. I feel stressed for you.” Alicia Rider also said.
Then Barbara Sands chimed in and said, “If you and Neil are still together, he would definitely help you…”
Stella cut off her words and said, “Don’t mention that unlucky guy. He’s back with that Bonnie Bitch, I knew it, they’re inseparable.”
Listening to Stella badmouth Neil, I felt a pang of guilt.
Poor Neil.
“I heard that now because of Bonnie, he’s getting close to StarGlow Enterprises, and a big shot has come to Rosemont. Do you guys know?” Alicia seemed to know a lot about this, “Ethan Foster, have you guys heard of him, a man of power and influence.”
Stella rolled her eyes and said, “Of course, I know him. He’s close to Gloria from StarGlow Enterprises. Oh, I heard that Bonnie Bitch is his adopted daughter.”
They knew quite a bit about all this. The only thing they didn’t know was that Neil and I were putting on a show.
“Enough about me, Ali. How have things been with Sean lately?” I interrupted their conversation, wanting to change the subject. Otherwise, the more they badmouthed Neil, the guiltier I would feel.
Mentioning Sean, Alicia’s face became complicated. Their contact had declined since Sean took her away from the bar last time.
This surprised me because that day in the bar, it was obvious that Sean cared a lot about Alicia. So why did they become more distant?
“Let’s not talk about him.” Alicia took a sip of her drink and said lightly.
“Another lousy man, Ali, it’s okay, there are good men everywhere!”
Stella’s words made Alicia laugh.
Barbara suddenly exclaimed, “Really? Russel and Chloe called off their engagement?”
This news hit me like a bombshell, stirring up a storm in my heart.
I was stunned, “Really? It’s off?”
“Yep, it’s really off. A friend told me; they just haven’t made the announcement yet.” Barbara looked just as shocked.
At this point, Alicia and Stella turned their gaze on me, their eyes filled with deep meaning. Stella said, “Rena, I can’t help but think Russel called off his engagement with Chloe because of you. Is he still hung up on you?”
