apter 341
“You don’t have to sugarcoat it for me,” Neil chuckled in resignation. “Do you think I don’t know about your little scheme? You’re planning to leave after using me, aren’t you? You’re worried that I’ll invest too much and then can’t let you go.”
See, I’ve always said Neil would make a great psychologist.
The way he unveiled my intentions made me pretty awkward. Even though he didn’t spell it out, my cheeks were already burning.
Indeed, how could someone as clever as Neil be easily manipulated? He only got involved when he was willing to be used.
I didn’t say anything because at that point, anything I said would have seemed fake.
“I’ll arrange for you and your mom to see your dad in about three days. I’m still out of the country.” Neil didn’t ask me to admit anything; he just reassured me.
His thoughtfulness made me feel guilty.
Then I had to rely on the daily recollection of past tragedies and the lost child to remind myself to stay sane.
“Alright, I got it. Thanks.” I tried to sound confident, as if he were compensating me.
“No need to thank me. Even though I know you want to leave, I’ll try my best to change your mind.” Neil’s voice was calm and gentle.
I was speechless. I felt I didn’t need him to do anything. I was already starting to waver.
After a brief chat, I hung up the phone.
Neil had always been efficient. Three days later, my mom and I got to see my dad. Mostly they chatted, and I waited on the side.
My dad was not having a hard time there. In fact, his lifestyle was more regular than when he was working. As long as nobody deliberately targeted him, he took it as a vacation.
What bothered him was the bad reputation that prison had brought him. He had been framed, but there was no evidence to prove his innocence.
A man who had been innocent for decades ended up like that was heartbreaking.
After my parents met, my
and I left the prison. Seeing my dad, her mood obviously improved a lot.
mooring in there, but it’s a pity that he can’t prove his innocence yet.” In the car, my mom was both
“It’s good that your dad is not relieved and worried.
“One day it will be proven, Mom. Don’t
I was driving and comforting her.
My mom nodded. I thought it was over, but then she suddenly asked, “Rena, did Neil help us to see your dad?”
That question startled me, and I hit the brakes. The car screeched.
A stray dog suddenly ran It just ran out!”
out
from somewhere. Luckily, it wasn’t hit. I quickly pretended to pat my chest, “That scared the life out of me.
“Stop beating around the bush and tell me.” My mom saw my guilty look, and her tone became serious.
I’m most afraid of seeing my mom like that. What if she got sick again?
I continued to drive without answering her right away. The atmosphere in the car was a bit tense. Just then, my phone rang. It was Neil.
Seeing his name gave me a headache. My mom grabbed the phone before I could, and before I could stop her, she answered the call and put it on speaker.
“Did you see your dad today?” Neil’s voice came through, sounding very steady.
I glanced at my mom, who was looking at me. She didn’t say anything; just signaled me with her eyes to answer Neil’s question.
“Mm, just got back.” I gritted my teeth and replied.
“How is he? There shouldn’t be any problems. I made arrangements.” Neil’s side sounded a bit noisy, but I could hear him clearly. I wish I couldn’t, so my mom wouldn’t either.
My mom’s face was complicated, and even her breathing was quiet.
I didn’t know how to respond.
If my mom got angry while Neil and I were talking, that would be trouble.
So, I had to find an excuse to end the call, “Mm, I’m driving now. It’s not convenient to talk.”
“Alright, drive safe.” Neil reminded me and hung up.
I breathed a sigh of relief. Luckily, he didn’t say anything too affectionate. Otherwise, it would have been really hard to explain.
1/2
11:28
The atmosphere once again became awkward. My mom pressed her lips together and didn’t say a word.
In that tense mood, the car stopped in front of our house. I quickly got out of the car, hoping my mom would just ignore what had just happened and wouldn’t ask me any more questions.
But I was too naive. My mom didn’t seem to let it go easily.
“Irene Finch, come here. I have something to say.” As soon as we entered the living room, my mom spoke in a serious tone.
Hannah, who was doing housework, immediately looked at me with questioning eyes when she heard my mom’s tone, I shook my head slightly and followed my mom upstairs.
My mom didn’t beat around the bush. She asked directly, “Are you and Neil back together? And what’s his relationship with Bonnie Tueley? Tell me everything.”
Her tone was stem, but she didn’t seem too upset, which relieved me a bit.
What I was most afraid of was her getting sick from emotional agitation.
“Mom, actually, a lot happened while you were unconscious.” I took a deep breath. Since my mom had guessed it, it was time I faced it.
“Tell me everything.” My mom sat down, waiting for me to continue.
I started from when my mom was unconscious and explained everything in detail. Unconsciously, I found myself defending Neil.
What I talked about the most was how he had helped me.
After finishing, I nervously watched my mom’s reaction, ready to handle any possible emotional response,
Unexpectedly, my mom didn’t blow up. Instead, there was a hint of understanding in her eyes.
Her smile was somewhat cold, “Rena, you are my daughter, I know you’re kind-hearted. For the man you once loved deeply, if he wants to win you back, I know you might waver. But I still hope you can think twice; don’t make the same mistake again.”
My mom wasn’t angry, wasn’t furious, but her overly calm attitude shocked me more. I stared at her for several seconds. My feelings were complex and hard to understand.
But overly can hear
“Mom, do you… do you still hate Neil that much?”
“I just don’t want him to hurt you again. Actually, I could often hear conversations while I was unconscious. Neil visited me in the hospital many times. You think I didn’t know?” my mom asked.
