Chapter 40
After a long wait in line, it was finally my turn. Russel glanced at me and motioned for me to sit on the nearby chair, “have a seat.”
“Alright.” I immediately sat down, but Russel had already called in the next patient.
Russel was very focused on his work. Wearing gold-rimmed glasses, he had an air of intellectuality. Listening to his interaction with patients, I became more convinced of one thing: he didn’t need to fight over Bonnie with Neil. He deserved a better woman. Why would he put himself in such a mess?
About ten minutes later, Russel said to me, “You can leave now.”
I got up and left without asking any questions.
I gave Bailey a call. Half an hour later, Bailey picked me up at the entrance of the hospital. After I got in the car, he asked with concern, “Madam, are you not feeling well?”
“My heart is uncomfortable.” I replied casually
“How did the examination go?” Bailey asked again.
“Probably due to lack of rest.” I perfunctorily replied.
Bailey nodded, “Then you need to rest more.”
I really needed to rest more, otherwise the weight I just gained would drop again. My ideal weight was 60 kilos, at least 50 kilos. But now I only weighed 45 kilos
I sighed helplessly.
When I returned to Sterling Estates, I asked Ada to prepare lunch. She seemed a bit off. Before she left to prepare the food, she whispered to me, “Madam, Mr. Whitmore is upstairs.”
“When did he come back?” I was a bit surprised.
“He came back last night. He was asking why you weren’t home. He seemed to be in a bad mood.” Ada replied.
“Alright, I got it.” I waved my hand, then got up and headed upstairs.
Neil was working in the study. His desk was a mess, but he seemed unfazed, always effortlessly finding the files he needed. The study was filled with the smell of smoke. He was holding a half-smoked cigarette between his fingers.
I coughed twice as the smoke choked me. He looked up at me from the pile of papers, his eyes cold.
“You finally came back?” Neil put out the cigarette, his voice hard.
“Why did you come back last night?” I found it strange. Shouldn’t Neil have gone to find Bonnie?
“Where do you think I should have gone?” Neil countered.
I shook my head, “I don’t know. You carry on with your work. I’m going to take a shower, and then it’s time for lunch.”
As I was about to leave the study, Neil spoke again, a hint of jealousy in his tone, “Where did you spend the night last night?”
This question made me feel a bit guilty. Although there was nothing substantial between Russel and me, he took me to a hotel after I got drunk and helped me keep it a secret from Neil, which made me feel like I wasn’t entirely innocent. At the very least, we were in the same boat.
“At a hotel.” I murmured.
“Alone?” Neil’s eyes darkened further.
I nodded, confirming that I was alone in the room.
Seeing this, Neil’s expression softened a bit, then he went back to his work, ignoring me.
Sometimes I wonder, was I sent by Go d to atone for Neil’s sins? Otherwise, how could I have tolerated him for so many years?
After leaving the study, I quickly took a shower and then went down for lunch.
Neil was already sitting at the dining table. He was eating his food in silence, not waiting for me at all. I’m still not used to having meals with him alone. The atmosphere was heavy, and we had nothing to say to each other.
Then, his phone rang. I took a peek and felt powerless.
Why does Bonnie always call him when I’m with Neil? If I hadn’t been reborn, I would have suspected that she had installed surveillance on Neil.
Bonnie was saying something excitedly on the phone. I could only hear her voice but couldn’t make out the specific content.
Neil rubbed his temples, his face gloomy, “I told you, if you’re short of money, you can come to me. How much do you need? Just tell me.”
I was momentarily dazed, as if I had been brought back to my past life. Back then, Neil asked me, “How much money do you need to agree to a divorce? Tell me!”
Similar words, but completely different meanings.
Bonnie said something else, then hung up the phone.
Neil tossed his phone aside, clearly having lost his appetite. Ada was wiping the table in the distance. I’m not sure if she noticed what was happening here.
“What did you do?” I asked curiously.
“Focus on your food.” Neil shot me a glance, sounding somewhat disgruntled.
“You didn’t get her fired, did you?” I was pretty confident in my guess, “So she called to blame you, right?”
This was Neil’s usual way of doing things. As for a female college student, he wouldn’t respect her. Only when he truly fell for her would he genuinely consider for her.
At present, he merely saw Bonnie as a rare toy he couldn’t get.
Neil’s face darkened instantly, “Do you want a compliment for knowing me well?”
I smiled and said, “Not necessary. I just think your way of pursuing her won’t work. I heard she’s an excellent college student. Although her family can’t compare to yours, she’s superior to many ordinary people in some ways. Such girls have strong self-esteem, so they won’t rely on you for money. You might want to consider a different approach to woo her.”
“You seem to really hope that I can win her over?” Neil’s eyes narrowed slightly.
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11:02
Chapter 40
“Haven’t I proposed a divorce to you? I’m serious about it.” I looked straight into Neil’s eyes.
“Still 3%?” Neil gave a faint smile.
“No, 5%.” I held up five fingers, my smile bright, “So, deal?”
Neil stared at me. Although there was still a smile at the corner of his mouth, I could sense his sarcasm. He looked away, ate a few more bites of the food on his plate, then got up and left.
I was torn inside: did he agree or not?
After Neil left, Barbara’s call came in promptly, “Rena, pack your bags today. We’ll meet at the airport tomorrow. I’ve already bought the tickets for you.”
“Alright. What time?” I asked.
“I’ve sent it to you via WhatsApp. Check it yourself.” Barbara replied.
After hanging up, I checked WhatsApp and saw that I had to catch a flight early in the morning.
A little getaway wouldn’t hurt. I headed upstairs after dinner and packed lightly. Since I had to get up early the next day, I hit the sack pretty early.
I didn’t let Neil in on my trip to the Maldives, nor did I tell my parents. The next day, I made a beeline for the airport and met up with Barbara and her two mates.
“G od willing, let there be a romantic encounter waiting for me there!” After boarding, Alicia lounged in the comfy, spa cious seat and murmured a prayer.
Lolvely