Chapter 63
Oscar seemed pretty chill, “I don’t need love.”
“Why? You got your heart broken and now you’re planning to stay single forever?” I asked with a smile as I tasted the food here.
“No, it’s just…” Oscar seemed like he wanted to say something, but then he stopped. Instead, he peeled a few shrimps and put them in my bowl, “Irene, you’re too skinny. Eat more.”
I didn’t want to be this skinny, but for some reason, my weight gain plan wasn’t going well. Since I’ve been reborn, I’ve only gained a few pounds and occasionally would lose some.
Perhaps it was because Ada was fired too early. If she cooked for me for a little while longer, I might’ve been more plump and had a better figure.
Oscar was quite a bit younger than me, so after chatting with him for a while, I could tell he was still a bit childish.
For instance, his views on many things were very simple; everything was either right or wrong. I didn’t argue with him, just went along with his opinions. He seemed really happy that I agreed with him.
After finishing the buffet, Oscar and I left the restaurant. Bailey had already taken the car back, so I’d have to catch a cab home today.
“It’s snowing again.” I reached out my hand to catch a few snowflakes, observing their shapes with delight.
“Irene, do you like hot chocolate?” Oscar asked, his breath visible in the cold air.
He had large eyes and long eyelashes. Some said college students had a naïve sparkle in their eyes, which seemed to suit him well.
Back in college, I loved all sorts of drinks, but I barely had them after getting married. A cup of hot chocolate in this weather actually sounded pretty good.
I nodded and Oscar immediately ran over to a nearby café. The café was quite busy, so he patiently waited in line.
Just then, my phone vibrated. I rubbed my cold hands and took out my phone. It was a call from Neil.
“Hello?” I answered.
“Where are you?” Neil sounded a bit cold.
“I’m… out shopping. Why do you ask?” I looked around and asked back.
“With who?” Neil cut right to the chase.
I was puzzled. What did it matter to him? Even if we go by his previous agreements, Oscar wasn’t exactly his buddy. I asked him back, “And where are you?”
Neil was silent for a moment, then finally said, “Don’t you already know?”
“And who are you with?” I pressed.
“I came here with Bonnie, but now I’m alone in the hotel.” Neil answered quickly, explaining the situation very clearly.
I was taken aback and couldn’t respond for a while. After a moment, I managed to speak, “Did you call me just to check up on me? Why are you suspicious of me? You’re out with your mistress and I didn’t question you, yet you’re blaming me.”
This was something I learned from the internet. When a woman didn’t know what to say, she should turn the tables.
Sure enough, Neil was speechless. He took a deep breath, and I could hear it very clearly over the phone. “You’re taking care of Russel’s cat, then you go to the pet shop with Bonnie’s ex–boyfriend. Irene, you sure know how to have fun, don’t you?”
“How did you know?” I asked in surprise. It was normal for Neil to know I was looking after Russel’s cat, because I posted it on Facebook. But how did he know I was with Oscar?
Then a notification popped up on WhatsApp, I glanced at it. Russel, “I was with Neil when you sent the video. He saw it.”
I was speechless.
“Irene, here’s your hot chocolate.” Oscar had bought the hot chocolate and ran back, sounding very excited.
Hearing him, Neil simply said, “Just wait and see” and hung up. I just focused on enjoying my hot chocolate. Neil’s mood swings were unpredictable. I had no idea why he was angry.
“Thank you.” I thanked Oscar with a big smile.
“You’re welcome, Irene,” Oscar was blushing, whether from the cold or from shyness, I couldn’t tell. Then, he whispered, “You look really pretty today.” That made me really happy. Every woman liked to be complimented. The hot chocolate in my hand seemed to taste even sweeter.
Walking in the snow, sipping hot chocolate, and chatting with a boy. This was my first time experiencing something like this. There were many people who pursued me in college, but they all backed off once they found out I liked Neil.
I’d never had such a romantic experience before, and all the romance I tried to create for Neil was simply ignored.
After finishing the hot chocolate, I hailed a cab and took Oscar back to Sterling Estates since his kitten was still at my place and I needed to let him take it home.
“What’s wrong? Come in.” I said.
Once we reached my door, Oscar seemed very nervous, like he didn’t dare to step in.
Upon my urging, he put on a pair of slippers and walked into the spacious and luxurious living room. Just the decoration of this mansion cost millions, something I was used to, but obviously, Oscar wasn’t. He looked even more nervous and awkward.
10.35
Didn’t Bonnie feel awkward like this? This wealth wasn’t hers, yet one man had taken her straight to the top of the world. Well, this wealth wasn’t created by me either. I was just lucky.
“Meow!” The kitten saw its owner and let out a joyful cry, clumsily but excitedly bounding over to Oscar’s legs.
Boomer followed behind it and came to my feet, rubbing against me. I quickly picked him up.
Oscar stroked the kitten and asked, “Irene, are you home alone?” Was he asking if Neil was home? Neil was his love rival, someone he couldn’t compete with.
“Yeah, he should be… on a business trip with your ex–girlfriend.” I answered honestly. Oscar already knew a lot, there was no need to hide anything.
Upon hearing Bonnie’s name, his expression dimmed a bit. After all, she was the girl he once loved deeply.
“How about sticking around for dinner?” I suggested that Oscar stay for dinner.
Oscar shook his head, “Nah, Irene, I gotta head back to school.”
“I see.” I nodded.
“Holidays are just around the corner. I’ll be interning next semester. Might have more free time, but could also be busier.” Oscar shared with me.
I responded in the same manner, “Cool, just holler if you need any help with the internship stuff. I’ll do my best to lend a hand.”
