Chapter 391
Chapter 391
“Hiram, that’s enough. Your father isn’t fond of public displays of affection,” Karina chimed in, and a warm smile graced her face. The cheerfulness she constantly exuded was reminiscent of Gloria.
It was no wonder that Gloria preferred Karina over Kate. As the saying goes, blood is thicker than water.
Neil felt my gaze and glanced at me before gently placing his arm around Karina’s slender waist. She looked elegant in a white sundress, a perfect match for him.
Upon feeling Neil’s touch, Karina leaned her head affectionately against his arm, her face lighting up with a smile.
“Hey, over here.” Russel’s voice pulled me back to reality.
What was I doing, watching my ex-husband and his sweetheart living their happily-ever-after?
“Come here. Let’s take a picture together. Let’s get someone to snap a shot for us.” I beckoned Russel over.
“Us? Together?” Russel seemed surprised but quickly flashed a smile, “Sure.”
But who could we have asked to take the picture?
Ignoring everyone else, I waited for Hiram to finish taking pictures of Neil and Karina before turning to him, “Hiram, could you take a couple of photos for us?”
Hiram stopped in his tracks, looking confused.
Neil and Karina, expressionless, joined us.
“Hiram’s photography skills are average, Miss Finch. How about I take the pictures for you?” Karina offered.
“Sure.” Russel agreed immediately, handing his phone over to Karina.
Despite my reluctance, I didn’t object.
Russel and I stood side by side, not too close yet not too distant, more like good friends than a couple.
After Karina took a couple of shots, she suggested, “Miss Finch, you two are married, right? You seem a little shy. How about a more intimate pose?”
Russel was about to refuse, probably fearing I would have been uncomfortable, but I interrupted, “Sure. We’re just a little embarrassed.” I then hooked my arm around Russel’s and leaned my head against him.
Russel’s body stiffened for a moment but he quickly relaxed and leaned into me.
After Karina took another shot, she suggested, “Try another pose. Russel, how about a kiss for your wife?”
A sudden chill ran down my spine at her words. Neil was staring at Russel and me, and his gaze was cold as ice.
Russel turned to me as if seeking my approval.
Without a word, I tiptoed and kissed his cheek while he bent down considerately.
Karina seemed pleased, snapping pictures from various angles. Holding up the picture of me kissing Russel, she turned to Neil and asked, “What do you think of this one? I think it’s beautiful. The sunset and the couple kissing make it look so good. Miss Finch and Russel make a lovely pair.”
Neil didn’t even glance at the picture. Instead, he took Hiram’s hand and walked away.
Karina’s face faltered but quickly returned to normal. She handed the phone back to Russel, “You guys can pick your favorite photos. I’m going to find Neil.”
“Sure.” Russel took his phone back.
Watching Karina chase after Neil, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was in a hurry.
I pushed away those thoughts and continued my stroll on the beach with Russel.
As the movie started, Russel and I returned to the big screen where couples had gathered. The ambient lights created a romantic atmosphere.
That was the first time Russel and I attended an event like that. It was quite fun. I sipped on some wine and found a spot to sit down and watch the movie with
him.
“Damn, Rena, did you come here to win a beauty pageant? You look stunning!” Stella came over, her eyes practically popping out of her head as she complimented
1.
Mitch, holding their child, stood by nodding in agreement. His gaze wandered around before finally landing on Neil and Karina.
He kept glancing back and forth between me and them, seemingly comparing us.
Mitch was a notorious gossip. No matter how hard we tried, we couldn’t quell his love for gossip.
“You look gorgeous, too.” I complimented Stella, and we started to exchange praises.
Russel, standing by our side, occasionally offered me some snacks. If I was too engrossed in my conversation, he would feed me.
At first, I was not accustomed to such intimacy but after a few times, I started to get used to it.
After the movie, there was a dance. As the music started, Russel held out his hand, “May I have this dance?”
Under the light, his face was handsome and gentle. For a moment, I forgot about my reservations and past grudges against him. In the midst of the romantic atmosphere, I realized I couldn’t refuse him.
“Sure.” I smiled and accepted his invitation.
Just when Russel and I began to dance to the music, a sudden cry of alarm rang through the crowd, “Someone’s fainted! Help!”
The crowd became chaotic, and my mood was instantly ruined.
A woman had suddenly collapsed. Her partner said she had a severe lung condition, and for some unknown reason, she had passed out.
“Is there a doctor? Is there a medical team on the island? Someone, help!” The man shouted frantically,
Everyone else looked at each other, helpless.
That’s when Karina’s voice rang out, “Step aside. I’m a doctor”
Russel, who was about to step forward, immediately stopped in his tracks. He stepped back, standing beside me as we watched Karina approach the unconscious
woman.
Everyone circled around, watching as Karina attempted to resuscitate the unconscious woman. She had a small bag with her which was filled with acupuncture needles. The sight of those needles always made my skin crawl. She had even used them on me once.
Until this day, I still hadn’t figured out whether I was able to conceive due to Karina’s treatment, or because of some unbreakable karmic bond between Neil and me.
Regardless, being able to have two adorable children was the greatest fortune for me.
“Perhaps we should wait for the medical professionals. You can’t just randomly poke her with those needles!” someone in the crowd spoke up, doubting Karina’s medical skills.
“If we wait for the professionals, she’ll be dead,” Karina responded curtly, not paying any mind to the skeptics. She proceeded with her acupuncture without hesitation.
