Chapter 425
Chapter 425
Upon arriving home, Neil helped me extract the stroller from the trunk and set it up. I nestled Serena and Brandon into the stroller, and was about to call for Norah to open the door when it
swung open.
Russel stood in the entrance, a strange expression crossing his face as he saw Neil and me together. The tension between the two men was palpable.
“Thanks for bringing us home, Neil. You better go talk to Mitch,” I said, urging Neil away. “He owes Stella an explanation.”
“I could use a glass of water,” Neil suddenly mentioned.
It would’ve been rude not to invite him in after he’d given us a ride, and refusing him a drink was out of the question.
I handed the stroller to Russel and said, “I’ll get him some water.”
Russel intercepted my hand, “You take the baby inside. I’ll get him some water.”
Reluctantly, I pushed the stroller into the yard. Stella, still in a daze, didn’t notice the tense atmosphere between Neil and Russel. However, I couldn’t help but steal a glance back as I walked
away.
Russel’s back was to me, obscuring his expression, but Neil’s face was clear as day. His sharp gaze met mine, causing me to look away.
I walked into the living room and poured Stella a cup of water.
Russel returned shortly after, silently pouring a glass of water and leaving again.
He must have been uncomfortable with the situation. After all, to outsiders, Russel and I were a married couple.
Us being in the company of Neil was bound to raise questions, Furthermore, I couldn’t let Russel find out that I had asked Neil to dig up information on Ariana.
Suddenly, a loud thud echoed from the yard.
I rushed out to see Neil, fist raised, ready to punch Russel.
“Neil, what the hell are you doing?!” I yelled.
Neil glanced at me, his face full of anger. But at the last moment, his fist deviated from its path and slammed into the door instead. The impact-sent a shudder through me.
He had hit the door with such force. It was as if all his anger had been funneled into that single punch.
I could see blood trickling down from his knuckles.
What the hell happened? What could Russel have said or done to make him lose control like this?
“Russel, are you okay?” I asked, noticing the fresh cut on his face. He must have been hit by Neil.
Russel wiped the blood off his mouth and gave a wry smile. “I’m fine, just need to clean it up. Let’s
Neil’s icy gaze followed us as we walked back into the living room.
After a couple of minutes, Neil’s figure disappeared from the yard, and I let out a sigh of relief.
“What did you say to him? Why did you two fight?” I asked Russel, displeasure evident in my voice.
go
inside.”
“I just told him to stay away from you. You’re my wife now, and we have kids together,” Russel answered, his wound adding a macabre touch to his smile.
I really didn’t want Russel to have that conversation with Neil, but what was done was done.
“Alright,” I said, deciding to switch topics, ‘Russel, go clean yourself up. Stella and I need to have a serious talk.”
Russel noticed Stella’s mood and asked her, What happened?”
Stella gave a weak smile and answered, “It’s nothing. Go take care of your wound, Russel. I just need to chat with Rena.”
Russel, not one to pry, nodded and left us alone.
I couldn’t help but feel uneasy about Neil’s outburst. Was it really just because of what Russel had said?
Stella and I were both in a miserable state of mind.
“Stella, have you made up your mind?” I asked gently.
Divorce is a serious matter and shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially without concrete evidence of infidelity.
Stella remained silent, playing with the baby in her arms. She had suffered a lot to have this child, and now, with the baby still so young, she was having serious problems with Mitch. It must have been incredibly hard for her.
“I’ve asked Neil to do some digging on Ariana,” I said, “We need to know why Mitch is giving her so much attention. Is it strictly professional, or is there something personal going on?”
Stella gave a bitter laugh, “Rena, thank you, but it doesn’t matter. I know it’s not just professional. I’ve never seen Mitch so concerned about another woman since we got married.”
Her words struck me hard, and I found myself at a loss for comforting words.
I had experienced the pain of watching the one I love care for someone else. It was excruciating. But at least Neil never loved me to begin with, so I didn’t have to experience that sudden fall from grace.
“Have you told your family about this?” I asked.
“I told my sister earlier today in the car, but I didn’t tell my parents or my brother,” said Stella.
She had probably confided in her sister because she couldn’t keep it in any longer. But by not telling her whole family, she was leaving a little room for her marriage to Mitch. If her parents knew, they would definitely go after Mitch.
“Alright, stay here for a few days until you feel better. Marriage is not to be taken lightly. Let’s see how Mitch reacts, then you can make your decision,” I advised.
“Okay, but won’t I be a burden?” Stella asked.
I shook my head, “Of course not. Serena and Brandon are very easy children and Norah is here to help. Having you here is nothing more than an extra plate at dinner.”
Stella gazed at me appreciatively, “Rena, thank God for you. I really don’t know who else I could talk to.”
“Alright, don’t worry. If Mitch ever wrongs you, I’ll give him a piece of my mind!” I reassured her, thumping my chest for emphasis.
Stella managed a small smile, about to continue our conversation when the doorbell rang.
Norah went to answer it, then returned looking uncomfortable, “Ms. Finch, someone’s here to see you.”
I stepped outside and saw Karina standing in the courtyard, Hiram in tow.
“Ms Finch, I can’t reach Neil on his cell, and he’s not with Mitch either, so I thought I’d check here.”
