Chapter 451
Chapter 451
Stella wiped away her tears, forcing a smile “Yeah, I used to be a flirt master, but why have I become so weak now? Love really can be a killer.”
I chuckled lightly, a sour feeling creeping into my heart. I, too, had lost ten years of my youth to the so- called love.
“Alright, Rena, you should go home. Your two kids need you. I need to take a walk to clear my head.” Stella’s mood was obviously down in the dumps.
I wanted to accompany her, but sometimes, when someone was feeling particularly low, solitude could be a comfort.
I hesitated, ultimately watching as Stella pushed her baby stroller away.
Her figure, under the sunlight, wasn’t cheerful at all. It was like she was being shrouded by a shadow, making me feel a pang of heartache.
Neil and Mitch hadn’t come out yet. They were probably still chatting.
As I prepared to drive home, I noticed a small figure darting around a corner not too far away. It looked like Hiram!
Unsure, I decided to wait in my car. After about ten seconds, sure enough, Hiram appeared again, sneaking glances at his wristwatch and looking around cautiously. Karina was nowhere in sight.
Could it be that Neil brought him? But would Neil just leave him alone outside? I didn’t think so.
Sometimes, I didn’t particularly like Hiram. He was not just naughty, but he seemed to have been led astray by Karina, which made me feel uncomfortable.
However, I couldn’t just ignore him.
Just as I was about to call Neil to pick up Hiram, Hiram suddenly darted across the street. He seemed to be in a rush, not noticing the traffic lights. A red car screeched to a halt, missing him by a hair’s breadth.
Shaken, he fell to the ground, his face pale.
“Whose kid is this? Trying to get himself killed?!” The driver of the red car scolded, but no one in the crowd acknowledged him.
I sprung from my car and rushed over. I saw Hiram sitting on the ground. Although he hadn’t been hit, he had scraped his knee when he fell, and it was bleeding.
This kid had just hurt his face not long ago, and now his knee was injured. I had no idea how Neil and Karina could let this happen. And wasn’t Ryan and Faith there, too?
Four adults couldn’t keep an eye on one child, who was allowed to run off alone repeatedly, always seeming to find trouble. Hiram’s little face was tight, and he didn’t say a word. He was clearly upset, but he didn’t cry or complain. He just glared at the driver. “I’m sorry. I know him!” I quickly told the driver, “I apologize that I wasn’t paying enough attention to him.”
“Are
you his mom? Can’t you look after your child?!” The driver scolded me, “If you can’t take care of a kid, don’t have one. What would have happened if I hit him? Bad luck!”
I swallowed my frustration. Although Hiram was at fault for running the red light, there was no need for such harsh words. Especially since I wasn’t Hiram’s mother.
When Hiram saw me, he seemed surprised. When he saw the driver scolding me, he suddenly stood up and pushed the driver.
The driver was about to leave but, after being pushed by Hiram, he turned around, ready to retaliate. Just then, someone grabbed his raised hand, causing him to grimace in pain.
“Dad!” Hiram yelled.
I hadn’t expected Neil to show up, let alone notice what was happening. His face was dark as a storm cloud, and he was a man who fiercely protected his own. Seeing someone attempting to hit his son in the street, he was bound to react.
The driver wilted under Neil’s intense gaze. He wasn’t in the wrong in this situation, but his harsh words and attempt to get physical made him seem less innocent.
“Watch your son!” he grumbled, quickly getting back into his car and driving away.
Neil gave me a significant look, as though I was some child trafficker trying to kidnap his son. He then bent down and picked up Hiram, This voice soft ‘What are you doing here? Where are your grandparents?”
Hiram’s face was slightly uncomfortable. He hugged Neil’s neck, “Grandma and Grandpa are at home. I was bored, so I snuck out. Mommy doesn’t know. She’s at work,”
He sneaked out and just happened to end up where Neil was. Something about that seemed off to me.
But Neil was very indulgent with Hiram, seemingly believing every word he said. I kept my doubts to myself. This was between them, and it wasn’t my ace to interfere.
“Thanks for what you did just now.” As I was about to leave, Neil suddenly spoke.
“I was just doing the right thing.” I answered casually. I didn’t think Neil needed to thank me.
“Ms. Finch, thank you!” Hiram chimed in. He winked at me, his long eyelashes fluttering. He looked so much like Neil when he was held in his arms, with no resemblance to Karina at all.
Despite the driver’s harsh words towards me earlier, he’d had the courage to stand up to him.
Suddenly, this little rascal didn’t seem so bad. He had his cute moments, too.
I pointed to Hiram’s knee, “He’s a bit hurt. Make sure you put some medicine on it. I’m heading home now.”
As I walked to my car, Neil carrying Hiram followed behind me. Suddenly, two salespeople appeared, blocking my path with
enthusiasm. “Miss, are you interested in a family photo shoot? Ever thought about a family portrait? The three of you are such a good-looking family. I’m sure the photos will turn out great!”
Confused, I realized the salespeople had mistaken me, Neil, and Hiram for a family.
“I’m sorry, I…” I began to refuse.
“Miss, we have a photographer on-site for a trial shoot. You can try a few shots and see the results. You three are so photogenic. I’m sure any photo will turn out great!” The salesperson interrupted me, persistently pushing their service, and their misunderstanding of my relationship with Neil.
Was my annoyed expression not clear enough?
Another salesperson seemed to have noticed something and pulled their colleague away. I breathed a sigh of relief. At least this one had picked up on my discomfort.
But this was even more outrageous. She approached Neil, with a portfolio of photo samples in her hand, “Sir, have a look. These are some of the portraits we’ve done for clients in the past; they turned out great. You’re such a handsome man, your wife is stunning, and your child looks like a cherub. The photos would certainly be a beautiful keepsake!”
Neil didn’t glance at the portfolio. Instead, he was looking at me with an inscrutable expression.
