Chapter 471
Chapter 471
No wonder Faith was always so fond of Serena. It’s as if she saw the child in her.
That was also my first child. Sometimes, I too, see her in Serena. I felt she’s come back to me, and, fearing I might be too lonely, she’s even brought along a son for me.
I looked down at Serena sleeping peacefully in my arms, and my heart softened.
“That’s right, we must always look forward. Neil, are you looking forward?” I turn to meet Neil’s gaze, a faint smile playing on my lips.
Neil was taken aback, then he looked away. A low hum of agreement came from his throat, “Yeah, looking forward.”
Moving forward would mean no more crossing paths with me, right?
I didn’t know if his answer was true or false, but I hope it was true.
“Yeah, I’ll talk to her.” I nodded, “She was always nice to me. I remember.”
The morning sun was growing stronger. I didn’t want to stay here anymore, otherwise Serena would suffer. She was already asleep, and I needed to find a better place for her to rest.
Neil suggested, “Let’s go upstairs. Serena can sleep in the room.”
I was thinking the same. Upstairs would be quieter. So, I followed Neil back into the living room where Hiram was unwrapping presents. Some smart folks brought their kids along. It was easier for the children to bond, and everyone could see how much the Whitmores care for Hiram. So, winning him over was like gaining the favor of the entire Whitmore family.
Neil led me upstairs. Some people noticed us, and their gazes were strange.
Many knew me, after all. I was Neil’s wife for five years. These people were close partners of Whitmore Co., and some had met me before and recognized me now.
It was a bit awkward. I bore the various glances and quickly went upstairs. Neil led me to a guest room.
I gently laid Serena on the bed and covered her with a thin blanket before turning to leave.
“Dad, it’s time to cut the cake! Will you help me?” Hiram ran up and grabbed Neil’s hand with a smile on his face.
Karina followed behind and watched Neil with amusement in her eyes, occasionally glancing at me.
Of course, Neil wouldn’t refuse Hiram. “Alright, let’s go down.”
As we descended, Karina deservedly hooked her arms with Neil’s with Hiram holding his other hand. The three of them looked like a perfectly happy family, while I trailed behind and seemed out of place. I decided to pause and planned to follow after a
moment.
Just then, Karina called out to me, “Ms. Finch, come join us for the cake.”
All eyes turned to me. I was stuck. So, I decided to stop overthinking and confidently follow whatsoever.
“Irene, come here.” Faith intervened. She waved at me as I followed behind Karina.
I walked over and she took my hand, leading me to a quieter spot to sit. Then, she asked, “How come you’re here today? Did you know it was Hiram’s birthday?”
“No, Karina has invited me before, but I was busy. I mainly came to see you and Ryan today, and to bring Hiram a birthday present.” I replied softly.
“Well, it’s thoughtful of you to remember to visit me.” Faith was touched and held my hand tightly.
“Faith, actually, I told Neil about your situation, I…” I hesitated, not sure if it was appropriate to discuss. After all, it was my first time dealing with someone suffering from depression.
I never had any other relatives or friends diagnosed with depression so was unsure how I should comfort her.
Faith looked startled, quickly catching on. She looked awkward but tried to smile, “I’m fine. Don’t listen to Neil’s nonsense, don’t worry about me.”
and
“How can I not worry about you?” I gripped her hand tighter, but this wasn’t the best time to discuss this. Everyone was waiting for Hiram to cut the cake. I continued, “Can we talk privately after the guests leave?”
Faith nodded, “Sure.”
Just then, Hiram ran over, “Grandma, come on! I want Dad, Mom, Grandpa, and Grandma all by my side. This is my first really
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happy birthday!”
Hearing her beloved grandson’s words, Faith was pleased and pained at the same time. She signaled me with her eyes, then quickly went to join Hiram cutting the cake.
Through the crowd, I saw Karina’s gaze on me. As our eyes met, she smiled a smirk of triumph.
She must had sent Hiram to fetch Faith and likely sent him upstairs for Neil too.
She didn’t want me to be alone with any member of the Whitmore family
I didn’t mind. I simply looked away and checked my phone. With so many people crowding around Hiram and the cake, I decided to avoid the commotion. After the cake, I’d go up and stay with Serena My main goal today was to talk to Faith.
As I scrolled through my phone, I noticed something odd. Alicia posted on Facebook: I have a special talent for unrequited love)
The post was from five hours ago, in her time zone it would’ve been before dawn. A negative post like this at such an hour, something must be up.
Alicia rarely posted like this. She usually posted about work.
Stella had already commented: [What’s up?]
I felt a pang of worry. Alicia must had had a problem with Sean in Ylandia. Their relationship had always felt cursed to me. It always went wrong, despite their mutual affection and happy times together.
I messaged Alicia: [Ali, are you still in Ylandia?]
I was surprised to find Alicia hadn’t retired for the night yet. She responded almost immediately: [Yeah, still awake] Me: [Are you with Sean?]
Alicia: [No, not anymore. I’ve booked a plane ticket home for tomorrow.]
Me: [What happened? Will you tell me?)
Alicia: [It’s nothing. I just realized we’re not right for each other. I was deluding myself before. We’re far from compatible, truly]
I had a rough idea about Sean’s social standing. He seemed rather well matched with Alicia. How could they not be from the same world?
In these circles, the best match is typically one of equal social standing.
By the time I responded again, Alicia had stopped replying. I could tell she was feeling low. Giving her some space might be best, so I refrained from probing further.
Everyone around me was merrily devouring their cake, but I couldn’t help but notice Neil and Karina were missing.
