Chapter 474
Chapter 474
“Hiram.” Karina looked at Hiram, seemingly sensing something amiss. She gazed with explicit threat, despite in the presence of everyone.
It was hard to describe how I felt. How could someone look at their own child in such a way? It was as if he wasn’t her son but an insubordinate slave.
Hiram fell silent and shrunk back submissively.
I knew what he was afraid of. If I spoke out, he might have to face Karina’s punishment.
Even if I didn’t say anything, he would still be scolded.
“I have nothing to say.” The words died in my throat. No matter how much I disliked Hiram, I couldn’t bear to see him punished by Karina.
He was like a puppet that Karina had meticulously crafted. He appeared to be cherished, but in reality, he wasn’t truly cared for.
Karina exhaled in relief knowing I wasn’t going to continue. If she provoked me any further, it would only be disadvantageous for her.
The Whitmore family was now a complex mess with Karina and Hiram’s return. I was ready to leave with Serena, but Neil stopped me. “First clear it up, what did Karina make Hiram do?”
“Dad, Mommy didn’t make me do anything. Don’t misunderstand her!” Hiram, seeing Neil getting serious, quickly went over to hug Neil’s leg and pleaded, “Don’t blame my mommy, okay?”
He started crying as he spoke, and Neil’s expression softened slightly. He loved his son deeply.
I left with Serena in his moment of hesitation. This was their family matter, and I didn’t want to get involved.
“Rena, you’re back.”
Just as I got home, I found that my mom had returned. She was tending to the vegetable garden in the yard.
I was surprised. “Mom, why are you back? Where’s Dad?”
“Your dad is still dealing with some errands, so I came back first.” My mom looked weary. Her eyes were red and swollen. She managed to squeeze out a faint smile.
“Are things still not settled over there?” I asked softly. My heart ached as I saw my mom’s tiring face.
Mom paused before answering with a choked voice, “Your aunt, Emily… didn’t make it. After we took care of her funeral, I came back first. I just felt too heartbroken there and couldn’t bear it. Your dad suggested I come back first.”
That’s when I learned of Emily’s passing. Mom had never told me before that.
I couldn’t help but feel a lump in my throat, and my heart was heavy.
Silence fell over the yard until my mom put down her work, dusted her hands, and came over to check on Serena in the stroller. “Where did you take her? Why did you leave Brandon home alone?”
“I took her out for a bit.” I didn’t want to tell mom that I had gone to Neil’s house. She was already in a terrible mood, so I didn’t want to make her feel worse.
Mom washed her hands and then picked up Serena, showering her with kisses. “I missed these two little ones. The weather is so hot, and you should avoid taking her out in the sun too much. Don’t
damage her delicate skin.”
Only when talking about Serena and Brandon did a genuine smile appear on my mom’s face.
Of course, I knew that I wouldn’t have gone if it weren’t for Faith, and I had no idea that today was Hiram’s birthday.
Brandon was already asleep. Mom and I were playing with Serena in the living room, and we talked about my uncle, Lucas’ family situation.
The gate was opened as night fell.
“Russel, you’re back!” Mom’s mood visibly brightened as she saw Russel. To her, Rússel was the ideal son-in-law, and she would fully support it if ever I agreed to him.
Russel was momentarily surprised to see my mom back, but he quickly gone back to normal. He was always polite and courteous in front of my mom and never caused any scene.
“You’re back.” Russel carried some groceries, looking quite abundant.
Mom saw the groceries and felt both grateful and embarrassed. “Russel, you don’t have to keep coming over to cook for Rena. We have Norah here, and you should be busy with work. Don’t wear yourself out.”
According to my mom, I didn’t know how to appreciate and value good things and people.
The disagreement Russel and I had a few days ago went unnoticed by everyone. I hadn’t even told Stella about it, so my mom didn’t notice the awkwardness between us.
Russel was observing my reactions, but I avoided his gaze and continued playing with Serena. He reassured my morn, “Don’t worry. I manage my time wisely. I only come over to cook when I have
spare time.”
Mom gave me a look, which I understood. She hoped that I would seize the opportunity and stop rejecting him.
I remained silent, having made up my mind that there would never be any possibility between Russel and me. Dealing with one bigoted Neil was enough, I didn’t want to face another extreme person for the rest of my life.
Russel probably knew why I was silent. He made his way to the kitchen alone while Norah came out and praised, “Dr. Russel has once again taken over my job. He said Ms. Finch has been too tired lately, so he bought a lot of nutritious food to cook by himself.”
Norah smiled at me. Her eyes was filled with genuine envy. Which woman wouldn’t want to meet a man who cherished her like that?
I pretended not to hear, but my mom joined in, “Yes, he’s so busy yet he still finds time. Truly a good man.”
If Russel and I were in love with each other, his affection would indeed be wonderful. But when one party was unable to reciprocate, his kindness became a lethal poison.
I let my mom and Norah continue praising Russel until he finished cooking and brought the food out.
“I’m not hungry. You guys eat. I’ll go bathe Serena first.” I didn’t want to share a table with Russel, so I got up and was ready to take Serena to the bathroom for a bath.
Russel’s lips parted slightly, and his brows furrowed.
His demeanor radiated a sense of displeasure, a stern and icy facade that made him seem unapproachable.
“Rena!”
Mom trailed after me into the bathroom with her brows furrowed in confusion. “What’s the matter, sweetheart? Did you have a quarrel with Russel?”
“No, Mom. I’m just not very hungry.” I replied, undressing Serena without lifting my gaze..
“Don’t try to fool me. Your father and I have been away for a while. What did you two quarrel over? You’re even refusing to eat the food he cooked. It must have been quite a serious wrangle.” she prattled on.
