Chapter 504
As I picked up the small ball from the ground, Stella had finished gathering the rest. Not forgetting to shoot a glare at Neil, she grumbled, “Don’t help Mitch bring stuff over here again. Next time I see you, I won’t even open the door!”
Neil retorted coldly, “You think I want to do this? Even if you and Mitch got divorced, it doesn’t change the fact that he’s your kids’ father. You refuse his calls, his messages, and even the stuff he buys for the kid. Do you think you’re blameless?”
“Why are you blaming me? Blame Mitch for making me sick. If he hadn’t, we wouldn’t have divorced.” Stella was defiant, never one to back down in front of Neil.
Neil frowned at the mention of Mitch’s stupidity. Before he could reply, Stella, in a sudden outburst, questioned, “Do you think I’m like Rena? Do you think I could tolerate as much as she does?”
I was exasperated. This woman and her quick tongue was a habit she’d never ditch.
Neil’s face darkened, his gaze falling on me. I was just an innocent bystander in this. I had nothing to do with their quarrel.
With an irritated look, I signaled Stella. Realizing her mistake, she looked a bit embarrassed. “I just think you men always assume that people will forgive your mistakes. It’s frustrating. Not everyone has the patience to deal with it!”
“You’re you, she’s she. Don’t lump them together.” Neil replied, clearly annoyed.
“Alright, Stella, let’s go inside.” I didn’t want Stella to drag me into their argument anymore, so I tried to usher her inside.
Stella, carrying a pile of bags, walked towards me. I took a few bags from her, and a thought suddenly struck me. Neil was here to deliver stuff anyway. Why didn’t he just give the music box to Stella’s kids? He should hate Serena and Brandon, right?
His behavior was indeed strange. Initially, I assumed it was just a gift from a client that wasn’t suitable for Hiram, and so he gave it to me. But given the current situation, it seemed unlikely.
When our eyes met, Neil didn’t look away, he was surprisingly calm.
“Why are you still looking at him?” Stella noticed me looking back and quickly reminded me in a low voice. “Stop looking. He’s a jerk.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at her comment. I didn’t need her reminding me, I was well aware of that. I wasn’t looking back because I missed him or anything, I was just puzzled by what happened last night.
Barbara and Alicia were surprised when they saw us carrying so many bags. “What’s all this?”
“Some so-called love for the kids from a certain someone.” Stella replied grumpily.
I explained. “Mitch sent some stuff over for the kids.”
“Really, some men… Barbara sighed in frustration. “Isn’t the best way for a man to love his kids is to love their mother? Why can’t they get this simple thing?”
We all exchanged glances, sharing the same question.
The gathering didn’t end until late in the evening. I hadn’t felt this relaxed in a long time. It felt great to chat and have a drink with good friends, especially here in my childhood hometown of Rosemont. To be a bit cheesy, I even felt the air here tasted sweeter.
Berbere and Alicia had already left. Stella insisted on having me stay over at her place. I had been drinking and had two kids with me, calling Bailey to pick us up would be inconvenient
Then, with a mischievous grin, she said, ‘Stay a couple more days. I’ll take you to meet some hot guys!”
I stared at her in shock. She was already onto new guys this soon after the divorce? I bet Mitch was regretting his actions in Eldoria, cursing himself every night. But here was Stelle, already thinking about meeting new guys?
For a moment, I wasnt sure whether to feel relieved or impressed. But one thing was certain, Stella was a true role model.
“I didn’t hire all these babysitters just to keep the house lively. I need to have some fun too!” Stella defended herself, seeing my surprised expression.
“I get it. I’m just really impressed by you.” I patted Stella’s shoulder admiringly. “Looks like I didn’t need to worry about you moving on.”
Stella burst into laughter. “With all the delicious food, fun activities, and handsome men in the world, why should I give up such great life for a man who didn’t treat me right?”
Makes sense. This was Stella’s philosophy all along.
When I was still chasing after Neil, she used this philosophy to persuade me to let go of him and consider other men. Now, it was clear that not only did she have a carefree attitude, but she also put it into practice.
‘Sounds like a plan. I’ll learn from you!” I agreed.
“You always agree with me but never act on it. Rena, you disappoint me!” Stella sighed dramatically. “You’re too easygoing. That’s why Neil took advantage of you.”
I didn’t say anything. She was right. I only managed to divorce Neil because I got a second chance at life. In my previous life, I would have stubbornly stuck with him till the end.
I never told anyone about my second chance at life. Not just because I was afraid of being treated like a freak, but also because I didn’t want Stella and the others to mock me for my stupidity in my previous life.
“How about we go out and have some fun tonight?” Stella suggested, winking at me. “I shouldn’t have let Ali go home. She could have joined us, so she can forget about that damn Sean. But Barbara is happy with her family, I don’t want to get beaten up by Silas.”
“Not tonight. It’s already late, and I have to take care of the kids.” I checked the time and declined.
“What? Trust me, tonight is perfect. Remember Cielo Nocturno? We haven’t been there in a while. A salesperson messaged me a few days ago, they’ve got a new batch of handsome drink companions, all long-legged hunks!” Stella’s eyes gleamed as she spoke, sounding like a kid in a candy store.
Before I could even respond, she had already dragged me into the dressing room, insisting on giving me a complete makeover and taking me out to appreciate the dashing men of our country.
The little ones were sound asleep, as if they were well aware of their bedtime routines. The nanny was taking care of bathing and diaper changes, so Stella wasn’t worried at all.
“Who’s calling you this late at night?” My phone rang just as she finished applying my makeup. Stella picked it up, glanced at the screen, and an awkward expression crossed her face, “It’s Russel, do you want to take this?”
I nodded, “Yes, hand it over, please.”
