Chapter 509
Neil and I wandered around the hospital, and we returned to the nurse’s station when time rolled around for Serena’s medication to be changed,
After a couple of hours of bustling around, we finally got her IV removed, and it was time for us to head home for some much-needed rest.
Neil drove me to Stella’s place. I thanked him after I got out of the car with Serena. “I appreciate your help tonight.”
“Please get some rest.” Neil merely advised before driving off.
It was already after four in the morning. After settling Serena down to sleep, I went to remove my makeup and take a shower. Tonight had been incredibly exhausting, and I was asleep almost the moment my head hit the pillow. Thankfully, the nanny at Stella’s house was fantastic, allowing me to sleep in without being disturbed by the kids.
Upon waking up, I noticed a lengthy text message from Neil, filled with advice on how to care for a child with diarrhea. I was a bit dazed, wondering if I was still dreaming.
My phone rang, jolting me from my confusion. The name “Russel” on the screen immediately sobered me up.
“Are you home yet?” Russel’s voice was icy as it came through the phone.
“Hmm, what happened?” I sat up, glancing around. My voice was slightly hoarse, likely due to last night’s drinks.
“Nothing. Just got caught up with some urgent matters last night and couldn’t see you and Stella home. I was a bit worried.” Russel replied, then asked, “Are you at Stella’s place?”
I didn’t deny it, “Hmm, what’s up?”
“Please come out. I’m waiting for you at the front.” Russel hung up before I could reply. I was taken aback. How did he know Stella was living here? And how come he was already waiting for me at the door?
I quickly freshened up and dressed. Stella was in the living room playing with the children on a mat. “Rena, are you hungry? Lunch will be ready soon!” She asked when she saw me. “I’ll just slep out for a bit. Be right back.” I replied hastily not wanting Stella to know Russel was waiting outside.
The day was overcast, not a hint of sunlight could be seen. Russel was leaning against the wall and waiting for me.
I wasn’t sure why Russel was here, but I felt an inexplicable pressure, making each step towards him feel heavier than the last.
Upon seeing me, his stern expression softened a bit. But his brow was still furrowed, hinting at his underlying discontent.
“When did you get home last night?” Russel seemed particularly concerned about my departure from the bar last night, his tone unusually stern.
“Four in the morning,” I replied.
“Four in the morning?” Russel’s face darkened at my answer, a clear sign of anger flashing in his eyes.
I nodded, intending to explain, but Russel cut me off, “Why so late? Were you with Neil?”
I indeed was with Neil, but there was a reason for it.
“Russel, please, let’s not talk about this. I know you’ve stopped fighting with Whitmore Co. I appreciate that.” I avoided his question and deflected the subject.
Russel’s brows furrowed further, “First, you will answer my question. Were you with Neil till four in the morning?”
I didn’t like the feeling of being interrogated and doubted, so I just nodded in response.
Russel’s eyes darkened, and he seemed to be repressing his emotions. He took a deep breath, struggling to control his anger.
He kept staring at me, sending chills down my spine.
“Am I not doing enough?” He eventually muttered, his words cold and laced with accusation, “What do I need to do for you to think I’m better than him?”
“Russel, you’re overthinking. Neil and I can never be together again. You’ve never been worse than Neil in my heart, and I sometimes think you’re a good person. It’s just my bad luck that I fell for Neil first, and after breaking up with him, I’ve lost the ability to fall in love again. I’ve rejected you many times, but you refuse to give up. You’re driving yourself crazy; do you know that?” My emotions got the best of me, and I spoke rapidly.
“I just want you to stay by my side, even if you don’t love me!” Russel seemed a bit out of control. It was part of him I rarely saw. His hands gripped my shoulders tightly, which scared me.
I was startled by his intensity and struggled to break free.
“Russel, calm down!” I couldn’t help but shout.
Russel didn’t let go of me. Instead, Stella, hearing my shout, rushed out holding a broom.
Seeing Russel, she stormed over and brought the broom down on his arm.
The blow on his arm caused him to release me, and he seemed to have regained some composure.
“What are you doing, Russel? Harassing someone in broad daylight? How did I never know that you were such a scoundrel? Rena, call the police. Did he try to assault you?” Stella stood protectively in front of me, pointing at Russel and cursing.
Russel didn’t say anything but just stared coldly at Stella.
My shoulder was throbbing, but it wasn’t bad enough to call the police, and besides, Russel hadn’t tried to assault me.
“Stella, it’s okay. We just had a disagreement.” I reassured Stella.
“Is he here to take the kids?” Stella speculated, still under the impression that Russel was Serena and Brandon’s father. For her, since I no longer wanted to be with Russel, he was here to take them.
I laughed at her assumption, “No, don’t worry.”
“That’s good.” Stella suddenly adopted a disappointed tone as she addressed to Russel, “Russel, you’re the children’s father. How could you disappear when they needed you? Oh, and with that Karina. What is wrong with both you and Neil? You both like to mingle with women like her.”
Russel’s expression changed, “What happened to the kids?”
“You don’t even know?” Stella questioned. Her eyebrows were knitted in confusion as she turned to look at me. She couldn’t fathom why I hadn’t informed Russel. After all, he was the father of the child.
“I’m clueless. What happened to the kids?” Russel, who genuinely treasured the two kids as if they were his own, turned towards me. He was puzzled as to why I hadn’t shared the news with him.
Stella blurted out, “Serena had a severe case of gastroenteritis last night. She was vomiting and having diarrhea, and had to be rushed to the ER. Neil was there with Rena and the child, but where were you? Hooking up with Karina?”
