Chapter 510
After hearing Stella’s words, a sense of urgency and concern flashed across Russel’s eyes, tinged with a hint of reproach. He questioned me, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“Weren’t you with Karina at that time?” I retorted.
Russel seemed to be taken aback by my response and just stared at me in silence.
Stella defended me, “Don’t look at Rena like that. I used to encourage her to accept you, thinking you were a decent and loyal man, not like Neil. But it seems I was wrong. Birds of a feather flock together, huh? How could clear water spring from a mire?”
Russel’s face darkened at her harsh words. Luckily, we were alone, so there was no one else to witness his humiliation.
“I had something important to deal with last night,” Russel started, pausing to glance at Stella. His gaze was slightly hesitant, but then he regained his composure and asked, “Since you knew Karina was here, did you tell Neil?”
“Why would I tell Neil? It’s their business, not mine.” I replied nonchalantly.
“Alright, I understand.” Russel contemplated for a moment before turning towards the front door. “Is Serena in there too? I’d like to see her.”
Stella looked at me questioningly, but I subtly shook my head, not wanting her to stop Russel.
Russel’s affection for the kids was genuine, untainted by any pretense. I wasn’t heartless enough to keep him away from them.
Still, I felt compelled to say, “Please wait here for a minute. I’ll bring Serena out.’
Russel halted in his tracks.
I went inside to get Serena, who was doing better today, though she seemed less lively and energetic than usual.
Russel’s face softened as soon as he saw Serena. He took her from me and gently rocked her in his arms.
“Serena, do you remember Daddy?” He asked softly.
Hearing the word “Daddy” stung a little. For the past six months, everyone saw Russel as Serena and Brandon’s father. He often referred to himself as such, especially in public.
It must have become a habit by now, hence his slip of the tongue.
Stella didn’t seem to notice anything amiss. She was just frowning at the scene, probably comparing Russel’s actions to Mitch’s.
Serena seemed to enjoy being in Russel’s arms, occasionally laughing and reaching out to grab his shirt.
I didn’t interrupt them and let them have their moment. But then Russel’s phone rang, forcing him to take the call.
I took Serena from him and glanced at his phone. It was Karina calling.
Karina sure was bold, taking risks as she always did. If Neil and Faith found out she was in Rosemont, and that she might have had a hand in Russel’s dealings with Whitmore Co., she could kiss her chances of marrying Neil goodbye.
“Please go ahead. I’m going home with Stella.” I told Russel dismissively. He had changed too much, and I wasn’t interested in prying into his business with Karina.
“Alright, and I’ll explain everything later.” Russel replied, sounding a bit impatient.
I didn’t need his explanation, but I kept that to myself. I carried Serena and left with Stella. As we stepped inside, Stella closed the door tightly behind us.
Stella spoke up once Russel’s car had driven away, “Rena, you really don’t plan on getting back together with Russel, do you? It seems like you’re rather indifferent towards him.
“Really?” I was a bit surprised. I didn’t think I was being cold; I was just keeping a safe distance to avoid any unnecessary complications.
“Definitely. It feels like there’s nothing left between you two.” Stella sighed, “It’s a pity for the kids. He’s a good father, I could tell. I noticed it back in Eldoria. I guess all men are the same – incapable of being a good husband but can be good fathers.”
But Russel wasn’t even the father of my children. I thought to myself guiltily.
Feeling more guilty, I decided to stay at Stella’s place for another day. I was planning to go back to Bailey’s, but she pointed out that it wouldn’t be convenient for him as a married man, especially since his wife Hannah was pregnant. So I’d better stay here with her, who was living alone with a handful of hired help and no husband or in-laws to worry about, until I decided to return to Eldoria.
I accepted her suggestion. Now the complications between Russel and Neil were temporarily settled, but not completely. Plus, Dylan had showed up. I had to remain at Rosemont to make clear of what it was between him and Karina.
It was indeed enjoyable staying with Stella. Apart from taking care of the kids, it felt like being single again. Barbara and Alicia would occasionally drop by for a meal and some girl talk.
After Alicia’s falling out with Sean last time, she declared she wouldn’t waste any more time on him. She was determined to focus on her career instead of a man.
I found it hard to believe.
“Rena, your phone is ringing. Who’s this Dylan? Stella asked as she handed me my phone when I was playing with the kids.
“Just a friend.” I took the phone and answered the call, keeping my reply as simple as possible.
I hadn’t been in touch with Dylan for a few days and it was clear he was growing anxious. He thought I’d forgotten about the promise I’d made to him and so, he rang me up and pressed about it. I tried to soothe him, “Dylan, take a deep breath, alright? I’m on the lookout for her as well. You know she’s got these amazing medical skills and a lot of people are after her expertise. Tracking her down isn’t as easy as picking up a phone. It takes time and effort. You can also try reaching out to her from your end as well.”
“I can’t, Ms. Finch,” Dylan blurted out. “She’s deliberately avoiding me!”
At this point, I was certain there was something more to Dylan and Karina’s relationship and it wasn’t anything pleasant.”
I decided to probe a bit more. “Why would she be avoiding you? Is it because your condition is serious and she can’t treat it, so she doesn’t want to waste your time and money?”
“No, no, no, it’s not like that. Anyway, I’m hoping to hear from you soon. Please let me know the moment you find something, okay?” Dylan didn’t want to discuss his relationship with Karina any further. He just repeatedly impressed upon me his urgency.
