Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 124

"Don't you think it's heartless to ghost people when you're done using them?" Russel said, but his tone was laced with amusement.

I couldn't tell he was calling me heartless.

"I feel guilty," I sighed. "At first, I did use people for emotional comfort. But as time went by, I realized that the boy was actually pretty decent. I didn't want to treat him like that anymore, so I ghosted him. That proves I still have a conscience."

"Yeah, you could say you have a conscience," Russel chuckled at my explanation.

Then he asked, "So, what should I tell him if he comes looking for me?"

Wait, Oscar actually tried to get in touch with Russel for information about me?

I didn't expect him to care so much.

Feeling even more guilty, I thought for a moment before answering, "Just tell him I went abroad for work after my divorce from Neil and won't be back for a few years. If he needs help with work in the future, he can turn to you."

Russel seemed taken aback. "He's turning to me for work issues? Is he a med student?"

"No, but you're capable of helping him with his work issues. Dr. Russel, doctors are known for being compassionate. You should lend him a hand." My words left him in silence.

He was probably mulling over how being a kind doctor correlates with helping others find work.

"Don't worry," I quickly added, "you can think of it as taking care of a younger brother for me. If you help him, I'll owe you one."

I wouldn't mind owing him one.

"And how do you plan to repay me?" Russel finally asked.

"By helping you pursue Bonnie?" Remembering today's incident, I quickly backtracked. "No, forget it, Dr. Russel. Bonnie's too fake. Marrying the wrong woman can ruin your life, so maybe you should let Neil have this opportunity."

Russel chuckled on the other end of the line, seemingly amused.

Was he mocking me?

If Russel was set on pursuing Bonnie, then I wouldn't try to dissuade him anymore. I'd respect his choice.

"Irene, I've always been curious, who told you I liked Bonnie? Why are you so certain that I'd fall for her?" Russel inquired.

"Don't you like her?" I had a hunch that something was off about Russel, but another part of me was convinced that it was only a matter of time before he fell for Bonnie, just like he did in my past life.

"I don't like her," Russel stated.

I was taken aback. "But didn't you tell me before that you fell for someone you couldn't pursue because of certain circumstances? Wasn't that person Bonnie?"

Russel's voice suddenly turned serious. "Why does it have to be Bonnie? Couldn't it be you?"

My mind went blank. What on earth was Russel saying?!

Was he referring to my marital status with Neil when he mentioned 'certain circumstances'?

I suddenly remembered what Stella had once said. She had suspected that Russel treated me differently. At the time, I was a bit puzzled, but I still believed everything would pan out like it did in my past life, with Russel eventually falling for Bonnie.

Why did my rebirth mess up all emotional lines?

I was full of questions and didn't know how to continue the conversation.