Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 30

If I were to tell Neil, he'd still stick to his guns, that's just his domineering nature. His domineering personality wouldn't let him give up easily if he can't have Bonnie.

And if I were to tell Bonnie, it wouldn't change a thing either. She'd probably be flooded with guilt and wouldn't be able to face me, only reinforcing her evasion and rejection of Neil. And that might just trigger Neil to do something drastic.

As for Oscar, he's no match for Neil. What good would it do to tell him? The best he could do is hang out with me to make Neil jealous and help me find some sort of emotional balance, right?

I've thought about all the possibilities, but the endgame remains unchanged.

"So why are you telling me all this?" Russel's voice echoed again.

"You know now, I wasn't kept in the dark by Neil. I'm willing to divorce him, but it's Neil who isn't," I said with a hint of bitterness. "I hope you won't try to persuade him anymore."

Russel knew better than anyone how deep my love for Neil ran. He grew up with Neil and witnessed my decade-long crush on him.

Hearing me say these things seemed to throw him off, "Are you sure?"

I nodded firmly, "I'm sure!"

Russel stayed silent for a while. I wasn't sure what he was thinking until we parted ways, and he said, "It's good that you've come to terms with all this."

I used to be so obsessed, thinking that as long as I loved Neil deeply, he would eventually respond.

Russel, being an outsider, knew all too well that this marriage was all one-sided from my end.

On my way home, I felt an unprecedented relief. Finally, someone knew I had let go of Neil. I hummed a tune, took a relaxing bath, and went to sleep.

I had to go home early the next morning for my dad's birthday. After preparing the gifts, I texted Neil, "Don't forget to come over to my place today."

This time last year, Neil didn't show up. I made up an excuse for him, saying he was too busy with work.

He probably won't come today either, but I don't want to cover for him anymore.

"Happy Birthday, Dad!" I hugged my dad as soon as I got home and gave him a peck.

My mom watched from the side and said, "Why are you here so early? Have you had breakfast?"

"Of course! What do you think I pay my housekeeper for?" I answered with a laugh, sitting down on the couch with my arm around my dad.

"Where's Neil?" My dad looked at the door, saw no one else coming in, and immediately frowned, "He's becoming more and more disrespectful!"

I awkwardly smiled and said nothing.

Normally, with my dad's status, there would be many people coming to celebrate his birthday. But my dad is an upright person who doesn't care for such things. He only celebrates his birthday with his family at home. I’m his only daughter, so naturally he hopes that his son-in-law could also come to make the day a bit more lively.

To his disappointment, Neil didn't show up this year!

Just as my parents started complaining about Neil, I saw a tall figure at the door, holding a gift.

I quickly covered my dad's mouth, "Dad, Neil's here."

I interrupted my dad. He glanced at the door, looking a bit embarrassed.

"Neil, come in and sit down," my mom came out of the kitchen, looking delighted at Neil's arrival.

Neil responded with a polite smile, "Sorry I’m late."

He sat down across from my dad and me. He wore a gray striped vest and shirt, looking very handsome.