My car was parked nearby, so there was no need to hitch a ride. The moment I saw Neil's car pull up, I headed straight for mine.
Neil got out of his car and didn't even glance my way; his eyes were glued to Bonnie.
His smitten look made my mood sour even more.
Ignoring them, I hopped into my car and zoomed off as fast as I could.
But in my rear-view mirror, I still saw Bonnie, who looked extremely happy, and it irked the hell out of me.
Could it be that I hadn't completely forgotten about Neil? Even though I knew he was just putting on a show.
Thinking of this possibility, a phrase popped into my head, "human weakness."
Back at Sapphire River Community, I checked my phone, no messages or calls. Neil must have seen me but didn't reach out or explain.
Did he need to explain? It was clearly part of our plan.
But he used to explain to me. I sat alone in the living room for a long time with these mixed feelings.
Until my mom came down.
"Rena, why are you still up? Just got back?" My mom asked with concern as she sat down next to me.
"Yeah, I had a function tonight. Just got back. Mom, why are you still up?" I countered.
It was already late. My mom needed to rest. She usually went to bed early.
My mom sighed as she said, "Rena, don't lie to me. Is something wrong with your dad?"
Her question took me aback. Did Hannah fail to keep up the pretense?
I forced a smile and said, "Mom, what are you talking about? Dad's on a trip abroad now. I didn't even tell him you woke up. I'm afraid he'd cut his trip short. He's been busy all his life. You should rest."
"Don't lie to me. I've been married to your dad for so many years. I know him like the back of my hand. He wouldn't go abroad for so long. What happened to him? Tell me." My mom's face was serious.
Her stern look startled me. I knew she would find out sooner or later, but I didn't expect it to be so soon.
After some hesitation, I told my mom the truth about my dad.
Maybe she had been mentally prepared these past few days and sensed something was off. So when I spilled the beans, she didn't react much other than her face turning a bit pale.
Her eyes widened as she said, "Your dad has always been honest and fair. I can't believe this happened to him."
"Mom, don't worry. I'll get Dad out of this. He's been framed." I made a firm promise to my mom.
"Your father would never do such a thing, Rena. If there's any news about your dad, you must tell me right away. Don't keep me in the dark, okay?" My mom pleaded.
I felt guilty, and my eyes moistened as I said, "Okay, I will."
My mom must be feeling down. She didn't talk to me for long and went upstairs to rest.
I checked my phone again. Still no messages.
What were Neil and Bonnie doing at this moment? If he was sacrificing himself for my sake, how should I treat him?
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled