Neil mulled it over before saying, "I need some time to think it through."
Better him needing time than straight up rejecting me. I nodded, "Alright."
After we finished our coffee, Neil suggested hitching a ride home with me since his car was gone. Of course, I didn't object.
To my surprise, we actually chatted a bit during the drive. Most of the talk was about my past excessive pursuit of him. I made fun of myself openly and Neil didn't ignore me like before.
At the entrance to Sterling Estates, I exclaimed, "Can't believe there's still a chance for us to patch things up."
"Anything can happen in life," Neil replied nonchalantly.
True that. I mean, I've even experienced a rebirth!
The servants looked surprised and curious when they saw me and him arriving home together. I told Ada to prepare lunch and rested in the living room, pondering about Barbara.
Should I tell Barbara? I was torn. Looking at Neil, I hesitated a bit before asking, "Neil, I want to ask you something."
"Shoot." Neil was reading a financial magazine across me, not bothering to look up.
"If you love me and we have a deep relationship, but we're not married, and one day I found out you cheated on me and I'm pregnant, what do you think I should do? If I forgive you, would you feel guilty and change your ways for the child?" I asked.
I couldn't say "a friend of mine" because Barbara is my friend, it's too easy to guess. I had to ask in my own name. Neil wouldn't think too much of it. After all, I used to throw silly questions at him all the time. He never responded, but I never got tired of it.
Neil frowned and his tone got serious, "Are you pregnant?"
I was startled. He didn't actually believe it, did he? I quickly explained, "No. I just saw a TV show. The plot was impressive so I wanted to know what a man would think."
"Did you take the pill?" Instead of answering my question, Neil asked back.
We had been intimate twice, but we didn't use any protection. Maybe neither of us thought it would happen, so we weren't prepared.
I reassured him, "Don't worry, I did. Plus, if you calculate the timing, I can't possibly be pregnant now."
"Oh." Neil finally relaxed, then answered my question, "He won't change. If he truly loves her, he wouldn't have cheated in the first place."
My heart sank instantly.
Thinking about the damage an abortion would do to Barbara and the pain that Norman's betrayal would cause her, I felt extremely upset.
I had to find a way to tell Barbara about this, and I couldn't delay it any longer. The longer she's pregnant, the riskier the surgery would be.
I took out my phone and texted Stella and Alicia, inviting them over for dinner. They both agreed to come over in the evening.
Just then, Neil's phone rang. Judging by his expression, it seemed like it was Bonnie calling.
"Alright, I'm coming over." As expected, Neil's tone softened instantly when he picked up the call. I don't know what Bonnie said, but he got up hastily and was about to leave.
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