Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 5

"Bailey, get me some reliable housekeepers from an agency. They need to be whizzes in the kitchen, and a dietitian certificate would be a bonus," I directed Bailey, a pile of supplements seated next to me in the backseat.

"Sure thing, ma'am," Bailey responded.

After marrying Neil, both our folks suggested we hire help for chores, gardening, cooking, but I was head over heels in love with him, so I wanted to do everything myself and turned down their advice. Our little love nest was just for the two of us - I didn't want anyone else invading our private space, like our kitchen and living room.

You could imagine, it wasn't exactly a bed of roses.

Being reborn, I was not going to chase pointless dreams anymore.

Back home, with my Prada handbag in hand, I led, while Bailey trailed behind with a bag full of supplements. Opening the door, I saw Neil coming down the stairs, cufflinks being adjusted, his casual movements so charming.

"Bailey, you can hit the road now," I told him as I put my bag down.

Bailey left the supplements on the table, saluted Neil, and made a swift exit.

"We have a cocktail party in an hour, your folks will be there too. Get ready and come with me," Neil coldly informed me, seemingly oblivious to the pile of stuff I brought back.

He never wanted me to accompany him unless the occasion required me, like when my parents were there. Since being reborn, I hadn't visited my parents yet. Not because I was ungrateful, but because I felt guilty, and ashamed. I didn't dare to see them.

"Okay, cool." I got up and headed upstairs.

For the past two weeks, I'd been busy shopping for a new wardrobe. The styles and designs were nothing like my old clothes. I picked a red dress, off-shoulder, with a sheer layer over the chest and a fishtail design that showed off my slender legs. I was skinny, but my skin was smooth. I'm pretty content with everything except my chest.

The innocent style just didn't cut it for me anymore. After all, I was not 20 anymore.

After doing my makeup, I put on crystal earrings and a matching necklace. I was sure they'd catch the light and sparkle. I used to keep a low profile, but now I wanted to stand out.

Neil was waiting downstairs, on the phone. He didn't react when he heard me coming down, not even a glance in my direction. I didn't care and headed to the car to wait for him.

Minutes later, Neil got in, not sparing me a single glance from the moment he got in until we pulled out. The entire ride, we didn't exchange a single word. He was focused on driving, I was texting on my phone. I added Oscar on WhatsApp and was chatting with him.

Me: [Oscar, if the hospital food is not to your taste, I can have some better food sent over.]

Oscar: [No need, ma'am, it's decent.]

Me: [I forgot to get you some supplements today. I'll bring some when I visit you tomorrow.]

Oscar: [You really don't have to go to such lengths!]

Me: [It's not a big deal, I'm the one who got you in the hospital, so don't feel embarrassed. Let me know if you need anything.]

Oscar's family was about as well-off as Bonnie's. Just like how Neil was the wealthy, handsome man in front of Bonnie, I could play the role of the beautiful, cultured woman in front of Oscar. In a way, it made us equals. This brought a sense of balance to my heart.