Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 22
When I felt a chill in my chest, I realized I might be underdressed.
However, Neil seemed unbothered and wanted to continue.
I put a hand on Neil’s chest, my gaze icy, and said, “Are you testing me again?”
My words hit him like a bucket of cold water, putting out the desire in his eyes. He stared at me for a few seconds before laying back down again, the whole process cold and quick, as if everything that just happened was an illusion.
I silently turned my back to Neil and fell asleep, but my heart was filled with a deep sense of loss.
There was a time when I had thought about seducing Neil, even imagined having a child with him and living a simple and happy life.
But now, all I wanted was for him to divorce me so we could each live our own lives.
Because I went to bed late, I didn’t wake up until noon. It was only then that I noticed several messages on my phone.
One was from Faith, saying they had to return to Springvale due to some urgent matter.
Another was from Barbara Sands, asking if I wanted to take a gig at a concert.
And then there was a message from an unknown number, which shocked me. It was a photo of me pulling Oscar away from the parking lot last night. From the angle of the photo, we looked like a couple, but Oscar looked battered and pitiful.
I racked my brain for a minute, considering all possibilities. Was I caught by the papa raz zi? Or did those three fat guys have accomplices who took the photo?
Despite my father and husband’s prominent positions, I have always kept a low profile. Especially after marrying Neil, even Stella and her friends couldn’t get me to go out, so how could I attract the attention of the pap ara zzi?
Unable to come up with a reasonable explanation, I decided to call the unknown number, but the call was hung up as soon as it went through.
So I texted back: Who is this? Can you tell me your name?

If that photo got out, even if my relationship with Oscar was normal, it would be misunderstood. I just wanted to live a low-key life without becoming a hot topic.
The reply came quickly. It was Russel Dawson.
I was almost scared silly. Was he also at the parking lot last night? And he took a photo of Oscar and me!
He had suspected something between Oscar and me at the hospital before. Now, no matter how I explained, it would be useless.
I quickly texted back: The person in the photo is indeed me, but you must’ve misunderstood. How about I take you out for a meal and explain everything?
Then Russel went silent as if the number was nonexistent.
Unable to hold back, I dialed his number again. This time, he picked up. “Send me the time and place for the meal.”
His response surprised me a bit.
“Alright.” I hung up the phone and, after some consideration, chose to meet at the Orchid Hotel. Since the misunderstanding happened there, it seemed appropriate to explain it there as well.
Russel replied simply, “Ok.”
With a heavy heart, I spent the rest of the day until seven in the evening. I changed my clothes and went to the Orchid Hotel, picked the most high-end private room, and ordered lots of dishes.
I didn’t believe that after eating so much, he wouldn’t be convinced by me.
“Ms. Finch, here is the surveillance video you asked for.” The hotel manager appeared before me again, respectfully handing over a USB stick with the CCTV footage from the parking lot last night.
“Alright, thank you.” I took it and gave a small nod.
After a while, Russel finally showed up. He wore a brown shirt and looked elegant.
He sat across from me and said directly, “You can explain now.”
“Let’s chat while we eat,” I tried to keep my composure, flashing a casual smile.
“What’s your relationship with Oscar?” Russel asked directly, not playing along with my pace.
I calmly replied, “We’re just friends, we met by chance. I even know his girlfriend!”
Russel looked surprised, “He has a girlfriend?”
I nodded but thought to myself. But he’ll be single soon, and you and Neil will be chasing after his girlfriend.
Seeing the gentleman in front of me and thinking about Neil’s good looks, I couldn’t imagine the two outstanding men who could attract attention wherever they went, eventually becoming enemies over a woman.
“Look at this!” Seeing Russel deep in thought, I quickly connected my phone to the USB drive and showed him the surveillance video. I confidently stated, “From this angle, you can see all my interactions with Oscar in the parking lot, as well as what I said. We are innocent!”
Whether we would remain innocent in the future, that was a different story.
The angle of the photo Russel took probably didn’t capture the scene where I confronted those fat guys. It looked more like he took the photo after Oscar and I had walked some distance.
Russel took my phone and started watching the video intently. I craned my neck slightly, watching for changes in his expression.
When he saw me slap one of the fat guys, his eyebrows twitched, a hint of amusement in his eyes. After finishing the video, he handed my phone back, “You’re quite tough.”