Chapter 471
Chapter 471
No wonder Faith was always so fond of Serena. It’s as if she saw the child in her.
That was also my first child. Sometimes, I too, see her in Serena. I felt she’se back to me, and,
fearing I might be too lonely, she’s even brought along a son for me.
I looked down at Serena sleeping peacefully in my arms, and my heart softened.
“That’s right, we must always look forward. Neil, are you looking forward?” I turn to meet Neil’s gaze, a
faint smile ying on my lips.
Neil was taken aback, then he looked away. A low hum of agreement came from his throat, “Yeah,
looking forward.”
Moving forward would mean no more crossing paths with me, right?
I didn’t know if his answer was true or false, but I hope it was true.
“Yeah, I’ll talk to her.” I nodded, “She was always nice to me. I remember.”
The morning sun was growing stronger. I didn’t want to stay here anymore, otherwise Serena would
suffer. She was already asleep, and I needed to find a better ce for her to rest.
Neil suggested, “Let’s go upstairs. Serena can sleep in the room.”
I was thinking the same. Upstairs would be quieter. So, I followed Neil back into the living room where
Hiram was unwrapping presents. Some smart folks brought their kids along. It was easier for the
children to bond, and everyone could see how much the Whitmores care for Hiram. So, winning him
over was like gaining the favor of the entire Whitmore family.
Neil led me upstairs. Some people noticed us, and their gazes were strange.
Many knew me, after all. I was Neil’s wife for five years. These people were close partners of Whitmore
Co., and some had met me before and recognized me now.
It was a bit awkward. I bore the various nces and quickly went upstairs. Neil led me to a guest room.
I gentlyid Serena on the bed and covered her with a thin nket before turning to leave.
“Dad, it’s time to cut the cake! Will you help me?” Hiram ran up and grabbed Neil’s hand with a smile
on his face.
Karina followed behind and watched Neil with amusement in her eyes, asionally ncing at me.
Of course, Neil wouldn’t refuse Hiram. “Alright, let’s go down.”
As we descended, Karina deservedly hooked her arms with Neil’s with Hiram holding his other hand.
The three of them looked like a perfectly happy family, while I trailed behind and seemed out of ce. I
decided to pause and nned to follow after a
moment.
Just then, Karina called out to me, “Ms. Finch,e join us for the cake.”
All eyes turned to me. I was stuck. So, I decided to stop overthinking and confidently follow whatsoever.
“Irene,e here.” Faith intervened. She waved at me as I followed behind Karina.
This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
I walked over and she took my hand, leading me to a quieter spot to sit. Then, she asked, “Howe
you’re here today? Did you know it was Hiram’s birthday?”
“No, Karina has invited me before, but I was busy. I mainly came to see you and Ryan today, and to
bring Hiram a birthday present.” I replied softly.
“Well, it’s thoughtful of you to remember to visit me.” Faith was touched and held my hand tightly.
“Faith, actually, I told Neil about your situation, I…” I hesitated, not sure if it was appropriate to discuss.
After all, it was my first time dealing with someone suffering from depression.
I never had any other rtives or friends diagnosed with depression so was unsure how I should
comfort her.
Faith looked startled, quickly catching on. She looked awkward but tried to smile, “I’m fine. Don’t listen
to Neil’s nonsense, don’t worry about me.”
and
“How can I not worry about you?” I gripped her hand tighter, but this wasn’t the best time to discuss
this. Everyone was waiting for Hiram to cut the cake. I continued, “Can we talk privately after the guests
leave?”
Faith nodded, “Sure.”
Just then, Hiram ran over, “Grandma,e on! I want Dad, Mom, Grandpa, and Grandma all by my
side. This is my first really
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happy birthday!”
Hearing her beloved grandson’s words, Faith was pleased and pained at the same time. She signaled
me with her eyes, then quickly went to join Hiram cutting the cake.
Through the crowd, I saw Karina’s gaze on me. As our eyes met, she smiled a smirk of triumph.
She must had sent Hiram to fetch Faith and likely sent him upstairs for Neil too.
She didn’t want me to be alone with any member of the Whitmore family
I didn’t mind. I simply looked away and checked my phone. With so many people crowding around
Hiram and the cake, I decided to avoid themotion. After the cake, I’d go up and stay with Serena
My main goal today was to talk to Faith.
As I scrolled through my phone, I noticed something odd. Alicia posted on Facebook: I have a special
talent for unrequited love)
The post was from five hours ago, in her time zone it would’ve been before dawn. A negative post like
this at such an hour, something must be up.
Alicia rarely posted like this. She usually posted about work.
Ste had alreadymented: [What’s up?]
I felt a pang of worry. Alicia must had had a problem with Sean in ndia. Their rtionship had
always felt cursed to me. It always went wrong, despite their mutual affection and happy times together.
I messaged Alicia: [Ali, are you still in ndia?]
I was surprised to find Alicia hadn’t retired for the night yet. She responded almost immediately: [Yeah,
still awake] Me: [Are you with Sean?]
Alicia: [No, not anymore. I’ve booked a ne ticket home for tomorrow.]
Me: [What happened? Will you tell me?)
Alicia: [It’s nothing. I just realized we’re not right for each other. I was deluding myself before. We’re far
frompatible, truly]
I had a rough idea about Sean’s social standing. He seemed rather well matched with Alicia. How could
they not be from the same world?
In these circles, the best match is typically one of equal social standing.
By the time I responded again, Alicia had stopped replying. I could tell she was feeling low. Giving her
some space might be best, so I refrained from probing further.
Everyone around me was merrily devouring their cake, but I couldn’t help but notice Neil and Karina
were missing.