Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 101

My phone was buzzing with a string of new messages.

All were New Year wishes.

Russel Dawson, “Happy New Year.”

Oscar Morse, “Irene, in the new year, may you keep getting more gorgeous and cheerful, and say goodbye to all your troubles!”

Simmons Wallace, “Rena, Happy New Year!”

Bailey, “Ma'am, Happy New Year. Thank you for letting me drive home. My father had some health issues a few days ago, luckily he got to the hospital in time.”

I first replied to Bailey. “Happy New Year. Don't rush back to work. I'll be going abroad after the new year and might stay for about two years. During this time, you can take care of your father first, then come back to drive for my father. Your salary won't change.”

Then I opened my group chat with four people.

Stella Wallace was showing off her carefully retouched selfies in the group, and Barbara Sands was madly posting various fireworks gifs. Only Alicia Rider occasionally sent messages praising Stella's beauty or responding to Barbara's enthusiasm.

I snapped a picture of the fireworks outside the window and posted it in the group. “Friends, a new year, a new beginning.”

Stella, Barbara, and Alicia were all in Rosemont, so they naturally saw the same fireworks. They each also took a video of the fireworks and posted it in the group; it was sort of like we were watching the fireworks together.

Stella was thrilled to know that I was spending the New Year at home, "Way to go!"

I also told them about my plan to go abroad. Everyone was very reluctant to see me go, but considering that Neil Whitmore was refusing to divorce me, they all strongly supported my decision.

After chatting for a while, I replied to everyone's New Year wishes one by one and also sent a New Year message to my in-laws.

After learning about Karina Aaron, my affection for them disappeared. I feel used by them.

Although marrying Neil was my choice, living a widow-like life for five years was not. I had been kept in the dark for all these years, which was ridiculous.

But they were very supportive of me now, so I still needed to treat them politely. After all, I'm not divorced from Neil yet.

Soon, they also replied to my message and transferred a large sum of money to me as a New Year’s gift. I accepted it graciously.

At that moment, I also received another transfer from Neil. He also sent me a "Happy New Year" on WhatsApp.

This was the first time he sent me New Year wishes and gifts. In the past, it was always me who would send them to him.

Was there something wrong with him? Why did it take him so long to respond to others' initiatives?

I simply ignored his message, just like he had ignored me countless times before.

My gut told me to check Facebook.

Sure enough, I saw a recent post from Bonnie Tueley. It was a screenshot of a transfer record, but the sender's name and profile picture were cropped out.

Bonnie wrote, “Happy New Year. I hope I can have you by my side every year.”

I'm pretty sure the person who transferred her money was Neil. I thought I was calm enough, but when I saw that screenshot, I still felt a pang in my heart.

His rare kindness towards me wasn't exclusive.

"Simmons, Happy New Year! Come in and have a seat!" Harold was surprised but pleased.

I was stunned to see Simmons sit down across from me. He smiled at me, "Rena, Happy New Year."

"Isn't he Stella's brother? We haven't seen each other for years." my mom said after a few seconds.

"Yes, I'm Simmons. I've been working abroad for the past few years; I just returned at the end of last year." Simmons answered gently. "I've worked with Mr. Finch several times abroad. I heard he's also in the country for New Year, so I came to wish him a Happy New Year."

Simmons had worked with Harold? Then I remembered that they both were indeed in Caladonia.

My dad said with a smile, "I see. Simmons is really promising. I heard you've been very successful running the overseas branch of Iva. Why did you suddenly come back?"

This issue had me hanging my head in shame. It was all Stella's fault!

Simmons glanced at me, then replied, "I've been abroad for too long, and I miss home. Plus, I'm in my thirties and still single, so my parents are pushing me to come back and tie the knot."

My parents exchanged a glance. There was a silent understanding in their eyes that I didn't want to see.

Just then, my phone rang. I immediately got up to take the call on the side. It was Stella, "How's it going? Has my brother arrived?"

"Did you spill the beans to him again?" I really felt like blowing my top at Stella.

"I just casually mentioned that you were at your uncle's. Who knew they were so chummy?" Stella said, sounding all innocent.

I knew it! Stella's up to her old tricks again.