Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 312

"Why are you not saying anything, don’t you like it?" Neil asked, noticing my silence.

I picked up a few petals from the water, examining them closely. They were beautiful, vibrant and full, with a velvety texture.

"I do like it, it's very beautiful," I answered sincerely.

"Let me see." Neil hung up and immediately video-called me.

I stared at the screen, unsure whether to answer, but my fingers instinctively hit the accept button.

The screen showed what seemed to be the study in Sterling Estates. Neil was wearing glasses, which he rarely does, and it always took my breath away.

"What are you doing? Are you taking a bath?" Neil asked, noticing my surroundings.

"Yes," I nodded and chuckled, "I'm bathing with the roses you sent."

Neil seemed to be taken aback, not fully understanding. So, I pointed the camera at the bathtub, full of rose petals spreading a delicate fragrance.

He fell silent, seemingly at a loss for words. This was the first time he had ever given me flowers. Even the bouquet at our wedding was chosen by his mother.

"I thought it wasn’t from you because you didn't leave a note, so I used them for my bath," I explained awkwardly.

"Are there other men pursuing you?" he asked in disbelief, "Didn't you even consider it might be from me?"

I paused for a few seconds, "I really didn't."

I had thought Neil might gift me jewelry, handbags, maybe even a car or a house, but never flowers. He had never indulged me in such small romantic gestures.

Neil seemed to tense up, taking a deep breath.

"It's not my fault. I hinted many times that even a wildflower would do, but you never agreed. I thought you weren't the type to give flowers," I sighed, sharing my genuine thoughts.

"Alright, it's my bad," Neil surprisingly didn't blame me, instead apologizing. He took off his glasses and massaged his temples, "I'll correct my mistakes one by one, as long as you're happy."

Was he making a promise?

My feelings were mixed, bubbling up like soda shaken in a cup.

"Okay," was all I said, not prying further. Neil understood and let me continue my bath.

After hanging up, I looked at the petals in the tub, feeling a bit regretful for not taking pictures as a keepsake.

I was chilling in the tub, scrolling on my phone when a text from Alicia popped up: Rena, wanna come out for a drink? Keep me company…

It was Valentine's Day. Why was Alicia asking me to drink instead of having a date with Sean?

I texted back: Where's Sean?

Alicia: Forget him, I'm at a bar. Can you come? Stella and Barbara aren't free.

I figured Alicia had fought with Sean and was upset.

My clothes were wet and uncomfortable. I didn't even bother listening to their nonsense and kept wiping my hair.

But Malinda wasn't done. She grabbed my hair, causing sharp pain.

"I'm going to kill you, you bitch!" Malinda shrieked.

I was pulled to the ground, Malinda tried to hit me, and Bonnie pretended to break us up, but she couldn't pull Malinda away.

The pain was so intense I could barely speak.

When I saw Bonnie's face, I noticed the smile at the corner of her mouth. She looked like she was enjoying the show.

Just then, Louis showed up. Seeing me and Malinda fighting, he looked shocked and rushed over to pull Malinda away. "Malinda, what are you doing?!"

"Louis, you're here, you finally came..." Seeing Louis, Malinda immediately let go of me, "It was her who drugged me that day, which led me to act out of line. Louis, it's all her fault, please forgive me!"

I sat up from the ground, rubbing my head, the pain still lingering...

Louis glanced at me, unaware that I already knew about his deeds with Bonnie.

He actually had the audacity to ask me directly, "Ms. Finch, was it really you? Why would you do such a thing..."

"Me?" I chuckled, looking at these three like they were a bunch of fools, "Louis, are you sure it was me?"

Malinda yelled like a huffy, defeated clown, "It must be you, who else could be so malicious, who else would harm me like that?!"