Chapter 60

Russell and I are still in that delicate stalemate.

Melinda is still hovering around me as usual, occasionally teasing me and Theodore. Every time she says something like that, Theodore would retort with a displeased face, while I would just smile without saying anything, feeling a bit confused inside.

The next day, I received a phone call. A familiar yet strange voice came from the other end, "Sienna, it's me, Russell."

My grip on the phone tightened slightly, "What's up?"

"Can we meet? I want to talk to you." Russell's voice sounded a bit tired.

I hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed.

The meeting place was at a coffee shop. When I arrived, Russell was already sitting there. He looked much thinner, and his eyes were somewhat dull.

"Sienna, I..." He hesitated.

I looked at him, feeling a mix of emotions, "Just say what you want to say."

"I know I did a lot of wrong things before and hurt you. I wanted to meet to apologize." Russell lowered his head, not daring to look into my eyes.

I took a deep breath, "What’s the point of saying this now?"

"Can we go back to how we were? Can we start over?"

I was stunned, not expecting him to say such a thing. Just as I was unsure how to respond, my phone suddenly rang. It was Theodore calling.

I glanced at Russell and then answered the phone, "Theodore, what's up?"

"Where are you? Melinda said you went out to meet someone. I was a bit worried about you. Are you okay?" Theodore's voice came from the other end, filled with concern.

A warm feeling surged in my heart, "I'm fine, just meeting Russell for a chat. I'll be back soon."

After hanging up, I looked at Russell, "I'll think about what you said, but I can't give you an answer right now."

With that, I got up and left the coffee shop.

When I got home, Theodore and Melinda were waiting for me. Melinda came up to ask about the situation. I briefly explained, and she frowned, "He's saying this now, could it be another scheme?"

Theodore looked at me with a complex expression in his eyes, "Whatever you decide, I support you."

I looked at the two of them and sighed inwardly. I was still confused about the future and how to handle my relationship with Russell, but at least I had these two friends by my side, giving me a sense of warmth and reassurance in my confusion.

Days passed slowly. I was still torn about Russell's words, unsure whether to believe him or how much feeling I still had for him.

Theodore seemed to sense my struggle. He no longer teased me as usual but became particularly silent, occasionally looking at me with emotions I couldn't understand.

As for Melinda, she kept telling me not to be fooled by Russell again. But seeing my unsettled state, she couldn't help but feel sorry for me and tried to cheer me up in various ways.

One day, I went out alone to the supermarket to buy groceries, planning to cook a nice meal for Theodore and Melinda to distract myself. While picking vegetables, I unexpectedly ran into Russell.

He saw me and a flash of joy appeared in his eyes. He hurried over, "Sienna, what a coincidence. I didn't expect to meet you here."

I frowned slightly, "It is quite a coincidence."

Russell looked at the groceries in my hand and smiled, "You're cooking? I haven't had your cooking in a long time."

I didn't respond to his comment, just said, "I have things to do, I need to go."

As I was about to leave, Russell grabbed my arm, "Sienna, can't you give me another chance? I sincerely want to start over with you."

I stopped and looked at him, "Russell, do you think we can just start over? Can the hurt you caused me just be forgotten?"

A look of pain appeared on Russell's face, "I know I was wrong. I'll prove with my actions that I'll treat you well. Please believe me this once."

Just as I was hesitating whether to shake off his hand and continue talking, a cold voice suddenly came from behind me, "Let go of her."

I turned around and saw Theodore. He walked over with a grim expression, staring coldly at Russell.

Russell glared back at Theodore, "This is between Sienna and me. Stay out of it."

Theodore sneered, "She's my friend. I won't stand by and watch her get hurt by you again."

With that, Theodore stepped forward and forcefully pulled Russell's hand off me.

Russell was infuriated by Theodore's action. He raised his hand to hit Theodore, but Theodore reacted quickly, grabbing his wrist, "You want to fight? What right do you have?"

Seeing this, I hurriedly stepped in to stop them, "Stop fighting, both of you!"

Theodore looked at me and slowly released Russell's hand, "Russell, you better stay away from Sienna, or else don't blame me for being rude."

Russell glared at Theodore, then looked at me before turning and leaving the supermarket quickly.

I watched Russell's departing figure, feeling a mess inside. Theodore sighed softly and said, "Let's go home."

When we got home, Melinda saw our faces and quickly asked what happened. I recounted the supermarket encounter, and Melinda was furious, "That Russell is really persistent! Theodore, you should have beaten him up to show him who's boss!"

Theodore shook his head helplessly, "Beating him up won't solve anything. The key is what Sienna really wants."

With that, Theodore looked at me with concern in his eyes.

I lowered my head, feeling extremely conflicted. I knew Theodore and Melinda were looking out for me, but I really didn't know what to do. Should I trust Russell and give him a chance to start over, or should I completely cut ties with him and continue living peacefully with Theodore and Melinda?

A few days later, I received an anonymous letter. Inside were some intimate photos of Russell with other women, dated when we were still together.

Holding those photos, my hands trembled uncontrollably, and anger surged within me. So, his talk about starting over was all lies! He hadn't changed at all and had been deceiving me all along!

I showed the photos to Theodore and Melinda. After seeing them, Melinda cursed angrily.