Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 526

"I've made my decision, no need to discuss it further," Neil interrupted me, his words brimming with distrust for Karina.

My heart sank.

At the hospital entrance, Neil halted, "Pack your things and move to my place."

"There's no need. I only agreed to stay and keep Faith company, counsel her a bit. In a few days, I'll head back to Rosemont," I declined.

"Regardless of how long you stay, either live with me or stay at my parents' place, don't stay at a hotel." Neil was adamant about this, seemingly averse to the idea of me staying at a hotel.

I didn't understand his reluctance, but I certainly didn't want to stay at his place.

At that moment, Russel emerged from another elevator. Upon seeing Neil and me, he paused slightly but quickly regained his composure.

A sense of unease surfaced, and sure enough, he approached Neil and me, casually asking, "Heading back to the hotel together?"

Neil, whom I had just turned down, immediately darkened at the question, shooting me a disapproving look.

I felt a chill run down my spine, but then I thought, what business is it of his where I stay?

"You go ahead, I've got some things to handle," I diplomatically rejected Russel's offer. Being around either man felt inappropriate.

"What things?" Russel pressed.

Caught off guard by the question, I couldn't think of a response. What could I possibly have to do? Anything that would allow me to avoid them both, I figured. My brain worked overtime, and after a few seconds, I came up with a perfect excuse, "Remember I mentioned I wasn't feeling well? I was thinking of getting a check-up, not sure how long it'll take. You should go ahead."

"Where are you feeling unwell?"

"Where are you feeling unwell?"

The same question came from both Neil and Russel, their eyes filled with equal concern. But there was a hint of displeasure in Neil's gaze, a silent reproach for not having told him earlier.

I was physically fine; it was my heart that was in turmoil.

Faced with their concern, I was somewhat speechless. I pulled out my phone, scanned the hospital's QR code to make an appointment online, and showed the appointment confirmation to Neil and Russel, "Chest discomfort."

Russel knew about my breast issue, but Neil didn't. I hadn't mentioned it to him.

He seemed puzzled, "Pain?"

"Yep, I had it checked before, and the doctor advised medication and a positive attitude. I was planning to get a follow-up," I explained with newfound confidence, my excuse sounding more plausible.

"I'll accompany you for the follow-up," Neil offered.

"Shouldn't you be with Hiram first? I can accompany her," Russel interjected, looking at Neil calmly, "Neil, there's a time and place for everything. Don't you know what needs to be prioritized now?"

Of course, it was Hiram. Acute leukemia progresses quickly, and judging by Neil and Karina's reactions, Hiram's condition was severe.

"Alright," I didn't refuse this time, "Let's go."

What I didn't expect was for Neil to see Russel and me leaving together. He didn't try to stop us, though.

On the way back, I asked, "When did Karina tell you about the paternity test she had secretly done for Serena and Brandon?"

I hadn't realized the relationship between Karina and Russel had progressed to this point, that she even shared this with him.

Holding the steering wheel, Russel's handsome face remained expressionless. He glanced at me casually, his voice calm, "The moment she received the results."

I was speechless for a moment. So my suspicions were right all along. They had been allies from the start.

My emotions were mixed, "So when you said you didn't know her well, that you only crossed paths a long time ago and had no contact now, you were lying to me, right?"

They say being deceived makes you furious, like feeling like a fool. But strangely, I felt more calm than angry, perhaps because I had suspected it all along.

The traffic light ahead turned red, causing the car to gradually come to a halt. Russel’s lips parted slightly, "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to."

Could deception ever be unintentional?

I laughed sarcastically, "No need to apologize. Whoever you choose to be friends with or collaborate with is your prerogative. I have no say in it."

"Many things aren't as simple as you think, Irene. I can't explain to you in detail right now, but I have never intended to hurt you, not even a bit." Russel's voice was a tad deeper than usual, his tone filled with sincerity.