Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 534

"The problem is, Stella has custody of the kids now, Mitch. How can you just hop the fence to see them?" I held out my hand to stop Mitch from advancing any further.

Mitch halted, looking clearly annoyed. "Don't stop me. What's wrong with me seeing my kids? Just because she doesn't want me to see them, I should back off? I know she's not home today; she's taking the older two to get their vaccines at the clinic. That's why I'm here, to see Yara. Out of my way!"

Of course, I couldn't stop Mitch. He pushed past me and headed straight into the living room, where Yara was playing in the arms of the nanny. The sight of his kid lit up Mitch's eyes, and he strode over to scoop her up.

Despite everything, Mitch was a good dad. He remembered that it was vaccine day for the older kids, and he was clearly smitten with Yara, showering her with kisses and snapping pictures and videos with his phone.

"If you don't leave soon, Mitch, Stella's going to rip you a new one when she gets home," I finally said after a long pause.

"She won't be back so soon," Mitch replied, not taking his eyes off Yara.

"Normally, I'd agree. But I texted her."

Mitch's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why would you do that?!"

I shrugged. "Sorry, as her best friend, I can't take your side in this."

"You're evil!" Mitch's hand was shaking as he pointed at me. For all his bravado, he was still afraid of Stella. I couldn't help but wonder how he'd mustered the courage to mess around in the first place.

Evil? Me? I felt bad for him. I didn't text Stella immediately. That was my act of mercy.

Mitch quickly handed Yara back to the nanny and made to leave. But then he stopped and looked at me with a strange expression.

It was a look of conflict, hesitation, and hope.

"Irene, can I talk to you outside?" He grabbed my hand.

I dodged Mitch's grasp and followed him out into the yard. After a moment, he turned to me, looking earnest. "Irene, could you do me a favor?"

"Hmm?" I waited for him to continue.

"Help me get Stella back. I was wrong before. I miss her. And the kids." Mitch looked pitiful, his eyes pleading. "Look at me. I've been running back and forth between here and Rosemont Eldoria just to get a glimpse of them. I'm running on fumes. Can't you help me out considering how hard I'm trying?"

Mitch looked like a panda, with dark circles under his eyes. He was clearly exhausted. But he'd brought this on himself. He had three kids with Stella. Didn't he know what she was like?

But no, he chose to dance on the edge, and he fell right in.

It's not that Stella was actually hurting Mitch, but I didn't think he deserved a beating just for wanting to see his kids.

Stella finally let Mitch go. She pointed at the door and said, "Get out!"

"Bitch!" Mitch cursed, then turned and left.

With Mitch gone, Stella's anger dissipated. She turned to me. "Rena, did he say anything to you? Or was he just here to see the kids?"

"Yeah, he seems to really miss the kids. Maybe let him see them from time to time. He's their father, after all. That doesn't change just because you two are no longer together. As long as he's willing to be good to them..." I finally spoke up for Mitch.

"I know. I'm just worried that if he sees the kids, he'll want more. He might even try to take them from me." Stella looked sad as she sighed lightly.

I empathized with her; after all, wasn't I in the same boat? My fear that Neil would snatch my kids away led me to prefer them not knowing who their father was.

Late in the evening, just before bedtime, I waited until Stella's children were sound asleep. Then, I fired off a text to her: "Meet me in the living room. Let's chat."

Two minutes later, Stella appeared before me. She fetched a bottle of red wine, "What's on your mind? Let's talk it over a drink."