Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 581

"Hiram, if you really plan on moving away with your mom, I'll miss you so much." In the end, the words I had intended to say got twisted into such a bland response.

The sparkle in Hiram's eyes dimmed instantly, but he managed to put on a brave smile, "I know, Ms. Finch. You'll miss me. But I'll come back to visit once I'm all grown up!"

My heart felt heavy. With my resources, raising another kid wouldn't have been an issue. Heck, when I thought I couldn't have kids of my own, I even considered adoption.

But Hiram's situation...

"Yeah, I could visit you too," I finally managed to say, though my heart was heavy with uncertainty. After all, I doubted Karina would easily entrust her child to my care.

Hiram stood up, his little face bright with a smile. He opened his tiny arms, seeking a hug, "Ms. Finch, can I have a hug?"

I bent down and wrapped him in my arms.

"Alright, I'll go find my dad now." Hiram quickly let go and seemed unfazed.

"Sure." I nodded, ready to accompany him upstairs, but he refused.

"Ms. Finch, I can go up by myself. You must be really busy. You don't have to visit me all the time. I have two bodyguards with me, so I'm not bored. Plus, I can play cards and watch cartoons." Hiram spoke with such seriousness, as if worried he was keeping me from important tasks.

I was taken aback and before I could respond, he dashed into the elevator.

Sighing softly, I turned to leave the hospital. I had just visited my dad and needed to get back to my own kids.

As soon as I got into my car, Neil called.

"What did you say to Hiram?" he asked.

"Nothing much, why?" My heart skipped a beat.

"He's been quiet since he got back, then suddenly locked himself in the bathroom for a long time, crying." Neil sounded helpless.

A lump formed in my throat. My reaction had obviously hurt Hiram. I shouldn't have said what I did, raising his hopes only to dash them.

Neil's voice came through again, "He's out now, says he misses his mom..."

"Alright, try to comfort him." I didn't know what else to say. I could feel how much Hiram relied on and trusted me, far more than I had anticipated.

After hanging up, my feelings were a whirlwind of guilt and concern. Neil's words only deepened my guilt. Once home, I picked up Brandon and kissed him fiercely, then did the same with Serena, as if trying to compensate for my guilt towards Hiram with extra love for them.

---

Since that day, I felt awkward about visiting Hiram. Whenever I went to the hospital, it was just to see my dad, then I'd head home.

My dad's treatment plan had changed, presenting new challenges. The surgery was now riskier, and no one at the hospital dared to proceed.

Mom and I were anxious, starting to look for other hospitals.

Neil, well aware of my parents' disdain for him, still showed up. Why?

"Here again, Neil?" Dad's cold voice cut through, "We don't have room for Mr. Whitmore's grand presence!"

I sympathized with Neil, wondering if he had a masochistic streak. Knowing he'd be unwelcome, yet here he was.

Mom was slightly more polite, "Neil, do you need something?"

Neil, ignoring my parents' remarks, placed the colorful, high-end fruit basket on the table. It seemed he had gone out of his way to buy and deliver it personally.

"I came to discuss something with you," Neil said calmly, used to the cold reception. As a former son-in-law, and not the most attentive one, he'd braced himself for their attitude.

"There's nothing to discuss between us. Rena, clear things up with him now. It's not good to drag things on!" Dad urged me to tell Neil the truth about my health.

Neil turned to me, a question in his eyes, waiting for my explanation.

I really did plan to clear the air with Neil, just not under these circumstances, especially not in front of my parents. The whole situation was awkward beyond belief. Plus, I needed to make sure that his promise to me still stood.

"Why the silent treatment?" my dad asked, clearly annoyed. His demeanor towards Russel and Neil was like night and day.

Meanwhile, Neil just kept his gaze on me, waiting patiently for me to speak up.

"Neil, the thing is..." I let out a sigh, slowly finding my words.