Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 583

My dad wanted to say something more, but my mom stopped him.

Push too hard, and it'll backfire. Neil and I weren't showing any signs of getting back together. If they kept this up, they'd only trigger my rebellious streak.

Mom knew me well. Our relationship had nearly snapped before, largely because she'd been too controlling over my love life.

"Alright, Dad, get some rest. I'm heading home." After saying goodbye, I left for home.

---

Little did I expect, more trouble was waiting for me at home.

Sean was standing at my doorstep, examining my front door with a displeased look.

Alicia had been staying at my place for the past few days. She'd been down in the dumps, hardly leaving the house, just spending time with my two kids, hoping their cuteness could heal her a bit.

The moment I saw Sean, my heart sank.

I didn't get out of the car right away. Instead, I texted Alicia, telling her to hide somewhere fast.

After sending the text, I got out of the car, trying to look calm.

"Ms. Finch," Sean greeted me with a half-hearted smile that was charming in its own mixed-race way, despite the slightly foreign accent, "Is my girlfriend here?"

Girlfriend?

I almost laughed. The guy with a fiancée back in Country Y has the nerve to claim Alicia as his girlfriend here?

Does Country Y have some outdated tradition of polygamy?

"Sorry, who's your girlfriend?" I approached Sean with a bag in hand, asking as if I didn't know him well, "How did you find this place?"

"We had a small argument. She wouldn't take my calls. I couldn't explain myself. I've already checked with Stella and Barbara, but she wasn't with them, so I tracked her here." Sean maintained his composed smile despite my sarcasm, but his eyes betrayed no amusement.

Remembering Sean's mother's status abroad and the mob background she was involved in, I grew cautious. What if he lost it, thinking he was still in Country Y and decided to get physical?

I'd never heard Alicia mention he was abusive, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.

I took a step back, reminding myself that I had two kids to think about. Their safety was my top priority.

Sean watched me retreat, his gaze deepening, "You don't have to be afraid of me. Did she badmouth me to you?"

"I told you, I don't know who your girlfriend is," I repeated, not wanting Alicia to follow my unfortunate footsteps, feeling like loving someone was akin to walking through fire.

It's supposed to cost money, time, and emotions, but why did it feel life-threatening for Alicia and me?

It felt like we were caught in a no-fly zone!

"Alicia, your best friend," Sean finally said her full name.

Neil stopped beside me, matching Sean in height and build, which diffused the oppressive air Sean had brought with him.

I thought to myself, no need to call the cops now.

"We haven't seen each other for a while, but we were never close to begin with," Sean responded coolly.

"Right, not close. So, you're here to get to know my ex-wife better, or what?" Neil raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion.

Their words sounded casual, almost joking, but the tension between them was palpable.

Then Neil patted my shoulder lightly, "Go inside and check on the kids."

With Neil there, I easily slipped away from Sean, who couldn't stop me from entering my own home.

Once inside, I quickly shut the door behind me and rushed to find Alicia. She was sitting on the bed, anxious, with the curtains tightly drawn as if to hide from Sean.

In reality, Sean couldn't see her; it was all in her mind. But knowing her phone's location had revealed her presence, it was likely he'd come back.

"Rena, is he still at the door?" Alicia asked immediately upon seeing me.

"Yeah, Neil's got my back; don't sweat it, he can't get in." I moved over to tweak the curtains open a bit. This window overlooked the back of the house, giving us no view of the front door at all.

Alicia let out a sigh of relief, but there was still a hint of unease about her. I knew her like the back of my hand, and this was her all over - knowing she shouldn't go down to see Sean, yet being constantly tempted by her feelings.