Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 649

After dinner, I was beat. I had the nanny tuck the kids into bed while I opted for a quick shower and some much-needed rest.

In the dead of night, a car horn from outside jolted me awake. It sounded so close, but I was too tired to care, simply turning over to catch some more Z's.

My phone, on silent mode, lit up unnoticed. It wasn't until the next morning that I realized I had missed a text from Russel asking if I was awake.

Why was he up so late?

I texted back, "Was everything okay last night? I was out cold."

Russel replied almost instantly, "Yeah, was thinking of catching some fresh air at the beach."

At nearly 2 AM? Who does that?

Though it struck me as odd, I didn't dwell on it. Instead, I began contacting real estate agents to list my house for sale. Once sold, I planned to move back to Rosemont.

My parents had spent a fortune buying and renovating this place, making the asking price a bit steep. No bites yet.

The agents suggested lowering the price, but I wasn't in a rush.

During this time, Stella, leaving her three kids with her in-laws, flew out to Eldoria to keep me company, bringing Mitch along.

Seeing them at my doorstep, I had to blink twice. Stella, shaking her purse, asked, "How's that for a welcome?"

"Welcomed, of course! But your kids?" I ushered them in, concerned.

"My in-laws are on it. But why Eldoria? And why the long stay?" Stella was brimming with curiosity.

Mitch, trailing behind, surveyed the place like a cat on a hot tin roof.

Explaining my plan to sell the house, Mitch looked genuinely surprised.

"Really?" he asked.

"Yeah. Plus, Russel's next door. Wanna drop by?" I teased.

Mitch nodded, lost in thought before heading out to see Russel.

Stella was stunned by my suspicion. "Neil, buying your house? Why the secrecy?"

"We'll find out soon enough," I said, eager for the afternoon.

Lunch was ready when Mitch and Russel arrived, insisting on a communal meal. "We're all friends here, right?"

Russel seemed hesitant, checking my reaction. I played it cool, simply asking the nanny to set another place at the table.

Despite Russel's self-sufficiency, Mitch's odd behavior – seating him next to me – didn't go unnoticed. Both Russel and I shot Mitch disapproving looks.

Stella, confused by Mitch's antics, couldn't help but ask, "Mitch, what's gotten into you?"

"Mitch, I swear, it's not what you think!" Mitch's voice was dripping with frustration, trying to scramble for an explanation. But then, he just stopped, cutting himself off mid-sentence as if he was wrestling with what to say next.

Russel had moved back to his own chair across the table, putting a bit of space between us. Watching Mitch's silent struggle, Russel sighed, a sound heavy with unspoken thoughts.

And there I was, barely touching my meal, my mind elsewhere. I found myself oddly looking forward to the arrival of the real estate agent and the guy who was interested in seeing the house.