Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 651

"No worries, it's not that easy to dupe me. Once I sell the house here, I'll be heading straight back to Rosemont," I said loud enough for Mitch Hebert to overhear.

I was certain he was still in touch with Neil Whitmore but just didn't want to spill the beans. So be it, I thought.

Upon hearing my words, Mitch immediately started fidgeting with his phone, his fingers tapping away furiously on the screen. After sending off a message, he looked up and asked, "You taking the dog back with you too?"

"Yeah, I'm not leaving it behind. Neil gave it to me as a gift. We've kept our distance these past years because of the kids' allergies, but they're getting stronger now, so it shouldn't be a problem," I replied.

He nodded thoughtfully, and I left it at that, guessing the question probably came from Neil.

---

After quickly wrapping up things with the house, I went to say my goodbyes to Russel Dawson, as I was leaving for Rosemont.

I found him in his yard, pruning his bushes under the warm afternoon sun, the scene was serenely beautiful.

"Russel, I'll be heading back to Rosemont with Stella and the others tomorrow. You sure you're staying here?" I asked.

He paused, his tools in hand, and looked at me calmly, "Yeah, I am. If I ever decide to go back, I'll let you know."

Maybe it was for the best. He seemed more at ease here, away from Rosemont where everyone knew his business and judged him.

I glanced over at the plants, wondering when he picked up this hobby. I had to admit, he had a knack for it.

Our conversation was short and to the point, and soon there was nothing left to say.

As I was about to leave, Russel called out, "You're looking for Neil because you can't let him go, right? If you two get a chance to meet again, no matter what, follow your heart."

His words felt like a hint, but I couldn't quite grasp its full meaning.

I nodded, acknowledging his advice.

This city would only have Russel now, but I wouldn't forget how he took care of me and the kids when we first arrived, preventing us from feeling completely alone.

I hoped he'd find someone new to share his life with, someone to enjoy simple, happy days together.

---

Before long, I was back in Rosemont with Stella Wallace and the others.

Once he knew he'd be compensated, the driver waited quietly with me.

After a while, the door opened, and my heart raced, hoping to see Neil. But to my surprise, it was Mr. Wilson who stepped out, leaving me to question my assumptions.

Feeling defeated, I told the driver, "Let's head back to the airport."

Just as we were about to leave, the driver slowed down and glanced back, "Miss, were you looking for a friend? Someone else just came out of the house."

I turned around, and in that moment, everything seemed to freeze.

After a year, there he was—Neil. Yet, the reunion was nothing like I had imagined.

His face had slimmed down, his skin paler than before, making his otherwise handsome features seem less vibrant. A shadow of gloom hung over his appearance. Eldoria's winters never bit with the harsh cold, so he was dressed only in a light shirt, squinting slightly and furrowing his brow as the bright sunlight kissed his face.

But my gaze lingered not on his face, but on the wheelchair in which he sat.

The woman pushing the wheelchair, Mrs. Wilson, had just wheeled Neil outside before turning to close the door behind them.