Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 664

I had seen that photo album before.

I knew what was on Neil's mind; Kitty had spilled the beans.

But now, it was Neil's own psychological barrier, his inability to accept his imperfections, pushing me away. My only choice was to help him overcome his demons.

Of course, I couldn't tell Hiram it was all a façade, knowing well he'd run straight to Neil with the news.

So, I crouched down, gently gripping Hiram's shoulders, and said, “Hiram, what happened between Mr. Whitmore and me is in the past. We weren't meant to be, and you've seen how the kids need a father figure. Mr. Russel has been wonderful to them, to me. He's the right choice, and I've made my decision.”

“But…” Hiram seemed reluctant to drop it, as if he had more to say.

Just then, Russel appeared. Hiram clamped his mouth shut at the sight of him. Despite his young age, he understood the delicacies of the situation; it wouldn't do to praise Neil in front of Russel.

He broke into a broad smile, waving energetically at me and Russel, “Ms. Finch, Mr. Russel, I'll head off now. I'll come by to play with the siblings next time!”

“Sure,” I nodded.

Chelsea was already waiting by the door. As it opened, she offered me a smile, then took Hiram back with her.

I closed the door and let out a heavy sigh.

Russel, concerned, asked, “What’s wrong? Why the sigh?”

“Russel, would you blame me?” I couldn't help but ask. Despite our honest agreement, using his feelings for me time and again weighed heavily on me.

Deep down, I knew life with Russel could be good.

He would make a great husband, a great father.

Russel chuckled softly, “Blame you? We had an agreement, remember? Think of it as doing a favor for a good friend.”

It was only when he reassured me that I managed to relax, otherwise, I’d always worry if I was putting him in a tough spot.

I nodded fervently, “Consider this a huge favor I owe you!”

“Alright, you can pay me back some other time,” Russel responded.

Hoping for a chance to repay this favor, I could only agree verbally for now.

---

While Stella and I chatted, Mitch caught up with Neil next door. To be safe, I hadn’t filled Mitch in on the pretense with Russel, fearing he’d spill the beans to Neil.

About an hour later, Mitch returned, looking troubled. Whatever Neil had told him seemed to weigh heavily on him.

He pulled Stella aside, whispering urgently. When Stella came back, she mirrored Mitch’s gloom.

“What’s up?” I asked, puzzled.

Mitch hung back, while Stella, gripping my hand, shared, “Rena, Neil’s caught on. He thinks this might all be a ruse…”

“So Mitch asked me to check with you, is this for real or not?”

My heart sank. Neil had seen through us? Despite our best efforts, he’d figured it out.

But there was no turning back. The more he doubted, the more I had to prove my resolve, to show him I wasn’t playing games.

I didn't give Stella an answer; instead, I marched straight up to Mitch, flashing the ring on my finger for him to see. "You can let Neil know that I haven't lied to him, and there's no reason for me to. He's always known that things between Russel and me were complicated, right? I just want my child to have a legitimate father, and Russel is the best choice, no worse than him."

Mitch seemed taken aback by my direct approach. He glanced at the ring adorning my finger, his discomfort so palpable it was as if his hair was standing on end. After a spell of awkward coughing, he gave a nod, "I got it, no need to get worked up..."