Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 672

"Irene, no matter what happens, never feel guilty or blame yourself because of me. Everything I've done, the good and the bad, it was all my decision. From the start, I've always said, I'm more than happy to be 'used' by you." Russel could see I was feeling down, and he said this to me with utmost seriousness.

Before I could even respond, he continued, "Actually, when you suggested we have a wedding to shake Neil up, I was over the moon. Even if it was fake, I always dreamed of having a wedding with you. It's after this I realized, I couldn't really see you just as a friend. Leaving might be for the best. Thank you for letting me experience what it's like to love someone. I'm content."

My eyes started to well up with tears, unsure of how to reply to Russel. Through my blurry vision, I saw Russel grab his suitcase, give me a faint smile, then turn and head downstairs.

I followed him to the stairwell, watching his silhouette. I wanted to ask, will we ever see each other again?

But I felt like I didn't have the right to ask.

My parents were in the living room, they exchanged a few words with Russel as he was leaving. Both had looks of reluctance on their faces, but the outcome was inevitable.

As I watched Russel leave, Serena and Brandon started shouting, not wanting to let him go. He stopped in the yard, crouched down, and embraced Brandon, giving him a kiss, then did the same with Serena. On his face was a deep affection and reluctance towards the two kids.

"Serena, Brandon, come back!" I called out, my voice trembling.

Russel didn't look back at me again. He let go of the kids and, dragging his suitcase, left without turning back.

I had this feeling, maybe Russel and I would never meet again in this lifetime.

---

After Russel left, I hit rock bottom, especially still living in his house. This time, he left without even taking Boomer, his dog, leaving him with me as a final gift, a keepsake.

Holding Boomer in the yard, my mind was filled with flashes of Russel, and Neil's figure also kept surfacing, causing me a great deal of agony.

Until my mom couldn't stand it anymore, she took Boomer from my arms and said, "Rena, you've been off these past few days. Is it because of Russel's departure or something about Neil? Talk to me."

It had been two days, and Neil hadn't contacted me, hadn't given me a clear answer.

And Russel must have already left the country, without leaving any message for me. I asked Mitch, and Mitch said Russel changed his number, didn't even tell his closest friends.

These two things were driving me insane, feeling like time was crawling by.

"Mom, am I too selfish?" I asked her.

I seemed to keep hurting others for my sake, but in the end, I still didn't get a clear response from Neil.

I thought my mom would say I indeed was selfish and foolish, letting go of a good man like Russel and causing so much trouble.

But her answer surprised me, "You're not selfish, love can't be forced. Your father and I have come to terms with it. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters to us."

I felt a mix of bitterness and warmth in my heart, got up, and hugged my mom, unable to utter a word.

She patted my shoulder and continued, "Russel has already left. Since you've chosen Neil, don't just passively wait for him. You've come this far, might as well see it through to the end, give yourself a clear outcome, instead of living in anxiety every day."

I had said I was willing to face everything with him, yet he chose to go at it alone.

Did he enjoy making me wait?

"Faith, tell me which rehab center he's in, I'm going to find him!" My anger surged, raising my voice.

But Faith refused to tell me, no matter how much I cried, she remained silent.

After hanging up, I was in tears.

The events of these past few days had slowly eroded my resilience, and with Neil's disappearance, my defenses completely crumbled.

I cried openly in the yard, my parents, upon learning the whole story, were furious, wanting to confront Neil, but realizing they didn't even know where he was, had to let it go.

With their consolation, I barely managed to calm down.

Since Neil had left Eldoria, the thought of staying in this place, now filled with nothing but memories of heartache, became unbearable for me. However, Hiram pleaded with me to stay. The idea of being alone here was something he dreaded, even with Chelsea's company.

Just then, Ryan and Faith appeared at the doorway, their expressions awkward. The moment they saw me, a wave of guilt washed over their faces. "Irene," they began, clearly uneasy, "we came to take Hiram back with us. We're thinking it's best for him to move to Rosemont, start fresh with a new school and life..."

"What about Neil?" I couldn't help but interject.