Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 673

Facing my question, Ryan and Faith exchanged a look, both sporting a troubled expression.

I had no clue what was going through their minds, given I had made my stance crystal clear: if Neil was willing to swallow his pride, I was ready to face everything with him.

"Irene, it's not that we don't want to tell you, it's just... there's a complication. Neil... he'll come back to you with good news, you gotta believe us, okay?" Faith answered with a sense of helplessness.

I was tired of hearing that same old line, and my response turned colder, "So what you're saying is, if he doesn't get better, he won't come to see me, is that it?"

My question left Ryan and Faith a bit embarrassed. They didn't know how to respond, but then Hiram spoke up, "You guys need to bring Mr. Whitmore back. I’m sure Ms. Finch will welcome him!"

Even the kid got it, but Neil was just too stubborn.

It felt like he didn't trust me, his feelings riddled with doubt.

Ryan and Faith took Hiram by the hand, not addressing his point, but instead asked, "Hiram, would you like to go back to Rosemont with grandma and grandpa?"

Hiram glanced at me, torn between staying and leaving with Ryan and Faith, his little face full of conflict.

It was clear to Ryan and Faith that I had been hoping to formally adopt Hiram, but circumstances had prevented it. Neil had rushed abroad to fight for Hiram's custody for my sake.

Now with Neil out of the picture, and Hiram left with just a nanny, it was certain he would come to me.

I told Faith, "Let me take care of Hiram. You just focus on Neil."

Feeling a bit disheartened, my enthusiasm seemed extinguished by cold water, leaving behind only a flicker of hope still struggling to stay alive.

"Grandma, I want to stay here with Ms. Finch and wait for him," Hiram said, coming over and taking my hand, his eyes pleading.

Ryan and Faith didn't insist further and left after a heavy sigh.

They just wouldn't tell me where Neil was.

Once they were gone, I dialed Mitch's number, hoping to get some information out of him. To my surprise, he was quite cooperative this time.

Unfortunately, while willing, he wasn't sure of Neil's exact whereabouts, only that he was somewhere near Eldoria, not too far away.

After hanging up, Hiram tried to console me, "Ms. Finch, don't be mad, I believe he'll get better and then he'll come to find us. Please don't give up, okay?"

He was worried I'd give up out of frustration, his eyes full of earnest pleading.

I looked into those innocent, anxious eyes, feeling mixed emotions.

"Yeah, I won't give up," I reassured Hiram, and then after a moment of thought, I spoke again, "Hiram, would you mind not calling me Ms. Finch anymore? If you're willing, I can be your mom."

The formality of "Ms. Finch" felt distancing. I wanted to adopt him, to make him my child. I had been ready to do so a year ago, but then things changed.

Hearing my words, Hiram looked at me, surprised, then a shy and joyful smile spread across his face. He nodded quietly, "I'd like Ms. Finch to be my mom."

From the day Ryan and Faith visited, I forced myself to move on from Neil, letting fate decide. If he showed up, he showed up. If not, life goes on, raising the three children.

Life in Eldoria was simple and comfortable, even in winter. But as the year drew to a close, we decided to head back to Rosemont for the holidays, eager to be surrounded by family and friends.

Once school was out for Hiram, we packed up and took a flight to Rosemont, shortening the travel time for the kids, sparing them from boredom.

Hearing of my return, Stella and others immediately wanted to catch up over drinks, a long-standing tradition. Peering out at the biting cold winds, I hesitated.

But my friends insisted, and there was just no way I could turn them down.

Hiram, upon hearing I was heading out, volunteered to stay at home, keeping my grandparents and my younger siblings company. My parents had no objections.

By now, my parents had grown quite fond of Hiram after spending some time with him. They were completely taken in by his charming and well-behaved demeanor, often proudly introducing him as their grandson.

"Alright, Mom and Dad, I'm gonna hang out with Stella and the gang for a bit. I'll try to make it back early," I said to my parents.

"That sounds good. You deserve some time to unwind," my mom replied, nodding her approval.

With a small smile, I put on my jacket and left the house, driving straight to Cielo Nocturno.

Seeing Stella and the others, I was hit by a wave of indescribable emotion. The last time I came here after my fresh start, they were all single and carefree. Now, they were mothers, and even their aura had changed significantly.