Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 683

Neil cast a cold glance at Mitch and Cooper, their bones chilling under the icy scrutiny. While weddings usually spell joy and celebration, Neil looked as if he'd been slapped across the face multiple times, his expression dark with barely concealed rage.

"What are you guys doing here?" Neil hadn't extended an invitation to this trio.

He hadn't bothered with the guest list for tomorrow's wedding ceremony, leaving all the arrangements to his parents. His heart just wasn't in it.

"We're just here to make sure you're not losing your mind," Mitch whispered, his voice barely audible yet loaded with a courage that belied its volume.

Now that Neil and Irene's wedding invitations were out, what was there to doubt?

That's when Russel spoke up. "Have you really thought this through?"

Out of all his friends, Russel was the steady one, not prone to the reckless antics of the others, which made his question all the more serious and sincere.

Neil felt a wave of irritation wash over him as he averted Russel's gaze.

A sarcastic smile briefly played on Russel's lips. He put down his beer, stood up, and said to Neil, "Come here. We need to talk."

He then headed outside, with Neil following him despite knowing what the conversation would entail. Mitch and Cooper exchanged puzzled looks, wondering what Neil and Russel had to discuss that couldn't be shared with them.

Once they reached a quiet spot, Russel turned to face Neil, his usually calm eyes sharpening with accusation. "What about Karina? What's your plan for her?"

At the mention of Karina's name, Neil stiffened, his expression turning even more unnatural. Ever since Faith had told him Karina accepted money to leave him, he had only seen her once to break things off and hadn't contacted her since.

He figured Karina had moved on, taking the money as a sign they were headed in separate directions—a mutual understanding that needed no further clarification.

"We've broken up. Didn't you know?" Neil's tone remained cool, as if the breakup was a trivial matter.

He knew about Russel's connection to Karina and had assumed she would have told him.

Initially, Neil shouldn't have been with Karina at all, since she first pursued Russel, only to end up with Neil after repeated rejections.

Thankfully, Russel hadn't harbored any romantic feelings for Karina, so there were no hard feelings when she started dating Neil, his friend.

This time, with Neil getting married, Russel couldn't help but bring up Karina.

But the response he got was disappointing.

"So you're choosing Irene over Karina for your family's sake? Is that it?" Russel's voice turned icy.

"Russel, you might afford to chase dreams over family obligations, but I can't. We all make our choices. I hope you can understand that," Neil replied, sensing Russel's displeasure, his own voice just as cold.

He didn't mention the money Karina took, perhaps to preserve the last shred of decency in their relationship, or maybe out of embarrassment. Either way, he kept silent.

the Whitmore and the Finch families had prepared a wedding house for Neil and Irene, though it wasn't ready yet. Therefore, the procession would head to the Whitmore residence first. Neil went through the motions, his demeanor growing colder with each step.

"Time to carry your bride out of the car!" The wedding procession, marked by eleven limited edition luxury cars, signifying perfection and eternity—an idea entirely Faith's—arrived at the Whitmore residence amidst much fanfare.

Neil, oblivious to the symbolism behind the eleven cars, complied with the traditions, his face a mask of indifference.

Irene sat in the lead wedding car, her heart pounding like thunder. The wedding dress she wore was one she and her friends had picked out together, without any input from Neil. She wondered if he would even like it.

Today was the day she was finally going to marry the man she had loved for five years. It felt like even the air was filled with the scent of roses.

She couldn't help but smile, gripping her bouquet tightly, too nervous to let go.

But when the car door finally opened, Neil was standing there, not even bending down to help her out of the car.

Everyone around froze, the atmosphere turning awkward in a heartbeat.

Faith knew Neil was doing this on purpose. She immediately went over to warn him, "Neil, don't start acting up now. Everyone's watching. Just help Irene out of the car, will you?"

Irene heard every word Faith said, her smile freezing on her face as her heartbeat became erratic.