Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 68

Checking out Oscar’s reply, I didn’t reply right away. Instead, I popped open my camera and took a good long look at myself. Yup, I was pretty cute. Born this way or molded by my environment, I didn’t think I was second to anyone.

Except for when I was around Neil, I tended to feel a little inferior. It was because he didn’t love me, and I ended up feeling like I was not enough.

LOF

A few minutes later, I replied Oscar: I’m like a goddess, thanks for the compliment.

Oscar sent me an emoji laughing its head off, which made me chuckle as well. After chatting for a bit, I couldn’t fight off sleep any longer and knocked

out.

“Irene, Irene?” In the morning, I heard Faith calling me from beyond my door.

“What’s up?” I asked sleepily.

“Is Neil in the room? His car’s gone missing and he’s not answering his phone.” Faith asked loudly.

I glanced at my phone – it was nearly nine in the morning. Neil must have gone back to Rosemont early, just didn’t tell Ryan and Faith about it. Yawning, I got out of bed, threw on a coat and opened the door to see Faith standing there.

“Mom, he had some urgent work stuff to deal with, and he left last night, I made up an excuse for Neil.

“So that’s what happened, no wonder he didn’t pick up the phone.” Faith seemed a bit doubtful but nodded, “Alright then, you better get up and eat something, don’t starve yourself.”

“Okay, I’ll get dressed and be right down,” I answered.

Once Faith left, I went back to my room and messaged Neil about my conversation with Faith. Then I changed and went downstairs for breakfast. Neil’s other relatives had already left the night before. Only I was still there. Ryan was at work, so it was just me, Faith, and a few servants.

We chatted about this and that, sipped

he soup, and

Then Neil texted me back: hmm, I see.

“Irene, if Neil ever treats you badly or

punched on fresh bread. It was pure bliss.

even a “thanks,” how rude. I didn’t want to reply anymore.

around,

She had never spoken to me like this before in you better tell me, okay? Don’t worry, I’m no pushover,” Faith said seriously after breakfast.

both families‘ interests.

past life. Even when she opposed Neil being with Bonnie, she would only hint subtly for the sake of

It was all because of my stupidity. From the beginning, my relationship with Neil was arranged by both families. In a way, Ryan and Faith were always happy with me as their daughter–in–law. If only I was

smarter, more attentive to them, they would have sided with me, easing the tension between Neil and me.

In the past, I didn’t understand this. I thought that as long as I won Neil’s heart, I would win over the entire Whitmore family. But because I failed to build a good relationship with Ryan and Faith, they could only

“Mom, Neil’s been a lot better lately, don’t worry,” I

replied, “I’m sorry for making you and dad worry so much.”

“No, the one who’s making us worry is that rascal Neil.” Faith quickly corrected me, “Irene, the reason your dad and I wanted to match you with Neil was because you’re different from other girls.”

I was taken aback. Faith sighed and continued, “Neil’s always been popular with girls, which worried us a lot as he grew up. He’s always surrounded by a bunch of women, some from decent families. But you’re the only one who’s stayed by his side without changing for five years. Your dad and I saw it all. We know just how lucky Neil is to have you.”

I continued to stare at Faith, at a loss for words.

Faith patted my hand with a warm smile, “Irene, when your dad and I wanted you to become our daughter–in–law, it was because we liked you, not just for some benefits, you know?”

I stumbled over my words, choking back tears. All I could do was nod, “I know.”

enemies

I wish I knew this before. Maybe then I wouldn’t have become never really touching his heart. But luckily, Ryan and Faith saw everthing

Because Faith truly liked me, our time together under the same rool Dec

pick me up.

It’d been three days. Russel had been texting me every day

to

check if I had

the entire Whitmore family. I’d been quietly following Neil for all these years,

me

and harmonious. I just didn’t know when Neil was going to come

I replied to him/irritably, “What do you think my servants are? Cat abusers? One back yet, worried that my servants wouldn’t take good care of Boomer.

Russel: “Not like that, I just think you’d take care of it better.”

I was speechless and sent a “goodbye” emoji before tossing my phone

Vide.”

While I was lying on the couch, listless, my mom called. I picked up the phone like usual

She was silent for a few seconds before I heard her choked sobs, “Rena, can yout

My heart clenched. I had a bad feeling about this. “What happened? Mom, are

cheerfully said, “Mom, miss me?”

Ome back for a bit?”

crying?

er a “t’s going o

“Just come back first. Your dad and I are waiting for you at home.” Mom didn’t ver

Without wasting time to call back and ask, I found Faith and asked her to arrange a driver to

hung up after.

Where’s dad?”

me back to Rosemont.

Faith asked what happened, but I didn’t go into details, just said there was an emergency at home and I needed to go back right away. She didn’t ask any more questions and arranged a ride to send me home right away. Before I left, she said to me, “Irene, feel free to ring me up anytime if you need

anything.”

12:23

“Alright.” I said sitting in the car, nodding heavily.

After a few hours‘ drive, I was back home. I saw my parents sitting in the living room. The atmosphere was tense and gloomy, and I could occasionally hear sobbing. On the living room table, a pile of photos were scattered. I walked over to take a look and my expression changed instantly,

The photos were of my dad and another woman, looking cozy in a hotel room. They were lying on the same bed, covered with a blanket, but their upper bodies were exposed.

My dad looked ashen, sitting there motionless.

“Now that Rena is back, explain it to her.” My mom wiped her tears and said to my dad through gritted teeth. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

“Dad, what’s going on?” The shock hit me as hard as it did my mom.

In my mind, my parents were the most loving couple on earth and my dad had never done anything unfaithful. They were my relationship role models and I firmly believed that I could win Neil over and live a happy life with him because of them..