Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 256

Russel’s request was just too hard to refuse. I dug out the diamond ring, slid it on, snapped a picture, and sent it his way.

In no time, Russel was on the phone again, “I saw it. Looks nice,”

I responded, Im quite fond of the design too. It just wasn’t meant to be.”

Then I asked him, “Where are you now?”

He reassured me, “Don’t sweat it; I won’t do anything stupid. If youre ever unhappy, just think of me as your plan B.” He continued, “I’ll be home tomorrow My folks are pressuring me to propose to Chloe, but I turned them down.”

So that was the reason for his family feud. It hurt to hear, but there was nothing I could do. From an outside perspective, Chloe was a catch and a good match for Russel.

He went on, ‘Anyway, I’ve been away for a few days. They probably won’t bother me anymore.” He sounded like a kid saying that.

I told him, “Okay, shoot me a message when you get home tomorrow, or else I’ll be worried.” A weight was lifted off my chest.

Russel responded, “Sure.”

We didn’t chat for long, most of the time was spent in silence, neither of us knowing what else to say

By the time I hung up, it was past 3 am. It had started snowing outside. I got up and looked out the window and saw a thin layer of snow already covering it

The first snow of the year in Rosemont had arrived early I had no idea where Russel was, whether Dad was freezing his butt off in jail, whether Oscar Morse had left Rosemont, or when Mam would wake up.

I stared out the window, lost in thought.

Before I knew it, dawn had broken. I wasn’t tired at all, so I just cleaned up, got dressed, and headed for the office.

looking like someone owed him a

past him, he suddenly

of your mind?!” I yelled after rolling down the

slippery with ice and snow, and I could have hit him

the car, his face gloomy,

me, would I need you to help find him? Can’t you think straight?”

me coldly. “Who knows if he s faking running away and is just hiding at your place? Asking

was stunned by Neil’s suspicion. His thought

a therapist. I think you might have some mental issues” I honestly suggested.

mistaken, after all this time, nobody could find him, yet you got him to call home overnight, saying

me and promised me

ran away to me and him planning a secret meeting together. He was

called to say he’d be home today. You sure have a vivid imagination” I was in a

and got in my car. I didn’t understand his actions and asked, “What are you doing?”

Isn’t it near your office? We can share the ride. Neil buckled his seat belt and responded as

doing at StarGlow Enterprises, the fact that he was hitching a

on riding with me. I felt like he was doing it

stayed put, “Take your

a

so I cant drive.” Neil did smell a bit like alcohol

you up.” I

that big of a deal for your

problem wasn’t him hitching a ride; it was that Neil was constantly hitching a ride

indulging him, I might as well switch

shamelessness always rubbed me the wrong way whenever

the passenger seat. His even breathing and closed eyes

face and disheveled hair reminded me of Sleeping Beauty from fairy tales, even though he was a man

Not only did he refuse to get out