Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 348

Just as I nodded in agreement, my phone rang. The sudden noise in the quiet living room sent my heartbeat racing. Seeing the caller ID, I felt a headache coming on.

Sure enough, it was my mom.

I didn’t want to answer it, but I was worried that ignoring it would make her suspicious. So I gave Neil a look and picked up the call,

“Rena, where are you? Why haven’t you come home yet?” My mom’s stern voice put me under a lot of pressure.

“I’m on my way home. I was out shopping with Alicia Rider.” I quickly made up an excuse, my insides churning with anxiety.

“You’re with Alicia? Really?” My mom asked doubtfully, “Then where is she? Let her talk to me.”

Well, that was a pickle. I glanced nervously at Neil, who was quietly watching me with a serious expression.

“She just left. I’ll have her call you later, okay? I’m about to head home too.” I had no choice but to keep up the lie.

My mom wasn’t easily fooled. “No need. I’ll call Alicia directly. I have her number!”

She hung up before I could coordinate with Alicia. Cold sweat trickled down my back, and I felt extremely uneasy.

Neil’s gaze was piercing, as if seeing right through me. He suddenly said, “I’ve already texted Alicia. It should be fine.”

taken aback,

said, “Feels like we’re having an affair with

made

couple of minutes

salvaged. My mom only told me to get home soon. I thought that was it, but then she suddenly brought up Russel Dawson, “Rena, did Russel

suddenly spiked. I quickly looked at Neil, worried

was a clear flash of anger in his eyes.

that intentionally. Even though Alicia

wasn’t by my side, or if I didn’t care about him anymore, what she said wouldn’t be a problem. But if Neil heard,

Stop doing this.” I was speechless at my mom’s behavior; her illness had changed her.

an awkward silence,

me, with no trace of a smile on his face.

I explained about

was at your

never entered my room without my permission before.

you started seeing him again while I was away?” Neil accused me. His voice was filled

wants me to be with Russel, so she deliberately arranged for us to be together. You get it?” I was getting angry then. Russel’s actions made

any hints? I’m pretty sure I didn’t. I made my point v

as he scoffed, “Is that so? Then why didn’t you handle things more decisively? When he showed up at your house, you should’ve told him to leave. Or you could’ve told your mom that we’re not just seeing each other but planning to remarry, have children, and spend our lives together. How about that?”

the shock right now. I

“This is something your mom will have to accept sooner or later. The sooner she knows, the sooner she can prepare

say those

all ties with him, and