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.”

was taken aback,

Neil raised an eyebrow and said, “Feels like we’re having an

description made

I just waited in silence. A couple of minutes later, my phone rang again.

lie was 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

quickly looked at

was a clear flash of anger in

intentionally. Even though Alicia vouched for me, she was

wouldn’t be a problem. But if Neil heard, it would definitely cause trouble between us, which was exactly

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

an awkward silence, not

with no trace of a smile on his face.

frowned as I explained about

knew he was at your house. Why

I never had such intentions. And Russel had never entered my room without my permission before. I thought he wouldn’t do

accused me. His voice was filled with jealousy. “Why

her personality seems to have changed. She doesn’t approve of us being together. In her mind, she 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 me uncomfortable, and then

pretty sure I

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

mom can’t deal with the shock right now. I can’t do that.” I replied.

instead?” Neil’s voice turned icy, “This is something your mom will have to accept sooner or later. The sooner

I couldn’t say those things, and

with him, and we would