Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 447

“I’m off to cook, Russel finally said, his gaze dropping as he headed towards the kitchen.

A pang of sympathy hit me, coupled with a sense of guilt.

Neil, however, seemed oblivious to the emotional undercurrents between Russel and myself. He was absorbed in studying Serena’s face, his eyes filled with a profound sadness.

He looked up at me, his eyes mirroring his sorrow. “Do you think our daughter would have looked like her if she hadn’t passed away?”

I had never told Neil the gender of our first child, yet his question caught me off guard.

A sharp pain pierced my heart at the mention of our lost child.

“How did you know it was a girl?” I asked, my voice laced with bitterness.

“I looked into your medical records before,” Neil said, his gaze unwavering.

“I need a favor.”

“Which is?” I asked, surprised at his confession.

For a moment, Neil hesitated, his usually decisive demeanor faltering. The gravity of the situation was evident.

I couldn’t fathom what I could possibly do for him, apart from a DNA test with Serena, which I had no intention of agreeing to.

“Although I checked your medical records, the only copy of the ultrasound for our baby is with you. Do you still have it?” Neil finally asked, catching me off guard. I froze.

The ultrasound image was the only picture I had of our child. I had kept it safe, never losing it.

pleading in his voice. This was uncharacteristic of him; a man of his stature, even in his love for

son, Hiram, and our first child was gone before it was even born. There was nothing

and my eyes

just an ultrasound; it wouldn’t hurt to let Neil see it. But I didn’t want to rehash the painful memories. Shared pain could bind people together,

a small smile. “I don’t have it anymore. I threw it away because it was too painful to keep.” Neil’s face fell at my words, his lips curving into a forced smile. He didn’t say anything, but went back to looking

the air, painting a picture of warmth and love. In a sudden impulse, I blurted out, “I took a

instantly, his eyes

picture of it

ultrasound image during the scan. Although it wasn’t as clear as the

Neil, or more accurately, resembled

stirred up the pain in my heart. I quickly sent the picture

check the picture. While I took Serena from him, she

with longing and sorrow. I had never seen him like this

me back then. If he didn’t, then why was he so

who doesn’t love a woman wouldn’t love their child either.

like overgrown weeds,

me. His eyes were bloodshot.

one last time,” he said, his voice filled with pain. “Are Serena and

took my breath away. I knew Neil had his doubts, but he didn’t want to resort to a DNA test. If the results weren’t what he hoped for, he’d become the laughing stock. His pride wouldn’t allow him

their evening chorus, breaking the heavy silence between

± ± 3 Z Z Z Z

our eyes filled with unspoken

resolute. “Serena and Brandon are mine and Russel’s children. Neil, I’m sorry, but my heart changed back then. If you don’t believe me, you can get a DNA test.”

Neil’s