Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 478

“I have no idea what you’re talking about!” I quickly regained my composure, else it would be too easy for my panic to give me away.

Neil casually pocketed my phone and asked me, a smirk playing on his lips, “Oh really? Irene, you’ve gone to great lengths to avoid me even making up a story about marrying Russel. But honestly, I was rather pleased when I found out it was a lie.”

Just a couple of days ago, my mother had been urging me to accept Russel, warning me that eventually Neil would discover our sham marriage. Much to my surprise, he had found out today.

My thoughts were a chaotic mess. I forced myself to calm down. “I haven’t made up anything. I am married to Russel. Even though I don’t have feelings for him, I chose to be with him for the sake of our children. It’s perfectly normal.”

Mentioning the children caused Neil’s face to darken. “Irene, I hope for your sake that you’re telling the truth about the children. If you’ve lied about that too, making some other man the father, you’ll have to face the consequences.”

Facing Neil’s threats, I couldn’t deny a sense of fear. I knew this day would come eventually, but it had arrived far too soon.

Serena and Brandon were so young. I feared the damage a custody battle would cause.

“Neil, I’ve never lied to you. I am married to Russel, even though we haven’t formally registered our marriage yet. We’ve had a simple ceremony among friends and family, and that’s enough. As for the children, you’ve seen the paternity test results. There’s no need to embarrass yourself, is there?”

I forced myself to meet Neil’s gaze, trying hard to appear unfazed.

Neil’s eyes were sharp, as if they could dissect a person’s soul. It took great courage to hold his gaze. He was experienced enough to catch someone in a lie.

“As long as you haven’t registered your marriage with Russel, you’re not married,” Neil finally spoke again, steering the conversation back to the matter of me going home. “I’ll take you home. Just follow me.”

initially hesitant, but my mind was in turmoil. I didn’t have the mental energy to resist, so I

The driver looked somewhat surprised to see me,

me. After he

had a bit too much to drink that night; he leaned back, eyes closed, my gaze.

broke the silence, his voice hoarse and languid, adding

just chatting with your mom. I hope it made some

his

do next. Knowing that Neil was aware of my unregistered marriage with Russel, I was certain he’d bother me again.

when the atmosphere had once again fallen into silence, the car screeched to a halt. I was thrown forward, but Neil’s strong hand around my waist held me back, pulling me against his

of alcohol and tobacco filled my nostrils, and I realized I was in Neil’s arms.

sorry, Mr. Whitmore, a car suddenly came out of nowhere.

on my waist,

he said, his chest vibrating with his

his grip and sat back properly. The close physical contact stirred feelings of familiarity

okay?” Neil sounded unexpectedly pleased.

seated properly,” I replied, trying to keep

responded, his reply brief and

If my mother saw me with

the car, he didn’t leave immediately but watched me

saw his car slowly driving away, disappearing into the