Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 244

The music was bouncing off the walls in the bar, and nobody could hear me holler over the racket. Even if they did, they wouldn't understand a word I was saying, but Neil could.

His eyes were full of concern and helplessness. He gently brushed my cheek with his fingertips, wiping away my tears, and muttered a soft "Sorry."

"Today would've been my dad's birthday. But where's home for me? That cold, empty house? Nah..." I mumbled to myself.

"Neil, I was once your wife, often alone in that desolate villa. I didn't feel like it was my home. After our divorce, I was still heartbroken, even lost my parents' home. I was alone again. Stella was right. You really hurt me."

Neil's fingers paused on my face. He held my chin, forcing me to look up at him. He was visibly upset, "I just wanted you to beg me. I wanted you to need me like you used to, even when you lost a pen."

"I won't beg you, Neil." Even though I was drunk, I was clear-headed, "Don't think you can trick me into going back. I've come to terms with everything that's happened."

Neil's eyes darkened, his face a mask of anger, "Stop making me angry."

"My parents have already suffered enough. What else can you threaten me with?" I laughed fearlessly.

"Don't you want to inherit the company your mother spent a lifetime building?" Neil's lips curled into a cruel smile, "When I'm happy, I can help you. When I'm not, I can make things worse for you. Got it?"

My smile froze. Indeed, I couldn't let my mother's hard work go to waste. Wasn't that why I had been working so hard lately? To cling onto that last shred of hope?

Neil knew me too well. He knew exactly how to hit where it hurts.

"Come home with me now, or face the consequences." Neil whispered in my ear, his tone threatening.

Suddenly, Russel appeared not far away, watching Neil and me with a cold gaze.

Seeing him, guilt surged within me.

Chloe appeared next to Russel. She whispered something to him. When she spotted me, she froze.

Russel ignored her and walked straight towards us.

"Russel!" Chloe chased after him in panic.

Seeing Russel approaching, Neil shielded me behind him, clearly drawing a line between Russel and me.

Russel paid Neil no mind. He extended his hand towards me, his gaze softened, "Come with me."

His eyes were full of hope and kindness. He was waiting for me to let go of Neil and leave with him.

Chloe watched me, her face a mix of emotions.

I wanted to leave with Russel. His character reassured me that he could heal all the wounds I had suffered. I believed that I could fall in love with him.

But I didn't know if I could overlook people's opinions. The prerequisite for being with him was the well-being of my parents.

Everything in my home now relied on me. If I chose to be with Russel, it would break the agreement with his parents. His family would definitely seek revenge on me.

Neil would also put pressure on me and made me regret my choice.

Everything told me not to have contact with Russel, or we would both be in a situation beyond redemption.