Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 301

I felt like I was on a roller coaster right now, totally on edge.

Ryan Whitmore noticed my blank stare and with a smile, he said, "We got a call from Neil last night too, so we came over this morning. We didn't freak you out, did we?"

"Yeah, Neil mentioned you're spending Christmas here and suggested we join in for some festive cheer," Faith took a couple of steps forward and waved me over, "Come on down. Lunch is almost ready."

I quickly composed myself and managed an awkward but polite smile as I said, "Good to see you guys here."

"Indeed, it's been quite a few years since we had a family Christmas," Faith nodded.

I wasn't sure how to respond.

Family?

Did she mean to include me? Had Neil not spent Christmas with his parents in the past few years?

As I descended the stairs, Faith tried to hold my hand but stopped, probably worried I might not like it.

"I'm spending Christmas here... because I've got some stuff going on," I explained awkwardly.

"That's okay. No matter what's happened, you'll always be my daughter," Faith said gently, smiling.

This made me feel uneasy. Ryan and Faith had always been kind to me. In my past life, it was I who kept my distance from them, and they ended up favoring Neil and Bonnie. In this life, they hid the truth about Karina.

All things considered, they've never done anything unforgivable. Their intentions were even good.

So, all I could do was nod and go along with whatever they said.

Neil was nowhere to be seen. I didn't ask. Instead, I sat in the living room chatting with Ryan and Faith about the latest family news and my relationship with Neil.

They clearly hoped that Neil and I would get back together. I didn't deny it, nor did I confirm it. I was just being noncommittal.

If they knew about my fertility issues, they probably wouldn't hope for a reunion anymore. Neil was an only child, and his family business couldn't end just because there was no heir.

By lunchtime, Neil was back. He greeted his parents and naturally sat next to me, ready for lunch.

Ryan and Faith watched this and exchanged glances, their eyes full of joy.

"Woof woof!" Suddenly, the puppy ran over, rubbing against my feet, seemingly wanting me to pick it up.

Out of respect for the elders, I gently pushed it away. To my surprise, Faith spoke, "What a cute dog! Who got it?"

I glanced at Neil and answered, "Neil did."

Faith was somewhat taken aback, probably not expecting her son to have a soft spot for animals.

As he slowly ate his meal, Neil added, "She likes pets, so I got one."

Faith's surprise turned into delight. She bent down, picked up the puppy, and started playing with it right at the dinner table, "So you were bought as a gift. How adorable!"

I breathed a sigh of relief. I was worried that Ryan and Faith wouldn't like the dog. Over the past few days, I've totally fallen for this little dog. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I plan to take it with me when I leave.

"If you guys have a kid someday, this puppy will be a great companion," Faith, in her excitement, let her thoughts wander.

"Cough cough, we're still eating!" Ryan immediately coughed a few times, interrupting Faith, then gave her a look.