Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 425

Upon arriving home, Neil helped me extract the stroller from the trunk and set it up. I nestled Serena and Brandon into the stroller, and was about to call for Norah to open the door when it swung open.

Russel stood in the entrance, a strange expression crossing his face as he saw Neil and me together. The tension between the two men was palpable.

"Thanks for bringing us home, Neil. You better go talk to Mitch," I said, urging Neil away. "He owes Stella an explanation."

"I could use a glass of water," Neil suddenly mentioned.

It would've been rude not to invite him in after he'd given us a ride, and refusing him a drink was out of the question.

I handed the stroller to Russel and said, "I'll get him some water."

Russel intercepted my hand, "You take the baby inside. I'll get him some water."

Reluctantly, I pushed the stroller into the yard. Stella, still in a daze, didn't notice the tense atmosphere between Neil and Russel. However, I couldn't help but steal a glance back as I walked away.

Russel's back was to me, obscuring his expression, but Neil's face was clear as day. His sharp gaze met mine, causing me to look away.

I walked into the living room and poured Stella a cup of water.

Russel returned shortly after, silently pouring a glass of water and leaving again.

He must have been uncomfortable with the situation. After all, to outsiders, Russel and I were a married couple.

Us being in the company of Neil was bound to raise questions. Furthermore, I couldn't let Russel find out that I had asked Neil to dig up information on Ariana.

Suddenly, a loud thud echoed from the yard.

I rushed out to see Neil, fist raised, ready to punch Russel.

"Neil, what the hell are you doing?!" I yelled.

Neil glanced at me, his face full of anger. But at the last moment, his fist deviated from its path and slammed into the door instead. The impact sent a shudder through me.

He had hit the door with such force. It was as if all his anger had been funneled into that single punch.

I could see blood trickling down from his knuckles.

What the hell happened? What could Russel have said or done to make him lose control like this?

"Russel, are you okay?" I asked, noticing the fresh cut on his face. He must have been hit by Neil.

Russel wiped the blood off his mouth and gave a wry smile. "I'm fine, just need to clean it up. Let's go inside."

Neil's icy gaze followed us as we walked back into the living room.

After a couple of minutes, Neil's figure disappeared from the yard, and I let out a sigh of relief.

"What did you say to him? Why did you two fight?" I asked Russel, displeasure evident in my voice.

"I just told him to stay away from you. You're my wife now, and we have kids together," Russel answered, his wound adding a macabre touch to his smile.