Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 496

"Are you going to see Russel?" Faith's brow furrowed.

"Yes, I need to talk to him about something. He's back in Rosemont, so I'm planning on heading there." I didn't go into detail, but given Faith's keen intuition, I was sure she grasped the gist of the situation.

She remained silent, her eyes reflecting a complex mixture of emotions.

After a moment, Faith finally spoke again. "Well, I guess we should head out together then."

"What about Karina?" I asked.

"She will go back to Eldoria for work. Hiram's got school there," Faith replied.

I nodded, relieved that Karina wasn't going to Rosemont. The last thing I wanted was her stirring up trouble while I was trying to have a serious conversation with Russel.

Faith and I each scooped up a child and left the room, notifying the hotel staff on our way out that we were checking out. Karina and Hiram were already waiting for us in the hotel lobby.

The hotel had arranged for a car to take us to the airport. Our flights were scheduled around the same time, just heading in different directions.

"Safe travels. We'll see you in Eldoria in a few days," Karina bid us goodbye, her flight leaving earlier than ours. She held Hiram's hand, looking surprisingly calm given the circumstances.

I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Karina seemed completely unphased by the fact that Faith and I were heading to Rosemont together, even though Neil was there. And given Karina's fiery personality, it seemed unlikely that she was simply indifferent.

On top of that, I had no idea how Karina knew about Russel quitting his job. They weren't even working at the same hospital anymore.

I had always been suspicious of those two, but without any concrete evidence, I kept my doubts to myself.

But now it was clear to me that there was more to their relationship than met the eye. The seeds of suspicion that had been planted in my mind were now starting to sprout.

...

Returning to Rosemont felt surreal.

Since I moved away to Eldoria while pregnant, it felt like ages have passed. Now Serena and Brandon were almost six months old.

Rosemont was the place I had grown up in and where all the ups and downs of my relationship with Neil had taken place.

Faith had offered to arrange a driver for me, but I had declined. "You go ahead, Faith. I've already arranged for someone to pick me up. They'll be here soon."

I had gotten in touch with Bailey. He and Hannah were still living in Rosemont. They had finally taken their relationship to the next level, which was a silver lining amid all the chaos.

I had offered them to stay at the Sapphire River Community, but they had both declined.

Knowing that I was back, Bailey had readily agreed to pick me up. He was driving the same car that I used to ride around in, which I had insisted on leaving for him to use.

"Ms. Finch!" Bailey greeted me with a wide smile, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

"Bailey, it's been a while," I said, smiling in return.

"Yes, Hannah and I have missed you," Bailey replied, sounding rather excited.

"I have some matters to attend to this time, and I might need you and Hannah to help look after the kids. Is that okay?" I asked, pushing a temporary stroller I had bought.