Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 564

“Being sick is my own business, what have you got to apologize for?” After hearing Neil’s explanation, I didn’t immediately set things straight. Instead, I took the opportunity to ask him a question that had been plaguing me.

This was a sore point for me. I had asked him the same question in my past life. I had been diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer, largely due to the constant stress and unhappiness over our five years of marriage. Didn’t he feel even a shred of guilt?

Back then, Neil's response was cold and simple: “You brought it upon yourself.”

Those four words were brutally harsh, adding insult to injury for someone already in so much pain.

“Mitch told me that a lot of times, women’s breast issues can stem from emotional problems. Marrying me, you must have been through a lot in those five years. It was my fault.” Neil reflected on his behavior, taking the blame for my illness upon himself.

He had a point, but in this life, my fate wasn’t as grim. I took his words as an apology for his past self.

“Alright, I accept your apology. Now you should head back, it’s getting cold outside.” I didn’t clarify my situation, just urged Neil to leave.

“I’ll stay by your side through this, unless you come back to Rosemont with me, or we could even go abroad, seek out the best doctors in the world for treatment. We’ll find a way!” Neil insisted on staying, offering up his solutions in a rush, “If there’s a new drug on the market, we could try that. I’m willing to fund its development, no matter the cost!”

I was taken aback by Neil’s words. What was he doing? Was he ready to leave everything behind for me?

“Rena, who are you talking to?” At that moment, my mom’s voice came from the yard, soon followed by her approaching footsteps.

I quickly signaled Neil to leave. My mom had a poor opinion of him, and even as friends, she wasn’t keen on us hanging out.

Neil should have cooperated and left right away, but he just stood there, fixated on the door.

I was getting anxious. With my dad’s illness weighing heavily on her, my mom didn’t need the added stress of catching me and Neil in a late-night rendezvous.

So, I tried to push Neil towards his car.

Just as I did, he looked down at me and asked, “How come you’ve got more strength now that you’re sick?”

“…” I was at a loss for words, stopping in my tracks just as my mom appeared at the door, her expression souring at the sight of me holding onto Neil’s arm.

“Mom, Neil was just…” I began to explain.

“I heard Irene was sick, so I came to check on her. If there’s anything I can help with, just let me know,” Neil said, avoiding any mention of staying, making it sound like a regular visit from a friend.

But my mom wasn’t fooled. Why else would he come over in the middle of the night?