Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 595

My dad's attitude towards Neil was palpable to Ryan and Faith. Given Neil's past actions towards me, they had nothing to say. So, they simply ignored him, letting Neil stand at the door if he so desired. While my dad chatted with Ryan and Faith, despite his earlier reluctance to meet them, the trio surprisingly hit it off well.

That's when I received a call about a delivery that needed my signature, unexpectedly sent to the hospital. I was taken aback since I seldom shopped online, and even if I did, I wouldn't have used the hospital's address. Meeting the delivery person at the hospital's entrance, I was handed a package that furrowed my brows—a court summons. After signing for it, I read the summons, unsure whether to laugh or feel disgusted.

Karina had sued me, claiming to be Hiram's mother. The accusation? Poisoning Hiram. The irony of "the pot calling the kettle black" was not lost on me in Karina's playbook. The court date was set for about a month, by which time Hiram would, hopefully, be out of the ICU. Suppressing my anger and disgust, I clenched the summons in my fist, only for my phone to ring again—it was Karina.

"Irene, did you receive the court summons?" Karina's voice was unnervingly calm through the phone.

"What do you want? Make it quick, I don't have all day," I snapped back coldly.

"Just a reminder to show up in court on time. The law will give me and my child justice for the harm you've done us!" Karina's tone was self-righteous, as if she was the wronged party.

"How can you even say that?" I laughed sarcastically. "Maybe you should spend some time thinking about what happens if your abuse of Hiram comes to light. Do you really think you'd keep custody then?"

"He's my child! I've raised him all by myself," Karina's voice cracked slightly, "I've never abused him!"

I would've believed her once, but not anymore—not a single punctuation mark.

"If you insist Hiram is Neil's biological son, Neil could easily contest custody, especially if the abuse allegations turn up evidence. You don't think he'll find any?"

It was all about playing mind games. If Karina denied the abuse to keep custody, she'd have to admit Neil wasn't the biological father and had no claim. But affirming Neil as the father would legitimize his custody claim. Neither outcome was desirable for her. What she truly wanted, I knew, was for Neil to believe her, believe in their son, and marry her to complete their "happy family."

"Irene, spare me your provocations. Whether I've abused Hiram is not for you to decide. Just worry about defending yourself in court," Karina deflected, unable to win the argument.

I hung up, too disgusted to continue. The situation left me feeling nauseated, as if I'd swallowed a mouthful of flies. Suddenly, the world spun, and I collapsed. A nurse rushed over, "Miss, are you alright? Did you come alone? What's wrong?"

Before I could answer, another set of stronger hands took over, cradling me securely. The familiar scent told me it was Neil, though he remained silent. The nurse suggested, "Sir, give her this piece of chocolate and let her rest. She looks pale and sweaty, probably low blood sugar."

After eating the chocolate, Neil carried me to his car, placing me gently inside before disappearing for a few minutes. Returning, he started the car and handed me a fruit-flavored lollipop, "Eat this."

Once I finished the lollipop, Neil finally spoke, offering a tissue for the sugar crumbs at my mouth's corner, his tone gruff.

"I can do it," I said, trying to take the tissue from him, but he suddenly drew me closer, sealing our lips in a kiss that left me breathless and utterly at his mercy. He was biting at the corner of my lips somewhat roughly, and I could feel the granule of sugar, already melting between our lips, spreading an overpoweringly sweet flavor of green apple.

It took what felt like forever before Neil finally let me go. My face, already pale, became flushed with red due to a mix of anger, embarrassment, and a lack of oxygen. Overwhelmed by my emotions, I couldn't help but raise my hand and give Neil a slap across the face! But with my feeble strength, it felt more like I was swatting at a mosquito.

"You dare hit me?" Neil touched his cheek where I had slapped him, his eyes darkening with a hint of menace.