Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 640

Watching Neil cradle Serena, my heart was a tangled mess. Personally, I dreaded this scene unfolding before my eyes. The fear that one day these kids might want to reconnect with their father gnawed at me. It meant Neil and I would inevitably get entangled in each other's lives again over matters concerning our children.

Yet, looking at it from the kids' perspective, having a father's love is invaluable. Especially a father who adores his children as Neil does; the happiness it brings is immense. Growing up under the doting care of my own parents, I knew firsthand the joy of having a father's presence.

Neil seemed particularly smitten with his daughter, Serena. Holding her, his demeanor softened noticeably more than when he interacted with Brandon, our son. His voice dropped to a gentle whisper, as if afraid a louder tone might startle her.

Dinner was ready, called forth by the housekeeper. "I'll hold Serena while we eat," Neil suggested. Both kids were old enough to eat solid food and had their high chairs. Brandon was already snug in his, being spoon-fed by the housekeeper.

Serena, however, clung to Neil, refusing to leave his embrace. Neil, accommodating as ever, settled her onto his lap, managing to feed her with one hand while she remained cuddled against him.

I didn't stop Neil, choosing instead to focus on my meal.

"Daddy!" Serena's voice, sweet as sugar, called out after Neil fed her a couple of bites. I nearly choked on my food at the sound.

Neil's face lit up with a mixture of excitement and restraint. He smiled, planting a gentle kiss on Serena's cheek.

Just then, the door to the living room opened, and my mother's voice floated in. "Rena, I couldn't stop worrying about you. Your dad went to Russel's, so I decided to come over. The office can manage without me for a few days, I—"

She stopped mid-sentence as she walked in, catching sight of Neil and me at the dinner table. Her expression soured instantly.

"Mom!" I exclaimed, shock jolting through me. "What brings you here all of a sudden?"

"I was worried about you and the kids with your dad away. I wanted to take care of things myself," she said, her tone strained but avoiding direct confrontation with Neil. She walked over, scooping Serena from Neil's arms with undisguised firmness, leaving him suddenly empty-handed.

Neil set down his spoon and stood up, his demeanor calm. "Hello."

"Why are you here, Neil?" My mother's voice was cold, her displeasure clear.

"I just got back into town today. I stopped by to discuss some things with Irene," Neil explained, glancing at me as if to offer reassurance amid my evident discomfort.

My mother's voice was icy. "Couldn't this have been settled over the phone? Rena mentioned you agreed not to claim the children, that they would remain with her surname, without a father. Was that a lie?"