Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 674

"Come on, let's give a big welcome back to Rena for the holidays!" Stella was over the moon, raising her glass insistently to celebrate my return.

You'd think I'd been on the moon the way they were making a fuss about my coming back just for Christmas.

Alicia still had that powerhouse vibe, but motherhood had softened her gaze, radiating with the warmth of maternal love. She linked her arm with mine, "Here, have a drink. This year, I'm bringing my little one over to your place for Christmas. Better have a hefty gift ready."

No problem at all. I waved it off, "Sure, bring the kids over."

Hearing this, the other two were all smiles, "Great, since you're hardly ever in Rosemont, we've got to take our chance to sweet talk you."

Getting sweet-talked by a few close friends isn't a bad life. I let them joke around as we all shared stories about our lives after marriage. Stella, especially, became the undisputed queen of her household after reconciling with her husband. Even her in-laws doted on her, treating her like a delicate treasure.

Mitch had completely owned up to his mistakes, constantly seeking forgiveness, turning into the epitome of a devoted husband.

As we laughed and drank, the conversation eventually turned to me and Neil, and his avoidance of me, which everyone knew about, leaving them puzzled at his actions.

Stella didn't mince words, "Stop waiting for him. You've done enough. It's pointless to keep this up."

I wasn't sure if it was pointless, but I wasn't pushing myself either, just living my life in a monotonous wait, almost numbing myself to it all.

I just smiled, not wanting to argue or agree with their discussions and opinions.

Then, Barbara got a call from Silas. He was still away on business, not getting off until Christmas Eve. She playfully scolded him, "If you're not back to spend Christmas Eve with me and the kids, don't bother coming back at all!"

Though she said it sternly, her tone was teasing.

Stella, Alicia, and I exchanged knowing looks, trying to hide our smirks. Soon after, Stella and Alicia also received calls from their husbands, being sweet-talked into heading home.

They had their sweet calls, whereas, aside from my parents, it seemed like no one else was in a rush to have me back.

Stella offered to drive me home, but I declined, wanting to walk alone under the chilly night sky lightly dusted with snow.

They didn't stop me. With Christmas Eve just around the corner, a time for family gatherings, I felt the absence of someone important.

It was a feeling filled with regret.

Walking along the road by myself, I eventually grew tired and decided to head back to my car and drive home.

Wearing heels, not particularly thin but still challenging on snowy paths, and after wandering around for a while, my toes were practically scraping the soles of my shoes to keep moving.

Despite being cautious, I underestimated the icy layer beneath the snow. My foot slipped, and I fell hard on the ground.

Silence. I was in too much pain to even curse.