Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 675

I just stared out the window, silent and sulky, as the scenery passed by.

The streets were somewhat deserted, yet there was an undeniable buzz in the air, signaling the approach of the New Year. Just moments ago, I was envying Stella and her perfect family scene for the holidays, with a husband to share the joy and a father for the kids to play with.

But then, Neil just showed up out of nowhere, and somehow, he was completely healed. I couldn't wrap my head around it.

Neil drove me home, and by the time we arrived, my folks were waiting up - it was late, after all. Hearing a car outside, they immediately came out to check.

"Rena, why are you back so late?" My mom asked, worry lining her voice.

Then she recognized the car, a flicker of recognition crossed her face. The next second, Neil got out of the car, and upon seeing my parents, his expression was one of guilt and unease.

"Neil?" My mom gasped, clearly not expecting him to show up here.

My dad, standing a little behind, was equally surprised, his mouth hanging open.

Thankfully, their initial shock quickly turned into warm smiles. "You're back on your feet? That's great news! Come on in," they said, ushering us into the living room.

Serena and Brandon were already asleep. The living room was quiet. My dad, almost reaching for a cigarette out of habit, was promptly stopped by my mom. He had been seriously ill before, and now, even looking at cigarettes was off-limits.

My mom made Neil a cup of hot cocoa instead of tea, then sat down next to my dad, her eyes shifting between Neil and me, filled with mixed emotions.

They had accepted Neil, but his tendency to avoid me had left them with a bad taste, and now his sudden return without any warning didn't sit well with them.

"When did you start getting better?" my dad finally asked.

Neil took a hesitant sip of his cocoa, pausing for a few seconds before sharing what had happened during this time.

After I left the hospital that day, he had thought about letting me go, fearing he'd only hold me back. But not long after, in a moment of frustration, he discovered his legs had sensation again. It turned out, his fall had somehow dislodged a clot in his brain that was affecting his nerves, leading to his paralysis.

It was a freak accident that turned into a blessing.

But the doctors weren't sure he would fully recover, and Neil, not wanting to get my hopes up, had asked Ryan and Faith to keep it a secret. He immediately checked into a top-notch rehab center, hoping to fully recover before letting me know, wanting to be the man who could stand by my side without any reservations.