Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 676

Neil's words caught me off guard, leaving me flustered and blushing uncontrollably.

Before I could even respond, Neil had already taken my hand and led me away from the playroom to my bedroom. I knew what he meant, and within those brief minutes, my heart was racing.

As soon as we entered the bedroom, Neil wrapped his arms around me, his head nestled in the crook of my neck, his voice deep and raspy. "Do you know how much I've missed you? I've been keeping an eye on you all year, even going so far as to have someone sneak a few photos to ease the ache in my heart. I'm sorry, I've been selfish. I always thought I needed to be able to offer you happiness before I deserved to have you back..."

Neil's voice broke with emotion as he spoke.

Sighing, I felt a mix of pity and frustration. He was underestimating my resolve, but I didn't know how to comfort him at that moment. So, I just patted his back in silence.

After a couple of pats, I was suddenly lifted and placed on the bed. My eyes widened. "Neil, have you lost your mind? You're still recovering, be careful!"

What if he hurt his back or spine again?

"You're so light, what's there to worry about?" Neil chuckled, then leaned in close, our faces mere inches apart, breathing each other in. The atmosphere turned charged and intimate.

Neil's gaze fell on my lips before he gently pressed his against mine. I didn't pull away but instead learned to respond to his kiss.

Though Neil and I had been intimate a few times since reuniting, those moments were either under the influence or in a haze of reluctance. This was the first time we were both fully present and open to each other.

"Irene, I love you. I'll spend the rest of my time making it up to you," Neil whispered in my ear.

I still didn't reply, just held him tighter.

---

The next morning, I woke up to find Neil's side of the bed empty.

Panic surged through me, fearing it had all been a dream. But it felt too real. I rushed downstairs, where my parents were sitting in the living room. I asked anxiously, "Mom, Dad, where's Neil...?"

Before I could finish, my mom pointed towards the kitchen with a complex look. "There he is, insisted on making breakfast for us."

Relieved it wasn't a dream, my relief instantly turned to concern. Neil in the kitchen?

He had almost burned down our kitchen once, even hiring someone to remodel it afterward!

I dashed into the kitchen to find Neil attempting to fry eggs, now charred and smoking. Thanks to our powerful range hood, my parents were none the wiser.