Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 68

Checking out Oscar's reply, I didn't reply right away. Instead, I popped open my camera and took a good long look at myself. Yup, I was pretty cute. Born this way or molded by my environment, I didn't think I was second to anyone.

Except for when I was around Neil, I tended to feel a little inferior. It was because he didn't love me, and I ended up feeling like I was not enough.

A few minutes later, I replied Oscar: I'm like a goddess, thanks for the compliment.

Oscar sent me an emoji laughing its head off, which made me chuckle as well. After chatting for a bit, I couldn't fight off sleep any longer and knocked out.

"Irene, Irene?" In the morning, I heard Faith calling me from beyond my door.

"What's up?" I asked sleepily.

"Is Neil in the room? His car's gone missing and he's not answering his phone." Faith asked loudly.

I glanced at my phone – it was nearly nine in the morning. Neil must have gone back to Rosemont early, just didn't tell Ryan and Faith about it. Yawning, I got out of bed, threw on a coat and opened the door to see Faith standing there.

"Mom, he had some urgent work stuff to deal with, and he left last night," I made up an excuse for Neil.

"So that's what happened, no wonder he didn't pick up the phone." Faith seemed a bit doubtful but nodded, "Alright then, you better get up and eat something, don't starve yourself."

"Okay, I'll get dressed and be right down," I answered.

Once Faith left, I went back to my room and messaged Neil about my conversation with Faith. Then I changed and went downstairs for breakfast.

Neil's other relatives had already left the night before. Only I was still there. Ryan was at work, so it was just me, Faith, and a few servants.

We chatted about this and that, sipped on some soup, and munched on fresh bread. It was pure bliss.

Then Neil texted me back: hmm, I see. Not even a "thanks," how rude. I didn't want to reply anymore.

"Irene, if Neil ever treats you badly or flirts around, you better tell me, okay? Don't worry, I'm no pushover," Faith said seriously after breakfast.

She had never spoken to me like this before in my past life. Even when she opposed Neil being with Bonnie, she would only hint subtly for the sake of both families' interests.

It was all because of my stupidity. From the beginning, my relationship with Neil was arranged by both families. In a way, Ryan and Faith were always happy with me as their daughter-in-law. If only I was smarter, more attentive to them, they would have sided with me, easing the tension between Neil and me.

In the past, I didn't understand this. I thought that as long as I won Neil's heart, I would win over the entire Whitmore family. But because I failed to build a good relationship with Ryan and Faith, they could only protest against Bonnie temporarily.

"Mom, Neil's been a lot better lately, don't worry," I obediently replied, "I'm sorry for making you and dad worry so much."

"No, the one who's making us worry is that rascal Neil." Faith quickly corrected me, "Irene, the reason your dad and I wanted to match you with Neil was because you're different from other girls."

I was taken aback. Faith sighed and continued, "Neil's always been popular with girls, which worried us a lot as he grew up. He's always surrounded by a bunch of women, some from decent families. But you're the only one who's stayed by his side without changing for five years. Your dad and I saw it all. We know just how lucky Neil is to have you."