Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 472

Neil and Karina should be by Hiram’s side at this important moment. Where else could they possibly be?

I felt a twinge of confusion, but I didn’t dwell on it. Mitch brought me a plate of cupcakes. “Have something to eat.”

“Thank you, I replied, taking one of the cupcakes and nibbling on it absentmindedly. After a few bites, I left it aside and went upstairs to check on the kids.

Serena usually napped a lot, sometimes for an hour or two. But today was a bit noisy. I feared she might wake up when I didn’t know.

Treading lightly, I made my way to the second floor. Serena’s guest room was at the very end of the hallway, and I had to pass by one room to get there. I didn’t pay much attention to it at first, but then I heard Neil’s voice, sounding extremely indifferent, coming from that room. “You should know it’s not possible, Karina. I don’t want to complicate things between us.”

I paused and realized that the door was slightly ajar, allowing their conversation to drift out into the hallway.

Karina was there too?

Eavesdropping was impolite; but at that moment, I couldn’t help but listen in.

“Why? Don’t you want to give Hiram a complete family?” Karina’s voice wasn’t as composed as usual. It’trembled slightly.

“Isn’t this a complete family now? Just because we’re not married doesn’t mean I’m not his father. All that matters is that he feels loved.” Neil’s words were firm and left little room for argument.

I was stunned. I thought him considering Karina as Hiram’s mother was just an excuse, but it turned out he really didn’t have feelings for her anymore.

I felt a pang of sympathy for Karina. All the public affection was just a facade. Even if the Whitmore family accepted Hiram immediately after her return, it didn’t mean they accepted her.

I was in the same position, seemingly successful but

Hiram’s sake. I want a formal title.” Karina replied, “I don’t need a wedding. Just a marriage license would do. I’ll save Daniel

Karina threatening Neil with this?

being threatened? Especially when the threat was something

about Daniel’s well-being, he would have agreed to Kitty’s demands long ago instead of waited for Kitty to repeatedly seek out Karina’s help.

cold-hearted in this

then don’t. It does nothing for me.” Neil’s voice grew colder, “You’re making a big

reply, and the sound of footsteps echoed in the hall. I quickly retreated to the end of the hallway and entered the

both

trouble me. Knowing Karina’s narrow-minded nature, she’d likely blame me for this. My thoughts were a whirlwind as I

making noises to signal her awakening. I picked her up and headed

staircase. I couldn’t tell what she was thinking. She stared blankly

abroad, secretly gave birth to Hiram, and raised him on her own. She endured so much just to return

I were in her shoes, I wouldn’t

past Karina with Serena in my arms, she looked surprised to see me.

daughter to bed.” I

area. Please refrain from going up there without permission,” Karina responded sharply, her usual composure replaced by a bitter edge.

I said, meeting her

quite a while upstairs, so a few guests had already left by the time I reached the ground floor. Ryan was playing with Hiram,

said, “Irene, are you hungry? I saved some food

me. He glanced around, making sure no one else was within earshot before saying, “Faith thought you’d be uncomfortable eating with us, so we didn’t call you

considerate nature always took me by surprise. Women tend to be more thoughtful, and she knew how awkward it would be for me to

I’m not really hungry. Where is Faith?” I wanted to talk to her