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.

the same position, seemingly successful but hollow inside.

recognition, for Hiram’s sake. I want a formal title.” Karina replied, “I don’t need a wedding. Just a marriage license would

threatening Neil

hated being threatened? Especially when the threat was something he didn’t care

he would have agreed to Kitty’s demands long ago instead of waited for

in this regard.

does nothing for me.” Neil’s voice

of footsteps echoed in the hall. I quickly retreated to the end of the hallway and entered the room. Serena was sound asleep and undisturbed by

both surprised and shocked me.

trouble me. Knowing Karina’s narrow-minded nature, she’d

while, cooing and making noises to signal her

tell what she was thinking. She stared blankly at the floor below. Hef silhouette seemed

She endured so much

in her shoes, I wouldn’t be

I walked past Karina with Serena in my arms, she looked surprised to see me. “Ms. Finch, what

to

without permission,” Karina responded sharply,

worry.” I said, meeting

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

saw me, Ryan immediately said, “Irene, are you hungry? I saved some

that Ryan had actually saved some food for me. He glanced around, making sure no one else was within earshot

be more thoughtful, and she knew how awkward it would be for me

hungry. Where is Faith?” I wanted to talk