Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 393

"Russel, you and Ms. Finch seem to be getting along pretty well!" Karina initiated a conversation with us.

Russel didn't deny it, but instead countered, "You and Neil are on good terms too, aren't you?"

"It's okay. After all, we've been apart for so long, there are many things that need to be rekindled. But it's okay," Karina smoothed over her still damp hair. Her voice was soft and soothing. "We had a foundation. We didn't split up voluntarily. So, we'll cherish this hard-won reconciliation. Besides, the kid is important. We have to think about him too."

With that, Karina patted Hiram on the head, "Hiram, go practice your handwriting. Mommy will stay here and enjoy the breeze."

Hiram obediently turned and went back to the room.

I didn't want to stick around listening to Russel and Karina's chat. So, I excused myself, "You guys carry on. I'm going for a shower."

"All right." Russel replied gently, "I'll come and blow-dry your hair later."

I didn't think it was necessary, but I nodded anyway. Russel's eyes instantly brightened.

After a quick shower, I changed and went back to the balcony only to find that Russel was gone. He was not on the balcony, nor in the room.

I was a bit puzzled but also a little relieved. That way, I could have dried my hair myself and avoided the awkwardness if Russel really actually helped.

But even after I finished drying my hair, Russel still hadn't returned.

I initially wanted to go to bed, but I wasn't sleepy. So, I decided to look for Russel.

As I entered the elevator, Neil appeared at the door. He looked surprised to see me in the elevator, but quickly regained his composure and entered without speaking to me.

He seemed to have just showered too, and he smelled like the same rose-scented hotel soap I had used.

Just as the two of us were in the elevator, I could only stare at the changing numbers on the panel.

Suddenly, I felt the elevator jerk violently. I quickly grabbed the handrail to steady myself.

Then, the elevator stopped at the fifth floor and remained motionless.

"The elevator's malfunctioned." Neil, who had also steadied himself, looked at me. His voice was steady.

"Then we need to alert the hotel staff!" I felt incredibly unlucky. Not only did I run into my ex-husband in an elevator, but then we were also stuck in it together.

Neil contacted the hotel through the elevator's emergency system. They assured us that they were going to send someone to fix it immediately and told us to remain calm.

The elevator fell silent again. Neil stood next to me. He considered lighting a cigarette but decided against it.

Suddenly, the elevator seemed to drop, but it didn't fall all the way. My heart jumped, and I almost screamed.

I was truly scared because I felt in danger, and my mind was filled with thoughts of Serena and Brandon. What would have happened to them if something had happened to me?

With those worries, I became emotionally unstable.

Thankfully, just as Neil predicted, the elevator soon stopped. But it hadn't reached the ground yet. People outside were trying to open the door so we could get out.

"Neil, are you hurt?" I glanced at Neil and noticed blood on his arm. I wasn't sure where he got it from, but blood was seeping out.

"It's nothing more than a minor wound." Neil inspected his arm and dismissed it.

"Did you get hurt when you were trying to catch me?" I instinctively thought back to that moment.

"No. Don't overthink it. We should be able to get out soon." Neil responded casually, not at all concerned about his injury.

But I couldn't help but feel guilty. I stared at his wound for a long time until the elevator door was finally opened.

By then, Russel and Karina had arrived with the maintenance crew. When they saw Neil and me in the elevator, both of their expressions faltered.

Neil was the first to step out. Karina immediately rushed over and asked, “Neil, are you okay? Are you hurt?”

Upon noticing Neil’s injured arm, her eyebrows furrowed. She glanced at me subconsciously, then said, “Your arm’s injured. Let’s go back to the room. I’ll bandage it up for you.”

I stepped out of the elevator, meeting the deep worry and a hint of suspicion in Russel’s eyes.

He gave me a once-over and asked, "Are you all right? Did you get hurt? Were you scared?"

I responded, "No, I wasn't hurt, but yes, I was scared. I was on my way to see you. I didn't expect the elevator to act up like this. The hotel should be held accountable for this."