Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 396

I couldn't be sure. The moment the thought took root, though, I couldn't suppress it.

If Karina simply ignored me during my ordeal, I might have accused her of having an icy heart but if she intentionally tied that rope around my ankle, that’s a different kettle of fish. Wasn't that akin to attempted murder?

"Neil, could you fetch me some wet wipes from my bag? My hands are all greasy," Karina requested, shaking her oil-slicked hands in mild exasperation.

Karina had brought a bag, which was placed just a few feet away from me.

Neil responded, “Sure, in a moment.”

I got up first, “I’ll get it for you!”

Seeing me approach her bag, Karina’s expression momentarily flinched in resistance, she quickly stepped forward, “It’s okay, I'll get it. God knows this bag is already dirty enough.”

She then moved her bag away to a place beyond my sight, only then did she proceed to take out a pack of wet wipes.

This action of hers seemed a bit odd. Was she worried that I would have seen something in her bag? Or was she just being protective of her privacy?

“What’s up?” My distracted demeanor caught Russel's attention; he asked in a low voice.

“Nothing,” I snapped back to reality, shaking my head.

A while later, Karina and Neil prepared lunch, which was all seafood, complemented by a bottle of wine provided by the hotel. The spread was quite lavish.

Russel and I sat on one side, with Neil and Karina opposite us.

Karina seemed quite pleased with her culinary achievement. She beamed at us, “Ms. Finch, Russel, please try it and tell me how you like it!”

“It should be delicious. It looks very fresh,” I praised, even before starting my meal.

“Then, eat more,” Karina shot Russel a meaningful look, “Russel, shouldn’t you be more attentive to your wife? She’s hurt her hand. You should be helping her with her food, or even feeding her.”

Neil chimed in unexpectedly, “She’s not left-handed.”

That was true. I had injured my left hand, but I was right-handed, so my daily activities weren't much affected, especially when it came to something as simple as eating.

Even though that was the case, when Neil said it, it sounded strange.

Even Russel's expression cooled a bit, but Karina remained relaxed, even offering Neil a smile, “Right, I forgot one can eat with one hand. I just wanted to give Russel an opportunity to show his caring side. He’s always been so slow on the emotional uptake. I’m worried that Ms. Finch might not stand his wooden nature.”

I laughed lightly, and turned my head towards Russel, “He’s just a bit introverted in front of others, but he’s actually quite attentive and considerate.”

Since Karina was so keen on highlighting my relationship with Russel to Neil, I decided to play along.

Hearing my praise, Russel was pleasantly surprised, and a hint of a smile tugged at his lips. He seemed to relish my compliments.