Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 456

"Karina."

Before I could respond, Neil cut in, his tone unusually stern and filled with a strong warning. "Enough, what are you talking about?"

Karina paused, seemingly realizing her words had been a tad too pointed at me. Anyone could have heard the sarcasm and boasting in her voice.

No matter how well she pretended, she couldn't always remain cool and collected, especially if she had feelings for Neil, if she had possession desires.

Isn't that the sorrow of loving someone? I've been there before.

"I'm sorry, I just wanted to invite her over for dinner at our place. Even though what I said earlier was wrong, I truly do appreciate all she's done for you over the years," Karina explained to Neil. Even in this situation, she managed to maintain control, showing no signs of panic, even admitting she was wrong.

Neil's expression softened slightly. "No need."

"Alright, I understand." Karina nodded her head, and as the elevator reached the ground floor, she led Neil out by the arm.

In the hospital lobby, colleagues greeted her from time to time, casting curious glances at Neil, their eyes filled with admiration and awe.

This kind of attention would be enough to satisfy any woman's vanity.

Karina escorted Neil to his car parked outside the hospital entrance. I finally understood that she didn't want me to be alone with Neil, hence she personally saw him to his car during work hours.

She probably agreed to come over with Kitty because she knew I was here.

It seems I unintentionally helped Kitty out.

"Drive safely," Karina cautioned Neil softly as he got into his car. "You drive a bit too fast. You should change that."

"I know," Neil responded, his tone ordinary and devoid of any intimacy.

My car was parked nearby. After getting in, I didn't spare the pair another glance and drove off.

...

About three days later, I received a call from Stella.

She had finalized her divorce from Mitch. Her tone was calm, even relieved. "Rena, although I've been happy these past two years, I've always been a bit of a party animal, just like Mitch. Deep down, I've always been a bit nervous, always feeling like something might happen and shatter our happiness. Now that we're divorced, I strangely feel relieved. It's more comforting to have lost than to have owned. Is that how it's supposed to be?"

I was speechless for a moment, because what Stella said made sense.

After my divorce from Neil, I finally led a life free from constant anxiety. Not having to worry about losing someone who never belonged to me in the first place made life much better.

It was a bit regrettable for Stella and Mitch, because their issues weren't that serious.

Marriage is supposed to withstand tests.

Ariana was Mitch's test, and he hadn't crossed the line yet. But Stella was no longer willing to give him another chance.