Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 478

"I have no idea what you're talking about!" I quickly regained my composure, else it would be too easy for my panic to give me away.

Neil casually pocketed my phone and asked me, a smirk playing on his lips, "Oh really? Irene, you've gone to great lengths to avoid me – even making up a story about marrying Russel. But honestly, I was rather pleased when I found out it was a lie."

Just a couple of days ago, my mother had been urging me to accept Russel, warning me that eventually Neil would discover our sham marriage. Much to my surprise, he had found out today.

My thoughts were a chaotic mess. I forced myself to calm down. "I haven't made up anything. I am married to Russel. Even though I don't have feelings for him, I chose to be with him for the sake of our children. It's perfectly normal."

Mentioning the children caused Neil's face to darken. "Irene, I hope for your sake that you're telling the truth about the children. If you've lied about that too, making some other man the father, you'll have to face the consequences."

Facing Neil's threats, I couldn't deny a sense of fear. I knew this day would come eventually, but it had arrived far too soon.

Serena and Brandon were so young. I feared the damage a custody battle would cause.

"Neil, I've never lied to you. I am married to Russel, even though we haven't formally registered our marriage yet. We've had a simple ceremony among friends and family, and that's enough. As for the children, you've seen the paternity test results. There's no need to embarrass yourself, is there?"

I forced myself to meet Neil's gaze, trying hard to appear unfazed.

Neil's eyes were sharp, as if they could dissect a person's soul. It took great courage to hold his gaze. He was experienced enough to catch someone in a lie.

"As long as you haven't registered your marriage with Russel, you're not married," Neil finally spoke again, steering the conversation back to the matter of me going home. "I'll take you home. Just follow me."

I was initially hesitant, but my mind was in turmoil. I didn't have the mental energy to resist, so I followed him out.

Neil's car was waiting outside, the driver ready for us. The driver looked somewhat surprised to see me, but he didn't say anything.

I got into the back seat, and Neil joined me. After he gave the driver an address, he fell silent.

He had clearly had a bit too much to drink that night; he leaned back, eyes closed, seemingly lost in his thoughts. Every time I glanced at him, he'd open his eyes and meet my gaze.

"Do you want to say something?" He finally broke the silence, his voice hoarse and languid, adding a seductive quality to the confined space of the car.

"No, I was just chatting with your mom. I hope it made some difference." I tried to deflect with a casual topic.

"Thank you," Neil responded, closing his eyes again to rest.

I looked at the bag in my hands, pondering over what to do next. Knowing that Neil was aware of my unregistered marriage with Russel, I was certain he'd bother me again. His words had made his intentions quite clear.

Just when the atmosphere had once again fallen into silence, the car screeched to a halt. I was thrown forward, but Neil’s strong hand around my waist held me back, pulling me against his firm chest.

The mixed scent of alcohol and tobacco filled my nostrils, and I realized I was in Neil's arms.