Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 196

I started to feel unwell, but my mind was telling me to bear with it. I believed Bailey had already called

the cops. If they could get here in time, I’d have a chance to escape.

But Russel was faster. After hearing his voice, I felt utterly hopeless.

“Trene!” He roared with anger and anxiety

Suddenly, a knife was put to my throat. Someone threatened Russel, “Drink the bottle of water on the

table, or I’ll kill her!”

I tried to open my eyes. My vision was blurry, but I could see Russel in the distance. He walked over to

a table and drank from a bottle of water.

I wanted to stop him, but my voice was weak, ‘Russel…”

Once Russel finished the water, the man next to me bolted, and I heard the sound of the door locking.

Without a second’s hesitation, Russel ran to me and held me in his arms. It was only then that I could

see his face clearly. His handsome face was filled with worry and anger.

“Russel, call the cops. The water… it was drugged…”I was burning up and could barely breathe.

“Drugged?” Russel glanced at the empty bottle.

I could smell his scent, like some kind of shower gel, and it felt like I was in a field of flowers

Was this how Neil felt when he was drugged and out of control?

Even though I didn’t have any romantic feelings for Russel, his charm was hard to resist. He was

handsome, in good shape, and a real hunk.

I could feel that something was off with him too. He was radiating the same heat as me, and his eyes

were getting dull.

“Russel, stay away from me!” I could hardly bear it anymore; my mind was filling with inappropriate

images

But Russel didn’t let go of me. His Adam’s apple bobbed, and he suddenly kissed me on the cheek

“I’m single!” I kept telling myself this, and then I mustered up the courage to push Russel to the ground

and climbed on top of him, hastily pulling at his clothes.

Russel’s chest was heaving; he was trying to control himself just like me.

His usually calm eyes were now filled with madness. Just as I was about to give up resisting, there was

a sound from outside the door.

Then came a loud bang!

The door couldn’t withstand the strong kick, and it was easily knocked down. Neil’s figure gradually

became clear in the rising dust, and his voice stopped, “Irene.

Russel and I were in a very awkward position, our clothes were disheveled.

The look on Neil’s face froze as he stared at Russel and me.

His hand slowly clenched into a fist

With Neil were others, including my parents, Stella, Barbara Sands, Alicia Rider, Mitch Hebert, and

Cooper Clarke, even Louis Aldridge was there.

They all came to save me, but they didn’t expect to see this.

“Irene!” My mother exclaimed in surprise.

Mitch quickly took off his jacket, and Stella ran over to cover me with it. Her eyes were on Rüssel, and

while looking completely shocked, she asked, “Russel, what were you two doing…?”

Everyone was shocked. Russel seemed to have regained some clarity and moved me off him. I came

to my senses a bit and tightly wrapped the jacket around me.

not knowing what to say in front of everyone.

Everyone gathered around. My father’s face was stern, and he didn’t say a word. He just took off his

jacket and added another layer on me.

Neil stood at the door, motionless, like a statue. He was icy, looking completely lifeless. His eyes were

colder than a blade.

I looked at him through the crowd, and then Russel spoke, “It’s my fault. I take responsibility.”

As soon as he said this, Neil rushed over like a madman and punched him in the face. Blood

immediately spilled from the corner of his mouth.

Neil was silent. His eyes were red with fury; he pinned Russel to the ground and landed fist after fist.

Russel didn’t fight back and let Neil hit him.

“Neill Nell, stop it! This is a misunderstanding!” Mitch and Cooper quickly stepped in to stop him.

Neil shook them off and continued to hit Russel.

I stepped in to stop him, ‘Neil, what are you doing? Are you trying

“Don’t touch me!” Neil roared at me, his eyes already moist.

“Both of us are single; is there a problem? Like I said, I’ll take responsibility if she’s willing.” Russel

wiped the blood from his lip, revealing a provocative

smile on his face

Neil grabbed his collar, ready to throw another punch.

I immediately threw myself on Russel, ignoring everyone’s stares, “We were drugged; that’s why we

acted like that. I’m also to blame, so you might a well kill me too!”

“You!” Neil looked at me in disbelief.

“Russel’s right, we’re both single. Since this happened, we might as well get married.” I felt like my

voice had changed, and the words came out coldly.

Stella squeezed my hand, “Irene, don’t speak nonsense! Nothing happened between you two; it was

just a hug. Don’t be impulsive!”

Mitch and Cooper also quickly tried to calm Neil down, “Everyone, calm down. Irene was in danger, and

Russel came to save her, so this must be a misunderstanding!”

Neil stared at me as his eyes slightly shook, revealing his emotional state.

He asked me, “Is this a misunderstanding?”

Russel was also looking at me. His face was full of bruises, and the smirk was gone. He was waiting for

my answer.

I wanted to use this opportunity to completely cut ties with Neil.

“Today, I was brought here by Finn and Bonnie, and then Russel came to save me. We were indeed

drugged, thats why we behaved that way.”I began to explain, and Neil’s expression eased slightly.

“But this ain’t no misunderstanding.” I changed the subject, bending down to help Russel up. “I’ve

decided to give it a shot with Russel. Love can be nurtured over time, and from now on, he’s my

boyfriend.”

As soon as I finished speaking, everyone was taken aback, except for Russel, whose eyes gleamed

with joy. He asked me in a low voice. “Really? Are you willing to give me a chance?”

I deliberately ignored Neil, smiling at Russel, “Yes. Look, you were the first one to come to my rescue

today. It would be so unfair if I didn’t give you this chance. But whatever your folks are asking of you,

you’ve gotta handle that yourself.”

Russel couldn’t hide his excitement, and a big smile appeared on his face. “Okay, I’ll definitely sort it

out. I won’t be like the others who just bring you

harm.”

Neil’s face filled with a rage and pain I’d never seen before, but he didn’t have a reason to throw

punches anymore. Whether or not I chose to date Russel was entirely up to me.