Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 319

"Irene, where are you?" Now I heard Faith's voice come through. She was here too?

Did they call me just now because they were already close here?

I couldn't help but cough. The noise outside was getting louder, someone probably came to put out the fire.

Bailey handed me a wet cloth. "Ms. Finch, cover your nose and mouth with this. Help is on the way. We'll be fine!"

I nodded and looked at the Morses and saw their faces filled with panic. They just lost their son, and now this? If they got hurt, I would never forgive myself.

I felt awful. If I hadn't come here, they wouldn't be in this mess. Clearly, someone was out to get me and hurt the Morses as well.

"Crack!"

A sharp noise came from above. I looked up to see the old beams, already a bit worn, beginning to loosen with the spreading fire.

This was the closest I'd ever been to death, but I tried to stay calm. I could hear the fire truck sirens in the distance. If we could hold on a little longer, we might be saved.

But the Morses’ house was too old to withstand this for long. When the beams finally gave way, I heard Mia scream, and I leaped towards her without thinking.

Maybe it was guilt, but I was willing to do anything to protect Oscar's parents.

I felt a heavy weight hit my back, followed by a searing pain. Then I felt water pouring down, putting out the fire on my back.

"Irene!" Neil's voice rang out, sounding desperate. "Irene, answer me!"

I wanted to reply, but I'd inhaled too much smoke, and my throat was in agony. It was hard to speak.

Something seemed to be pinning me down, immobilizing me.

Just as I was about to pass out, I felt the weight lifting off me. I managed to lift my head and found that Neil was looking at me, his eyes red. The moment he saw me, his tears fell.

"Neil..." I croaked, barely audible.

I wanted to say that I was the Morses' bad luck charm.

I wanted to ask about the Morses and about Bailey.

But I couldn't speak. Then everything went black.

I must have been burnt on my back.

...

When I woke up, I was in pain and realized what had happened.

I was in a hospital gown, lying on my side. Neil was asleep on the edge of my bed.

He looked like he hadn't slept well; his brows were furrowed even in sleep.

He must have been watching over me all night.

I tried to move, but the pain in my back made me gasp. The slight sound woke Neil up.

He got up and left the room.

Faith sat down where he had been, held my hand, and looked at me sympathetically. "Irene, you're too foolish. You should have sent someone for the Morses. Why did you have to go yourself? It was dangerous."

"Madam, I..." I hesitated but didn't mention my guilt over Oscar.

"I know Neil's a jerk. God knows what Bonnie's been feeding him. They've been at it for years. I've talked to Bonnie, hoping she'd lay low." Faith told me earnestly.

I didn't know what to say. If this kept up, I was worried about escaping unscathed.

Knowing I could no longer have kids made it clear there was no future for Neil and me.

Seeing my silence, Faith continued. "Hannah told me you came for her parents because of your friendship with Oscar. That makes me think you're a good girl with a strong sense of loyalty. I don't like Bonnie. She's too cunning."

I didn't know whether to feel flattered or embarrassed by her praise.

"Madam, there are plenty of fish in the sea; Neil doesn't have to stick with Bonnie. He could try dating other girls. Me and Neil... that's a ship that's sailed." I said as I glanced coldly at the hospital room door.

Faith was taken aback, and then she let out a helpless sigh. "I know he's hurt you, but I still think things aren't over between you two..."

"Madam, Irene."

Bonnie's voice echoed from the door; her face was a picture of sorrow. She must have heard some of the conversation between Faith and me.

The moment Bonnie showed up, the smile on Faith's face vanished and was replaced by a look of rejection and disgust.