Chapter 97
I thought Harold made a lot of sense. Even though my folks were chill about me not wanting to take over the family business, I couldn’t be that selfish Plus, it didn’t seem like Neil and I were getting a divorce anytime soon Rather than wasting time struggling with pointless emotions, I might as well start changing myself and choose a different path in life.
“Hareid, I got it I replied earnestly
“Orlando is running the branch company and could use some help Why don’t you come abroad with me for a while? You’re still tied up with Neil here, but going overseas will help you focus on work “Harold suggested, visibly relieved.
Our family businesses were pretty similar, one was local and one was international. It might not be a bad idea to get some experience with Harold. Most importantly, it would give me a break from the drama with Neil
My parents looked at me, and I could see the expectations in their eyes, though they didn’t voice them to avoid pressuring me. Mom’s health was not great, and Dad was about to retire. It would be disrespectful if I didn’t step up.
“Alright, I’ll go with you guys after the new year.” I said, without much thought but with firm determination.
Everyone was pleased with my decision, and we had a lovely dinner.
After dinner, Harold and his family left for their own place in Rosemont. They had a housekeeper who maintained it, so they didn’t need to stay with us As soon as they left, my parents asked me, “Rena, are you sure you want to work with Harold?”
“Yes, Mom and Dad. I’ve thought about it. Music is important to me, it’s my biggest passion, but I’ve neglected it for years. It doesnt make sense to start over now Besides, I can still play the violin in my spare time while learning the business, right?” I said, holding my parents‘ hands.
My dad sighed in relief, giving my hand a silent squeeze. Mom smiled contentedly and said, “Good. Your dad and I have discussed it. We won’t interfere with your relationship with Neil anymore. We respect your decisions
“Thank you, Mom and Dad!” I felt a lump in my throat but didn’t want to cry. So I leaned on mom’s shoulder and closed my eyes to regain my composure. New Year’s was coming soon, and I decided not to go back to my apartment. I planned to stay home for the holidays and then go abroad with Harold. However, Ada called and interrupted my peaceful life.
“Ms. Finch, can we talk about the situation between my daughter and Mr. Whitmore?” Ada sounded nervous. She knew her daughter was in the wrong, so she couldn’t be assertive
I was quiet for a moment before responding. “What do you want to discuss? Bonnie admitted to me that she likes Neil, and he likes her. Why don’t they just try to get both families approval and be together?”
1 will never agree!” Ada shouted, “Not unless I’m dead!”
She had seen moments of Neil and me together, and even helped us with fertility treatments. Bonnie was also getting a lot of hate online. As a mother, she couldn’t accept it. This reaction must be more intense than her reaction in my past life, right?
I had been patiently laying the groundwork for a long time, and it was finally paying off.
“Ada, you can’t force feelings. They like each other, what can we do?” I replied calmly.
Ada calmed down a bit, and her voice turned colder, “No, Ms. Finch. As soon as she was discharged from the hospital, I kept her at home I won’t let her out until she completely cuts off Mr. Whitmore. I hope you can talk to Mr. Whitmore. He’s a married man, and his wife is a wonderful woman like you. He doesn’t need to cling to my daughter.”
So Bonnie was kept at home by Ada? After all the drama, she got locked up by her own mother as soon as she was discharged from the hospital.
If I were Bonnie, I’d be pissed.
Ada was sincere, and I knew she was not a bad person. So I reluctantly agreed, “Alright, I’ll try to talk to Neil. But I can’t guarantee he’ll listen to me.” “Thank you, Ms Finch” Ada hung up.
I thought for a while and then called Neil, recounting Ada’s words. I asked, “What do you think? Stick with it or give up?”
“Mind your own business” Neil sounded cold
“Hey, you’re the one who doesn’t want to divorce me, and you’re acting impatient?” I huffed, “Neil, you better go appease your little lover. She’s locked up. and you’re still not divorcing me Isn’t she going to be pissed?”
Trene, your tongue has become quite sharp, hasn’t it? You know exactly what to say to annoy me, don’t you?” Neil retorted.
I finally realized the beauty of having a second chance at life. All the groundwork I had laid was starting to pay off, and my mind was clear, which naturally improved my eloquence
“Not really, I just wanted to remind you. Bonnie is young and not mature enough. I worry that she might do something reckless again.” I said calmly. “Anyway, its up to you I’m going to get some beauty sleep”
I hung up and laid down on the couch. Just as I was about to fall asleep, my phone rang again. It was an unfamiliar number
I answered, lazily asking, “Who is this?”
“Irene, it’s me” Bonnie’s usually crisp and sweet voice sounded a bit nervous, “Can we meet? I’m waiting for you at La Rencontre.”
“Weren’t you grounded?” I asked curiously
“Please, just come Bonnie’s voice was low.
“Alright.”
hung up, got in my car, and drove to La Rencontre. Bonnie was already there, waiting for me. There were a few guys and gals at the bar, occasionally
glancing at her, probably because they saw the news. She was pretty gutsy to meet me here, her mental strength was stronger than I thought.
Seeing me coming, Bonnie ordered me a black coffee. She had a faint smile, even with her somewhat pale and weak face, “Irene, I remember you always ordered black coffee without sugar every time you came here. Do you want me to change it?”
“Nah, no need, thanks.” I sat down across from her, cutting straight to the chase, ‘So, what did you want to talk about?”
Bonnie bit her lip, cradling the coffee cup in both hands, her fingertips brushing against the cup, seemingly finding it hard to speak up. After a while, she whispered, “Did you Did your divorce go through?”
I was taken aback This was what she wanted to ask?
Bonnie’s eyes were a bit damp, but she still looked at me calmly, “Maybe if you’re divorced, my parents won’t object so strongly.”
Cha
