Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel 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.

"Harold, 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 doesn't 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?"

"I 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.