Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

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