Renee held Lina’s hand earnestly and said, “Lina, I apologize for not working on those new projects with you.”
Lina smiled and replied, “No need to be so formal with me.”
She had planned to tell Renee about the completed engineering drawings and ask for help with cost calculations,
but she stopped herself.
After all, Renee had already resigned and was no longer part of the Thompson Group. The information about the
sketches and cost calculations was considered confidential. Even though Lina trusted Renee, she wanted to
establish a clear boundary on such matters.
–
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWhen Renee returned home, she saw Kaitlyn sitting motionless on the sofa. It saddened her.
Ever since Kaitlyn returned from the hospital, she had developed a habit of sitting like this, often wearing a wide-
brimmed sun hat or pulling the hood up on her sweatshirt.
Renee didn’t understand what had happened. Her mother used to be affectionate and loved hugging her. Even as
Renee grew older, their bond remained strong. However, after the hospital stay and surgery, her mother had
changed completely.
“Mom, I’m back,” Renee said with a smile, trying to approach her gently. “I’ve resigned from my job.”
“Oh?” Kaitlyn blinked. “You really resigned, just like I suggested?”
“Yes.”
Kaitlyn felt a sense of satisfaction. The resignation had been a test to see if Renee would comply with her wishes,
and it seemed that Renee had taken it seriously.
“Renee, I’m truly sorry,” Kaitlyn said with sadness. “If it weren’t for me, you could have achieved even greater
heights in your career.”
“Mom, please don’t say that. Taking care of you is my choice, and I’m happy with it.”
Kaitlyn smiled faintly and asked, “Did your cousin give you anything today?”
Renee shook her head and sat down beside her.
Unexpectedly, Kaitlyn reacted as if she had been shocked and almost jumped to the other sofa.
“Mom, what’s wrong?” Renee asked, puzzled. “I just wanted to hug you. Why are you avoiding me?”
Kaitlyn’s expression turned serious. “Renee, you’re a grown woman now. You can’t keep asking me to hug you like
when you were a child.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“But…” Ever since her mother left the hospital, she had become different. Did her mother not like her anymore?
Renee remembered the day she was fiercely pinched by Kaitlyn just because she hugged her from behind, seeking
some affection. The bruises on her arm hadn’t healed even after several days.
Another time, when she accidentally touched Kaitlyn’s hand, she was ruthlessly shaken off.
Feeling increasingly frustrated, Renee couldn’t understand what she had done wrong to make her mother so averse
to her touch.
“Mom…” Renee’s voice trembled as she asked, “What’s really going on? Why are you so averse to me touching
you?”