Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 181

Rebecca shook her head. “No, I’ll stay in with you tonight.”

Samantha gave her a playful look. “What’s so special about keeping me company?” She hesitated, then asked, “Didn’t any boys ask you out?”

Rebecca paused, her fork hovering over her plate. “No. Mom, where did that come from?”

“Our neighbor’s son is actually a nice guy. He’s about your age, tall, pretty handsome. Want to meet him sometime?”

“Mom…” Rebecca could only laugh in disbelief.

Was her mom actually trying to set her up?

“I’m not really interested in dating right now. I just want to focus on work and school.”

Samantha went quiet.

A few minutes later, she put down her fork and spoke softly, her tone gentle but serious. “I know your last relationship hurt you, but life has to move forward. You can’t give up on everyone just because of one person.”

Samantha still thought Rebecca was swearing off love because of Bruce and that ugly breakup.

“I know, Mom. I’m not giving up. I’m just tired lately. I need a break, that’s all.”

Samantha saw how worn out her daughter looked, and her heart softened. “Alright. Go get some rest. I’ll handle the dishes.”

Rebecca yawned, slipped away to her bedroom, and quickly fell asleep.

When she woke up, it wasn’t even eleven yet. That awkward time when it’s too late to get anything done but too early to go back to sleep.

After a moment, she decided to head out and see what the city was like on New Year’s Eve.

She pulled on her coat, tiptoed out, and quietly closed the door behind her. The cold outside hit her right away, making her shiver.

Downstairs, the street was packed with people, mostly young folks buzzing with excitement for the countdown. For the first time in a long while, Rebecca felt her mood lighten. She started walking down the street, just taking it all in.

He made his way back to the sofa, sat down next to Bruce, and handed him a glass of wine. “What’s up? You’ve been quiet all night.”

Sonja glanced at Bruce, too. He’d barely spoken, looking lost in his own world.

Bruce stared down at the drink in his hand. Guilt gnawed at him. Ever since he’d seen Rebecca having dinner with another guy on Christmas, he hadn’t been able to shake this uneasy feeling.

Had she really moved on? Was she with someone else now?

He felt all twisted up. At first, he’d been so sure Rebecca would come back to him, that she couldn’t let go. But every time he reached out, she turned him away, saying she’d never look back.

The last time, when he was sick, she wouldn’t even pick up the phone.

How had things gotten like this in just a few months?

These days, he’d gotten into this habit. After work, he’d drive by the Harper family’s building, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Even if he never saw Rebecca, just seeing her bedroom light on made something in his chest feel a little less cold.