Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 76

[Thank you.]

Rebecca kept it short. Just those words. She knew Paul would get what she meant. Sure enough, he replied a moment later. “No problem. Happy to help.”

But Rebecca still felt uncomfortable owing him a favor. To show her gratitude, she texted him, [If you ever need anything from me, just ask.]

Paul just sent back, [Alright.]

She turned off her phone and let out a quiet sigh. Now she owed Paul.

Rebecca’s mood was heavy, and Samantha noticed right away. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

“It’s nothing,” Rebecca replied, trying to smile.

Samantha didn’t buy it. She stopped walking and looked at her daughter. “How’s the engagement coming along? You keep telling me not to worry, but the day is almost here and I haven’t seen Bruce or his family at all. I can’t help feeling anxious.”

“And Lottie,” Samantha added, sighing. “I don’t know what’s up with that girl lately. I keep messaging her, asking her to come by when she’s free, but she always says she’s busy. It worries me.”

The doctor’s report had been good that day, and Rebecca felt like her mother was healthy enough that she didn’t have to keep the truth from her anymore.

They got in the car, but Rebecca didn’t start the engine right away. She turned and buckled her mother’s seatbelt for her.

She spoke softly. “Lottie really has been busy. She got promoted, so she’s swamped at work now. I’ll talk to her and have her come visit when she can.”

Rebecca hesitated for a second, then went on. “About the engagement... Mom, Bruce and I broke up. There’s no engagement anymore.”

The words hung in the air. Samantha seemed frozen, like she couldn’t take it in.

“Bruce might be a little distant, but he’s decent. All these years, he’s treated you alright. And with the Lamonts helping him, your future would be secure.”

Rebecca was quiet, thinking it through. “Mom, I don’t want to spend my life with someone who doesn’t love me. I can make my own money. I can build my own future.”

Samantha knew her daughter’s stubborn streak. Once Rebecca decided something, there was no changing her mind. She sighed again. She’d have to try a different way, maybe talk to Bruce instead.

Meanwhile, after another late night at the office, Bruce drove home to his apartment. He’d thought Rebecca leaving the company wouldn’t change much, that the projects would keep running smoothly. He was so wrong. The project managers, all with fancy titles, kept coming to him with every little problem.

Bruce just stared at them, and they would shrink back, mumbling, “Rebecca used to handle these things. Now that she’s gone, there’s nobody in charge. Dr. Campbell is always out, and we can never find her.”

“Don’t bother her. Her work is more important,” Bruce said, rubbing his forehead.

Since Rebecca left, his workload had exploded. He was stuck at the office late every night just to stay on top of things. The past few nights, he’d even slept at work. Tonight, he finally gave in to exhaustion and dragged himself home.