Chapter 10
My mother mentioned that our house had been sold and suggested I pick a place where we could settle down.
I was browsing online, thrilled at the prospect, when a headline caught my eye.
The Anderson Enterprises‘ clothing was tainted with carcinogens; their fabrics and dyes were way below par.
The news sent shockwaves through the clothing industry, triggering strict inspections, especially targeting the now- notorious Anderson family’s business.
Sales tanked, and returns flooded the stores.
Showing the article to my mom, she scoffed, “I managed quality control before I left. Now that I’m gone, their greed’s just digging their own grave.”
It seemed every piece of their downfall was
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falling into place.
Seeing recent photos of my dad online, he looked like a shell of his former self.
He became pale, gaunt, and his once lush hair now was thin and lifeless. Despite wearing his usual suit, the man who once. radiated charm now seemed utterly deflated.
Soon after, someone aired his dirty laundry with Olivia online, complete with vivid photos.
The public’s scorn for the Anderson Enterprises shifted focus directly onto him,
calling it his just deserts.
I couldn’t help but smile–it was indeed poetic justice.
However, Mom was largely indifferent to these developments.
“Why should I bother? I’m divorced, he’s floundering, and I’m quite content without the extra drama,” she declared, patting my
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shoulder.
“Dwelling on past resentments only blinds. you to the beauty of now.”
She then turned her attention to potential new cities.
Pointing excitedly at a stunning image of Florida, she asked, “Looks beautiful, doesn’t it? I’ve never been there!”
Agreeing without hesitation, I watched as she excitedly scoped out properties online. Then, a knock at the door pulled us from our plans.
Mom gestured for me to answer it. Opening the door, I was met with a familiar, weary face.
“Sophie… Lily?” Dad’s voice cracked, his face now rough with stubble and lined with deep wrinkles after half a month.
Tears brimmed in his eyes as he looked at
- me.
“Lily, please, ask your mother to help me.
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The company’s on the brink…”
Annoyed, I cut him off, “You made your bed. If you’re strapped for cash, go ask Olivia to cough up that 30 million. Don’t look to us for help!”
He brushed past me and barged in.
Mom’s response was icy, “Get out!”
Dad stumbled toward her, reaching for her, but Mom sidestepped smoothly.
Oblivious to her growing irritation, he dropped to his knees with a heavy thud.
“Sophie, remember how we started from scratch, built everything together? Your effort has made this company!”
Tears welled up as he looked at her and begged, “Can you really stand to watch all your hard work crumble?”
“Sophie, please, save us. Our company is as much your child as I am!”
But Mom just smirked coldly, “Now you
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remember my contributions?”
“Keep kneeling; I’ve sold this house, and we’re leaving tomorrow. If you’re still here, the new owners might just call the cops, don’t you think?”
Without another word, she turned and walked away, Dad’s pleas fading behind
her.
Because of his sudden appearance, we accelerated our plans.
Florida turned out to be a revelation. The
vibrant flowers, almost free, brightened our days, Mom saying they helped maintain a good mood.
Initially skeptical, I’ve come to find that Florida, with its chorus of birds and explosion of blooms, really has a way of mending the soul.
Here, I’ve begun to let go of my burdens. from the past life, learning instead to soak in the present’s beauty.
