Rescuing Bodhi from Love

I was thrilled when my best friend agreed to have her daughter, who's been living abroad for twenty years, come and assist me. I was sure that once Bodhi met her, he would change his mind about things.

After finishing work late tonight, just as I was about to apply some night cream after my shower, the butler announced Bodhi's return.

“Mom, have you been in touch with Charlee lately?” Bodhi’s face was tense, his voice tightly controlled.

I had tried to keep my communications with Charlee under the radar. The fact that Bodhi found out so quickly meant she must have told him on purpose.

This realization made my heart sink, and I quietly admitted to it.

Bodhi sneered, “Don’t worry, Charlee isn’t with me for my money.”

I sighed, “Is that how you speak to your mother? Where are your manners, Bodhi?”

Irritated, Bodhi turned and sank into the couch. I didn’t want Charlee to drive a wedge between us, so I softened my tone:

“I haven’t been hard on her; I simply want this situation to be handled cleanly. You and Charlee aren't a good match.”

Bodhi’s response was dissatisfied, “Why not?”

I gestured at him, “Look at you, you're over six feet tall, and Charlee's barely reaching five feet. It's like you're escorting a child.”

“Mom, that's superficial. Didn’t you promise to respect my choices?”

“I don't want to interfere, but ever since you’ve been with Charlee, your focus and behavior have slipped. You’re at risk of losing your motivation and opportunities for growth.”

Bodhi stared wistfully at the floor, “I feel so at ease with Charlee. She shares funny stories from her childhood, like fishing in the stream, catching bugs, and sneaking apples from the orchard…”

“I’ve never had experiences like that, and I really long for that kind of life, rather than the constant pressure of taking over the company.”

This is just unbelievable!

“A girl who's trying to better herself is dragging my carefully nurtured son down.”

I took a deep breath, “Bodhi, you're the future of Crawford Group. What you’re doing now is preparation for your future…”

Bodhi interrupted, raising his voice, “Crawford! Crawford, is that all you care about? Don’t my feelings matter at all?”

“Alright, alright!” I pressed a hand to my throbbing temples, “Let’s not discuss this anymore. Tomorrow, your cousin is coming back from abroad. I need you to pick her up.”

Bodhi sprang up from the couch, looking at me incredulously:

“Mom, your attempts to split us are relentless! Are you trying to set me up with someone else now?”

I frowned, “Bodhi, don't be so dramatic! She's coming for research…”

Bodhi cut me off again, “I’m not picking anyone up. And stop interfering in my relationship with Charlee.”

Exasperated, I reminded him, “Don’t forget, you're a Crawford, and I’m your mother. Until you’re fully independent, I have the responsibility to guide you.”

“I can change my name! I'm an adult now; I don't need your guidance.”

With that, Bodhi stormed out.

“You…”

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and fainted.