Chapter 51 Boundaries, Broken
The unexpected question from Wilson seemed to inject tension back into the room. Rowan and Amanda exchanged glances, uncertain of how to respond. It was clear that Wilson's presence and his probing questions were making things increasingly uncomfortable and it pissed Amanda off.
Amanda decided to address his question diplomatically. "First of all, I didn't say he proposed. He asked me to be his girlfriend. It's is not the same as him asking me to be his wife.'
"Wilson scoffed. It was obvious he wanted to talk but Amanda didn't let him. " And yes, the pregnancy came after. But even if he had asked me to be his girlfriend because I was pregnant, I would have no problem with that and I don't think you should either."
Rowan nodded in agreement, adding, "Amanda and I were already deeply in love before the pregnancy. It was just the next natural step and I don't think anyone should dictate to us how we run our relationship."
Mr. Xi decided to intervene to defuse the awkward situation. "Let's not dwell on the past. The important thing is that Rowan and Amanda have a strong and loving relationship now. That's what matters most."
Madam Xi concurred, "Exactly. And am about to have a grandchild. Nothing else matters to me right now." She leaned in closer to Amanda and touched her hand gently.
"Now that Amanda is pregnant, what is your plan?" Mr. Xi asked, changing the subject.
"My plan like what?" Rowan asked, confused. "I love her and I am going to be a father soon. What else?"
"Like getting married, Rowan. Amanda is pregnant. It will soon make it to the news. Critics are ready. Don't you think it would be healthy to be married before that happens?" Mr. Xi answered.
"For someone that has not even proposed," Wilson said. He didn't raise his head to see their reactions. His gaze was on his plate. They all looked at him but decided to ignore him as if it was planned.
Rowan wanted to talk but Amanda quickly chimed in. "That is on me not on Rowan. I want us to take things slow."
"Slow? Why?" Madam Xi asked.
"I want to focus on having my baby first. After that, we can talk about marriage and then…" Amanda said and was interrupted by Madam Xi before she could complete her statement.
"Is there a reason why you think you should not be married now? Things are already slow. I see no reason why we should keep things slower"
"I just don't want to be stressed about the wedding while am still pregnant. Am already feeling the weight of being a mother." Amanda responded.
"There is nothing to worry about. You will be here with me. I can take care of you." Madam Xi said.
Amanda was shocked by that revelation. She looked at Rowan who seemed confused as well.
"Mom! Are you joking about that?" Rowan asked.
"No, am not. I will help take care of the baby and the mother and we will make sure you are comfortable." Madam Xi said, turning to Amanda.
"Anybody can do just that," Wilson said again but was ignored the second time.
"I heard you were at the hospital. I don't think I want to leave you to Rowan's care. You should be here." Madam Xi said.
Amanda turned to Rowan, her eyes seeking guidance. Rowan met her gaze and then addressed his parents. "Mom, I appreciate the offer, but Amanda and I have already discussed our plans. She will be moving in with me tomorrow.
Amanda's shock intensified. She wanted him to intervene but his response was unexpected. " She won't even be working anymore," Rowan added. Amanda's eyes widened in shock but she played along.
"That's fair. I also think they need closure. They should spend more time together now. We can visit them from time to time." Mr. Xi said, trying to persuade Madam Xi.
Madam Xi seemed a bit disappointed but she nodded in understanding. "I understand your decision, Rowan, but please remember that this is your home and is always opened to both of you."
Mr. Xi added, "We support your choices, but Amanda if you ever need any help, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Okay?"
Amanda expressed her gratitude by nodding accompanied by a smile. The conversation moved on to lighter topics. They hardly acknowledge Wilson while they talked and he fumed till the night was spent.
After the dinner, Rowan and Amanda left and said their goodbyes. In the car, Amanda couldn't hold back her curiosity any longer. "So what was that?"
"What was what?" Rowan asked. He seemed to be angry too.
"You told your parents I would be moving in tomorrow, Rowan. We didn't talk about that. It was not part of the plan." Amanda snapped.
"Oh, now we are talking about plans?" Rowan snapped too.
"What are you insinuating?" Amanda asked. Rowan didn't respond and it further fueled Amanda's anger. "Rowan," she began tentatively, "I'm surprised by what you told your parents about me moving in with you and quitting my job. That wasn't part of the plan."
"We stopped following the plan when you decided to tell your story instead of what we planned to say" Rowan responded.
"Is that why you are angry?" Amanda asked, fuming.
"I am not angry. You are the one who is" Rowan said.
"Shouldn't I be?" Amanda snapped.
Rowan looked at her with a hint of a mischievous smile. "Well, you should but I think it's a good idea. We are starting a family and it will be easier if we are together."
"We are not starting a family. We are pretending to be starting a family. Note the difference." Amanda yelled.
"Stop yelling please," Rowan said.
"Don't tell me to stop yelling, you can make life decisions for me without seeking my consent. How could you conclude I wouldn't be working?" Amanda flared up but Rowan interrupted her, snapping.
"But I pay you. I am your boss and I gave you the job."
"Oh, I see," Amanda said softly. She was obviously hurt by Rowan's statement.
"See, Amanda, if this is about the money, I will continue to pay your salary. I won't make you have a reason to work anyways." Rowan replied.
"I see what this is now. I will just accept that I have lost my job. And I would like to drop here, boss." Amanda said.
"Amanda!" Rowan called out, realizing that his words didn't mean well to Amanda.
"Let me out" Amanda yelled softly.