Reborn Young Miss: Phoenix Burning Red-Chapter 416: Unwanted Wife (4)

"Addie, is it alright if I go home early tonight?" Myrtle asked her best friend-slash-boss.

Adrienne lifted her gaze from her laptop to look at a friend. She smiled and replied, "Of course, Myrtle. If you’ve finished your tasks for the day, feel free to leave early. Is everything alright?"

Myrtle sighed and placed the sales reports the branch managers sent to her on Adrienne’s desk.

"Ayla gave birth last night. I want to help Mom. She’d been stressed for weeks; I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Plus, I could use some rest myself. Is there anything urgent that needs my attention before I leave?"

Adrienne shook her head. "No, everything seems to be under control. Take the time you need, and take care of yourself too. If anything urgent comes up, I’ll let you know."

She paused for a moment and glanced at the date on the screen of her laptop. She hadn’t expected her cousin to give birth so soon, as there were still a few weeks before Ayla reached her full term. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"It’s not Ayla’s due yet, but she already gave birth?" Adrienne furrowed her brows. "Did something happen?"

"Mom said Ayla’s water broke yesterday. She rushed Ayla to the hospital, worried that she might go into labor prematurely. The doctors decided it was best to deliver the baby early to ensure both Ayla’s and the baby’s safety." Myrtle answered. "Alistair finally showed up, but I doubt he’ll spare Ayla a glance. He probably went to the hospital to fulfill his obligation as the father, but I highly doubt he’ll be emotionally present for Ayla and the baby."

Adrienne didn’t know how to respond to that. She knew Alistair didn’t like children and couldn’t imagine him being a father figure for Ayla and the baby. She wondered if Alistair would even be able to handle the responsibilities of being a parent, considering his lack of interest in children. Considering how this might affect the child’s upbringing and overall well-being was concerning.

"The Han family must be celebrating then. Ayla had given birth to their heir, and they were likely thrilled to have a grandchild in the family." She commented.

"My mother would need to continue caring for Ayla and her baby. After all, Ayla’s lack of experience as a parent and Alistair’s disinterest and absence would require someone to step in and provide support," Myrtle mused, her concern evident. "Mom would do anything for Ayla, but it’s difficult for her to handle alone. Maybe I can also offer my help in taking care of the baby."

"That is if Ayla allowed you to get close to her son. I’m surprised you want to get involved with your nephew, although you aren’t blood-related." Adrienne pointed it out.

Myrtle huffed. "How can I be at ease with the kind of parents he has? I do not want him to grow entitled and self-centered like his father. Also, my nephew is innocent and has nothing to do with his parents’ sins."

Adrienne nodded, understanding Myrtle’s concern. "You have a point, Myrtle. It’s not the child’s fault for his parents’ shortcomings. If you offer him a stable and loving environment, it might make all the difference in his life."

Myrtle smiled gratefully at her friend’s support. "Exactly, Addie. I want to be there for him, to show him what unconditional love and support truly mean. Maybe I can be the positive influence he needs, but it would be challenging with his parents around."

Adrienne reached out and squeezed Myrtle’s hand reassuringly. She understood why her friend was worried about her nephew. Alistair wasn’t a model citizen, and his family’s influence was far from positive.

Adrienne had seen firsthand their destructive behaviors, and she knew the impact it had on Alistair. Myrtle’s determination to provide a stable and loving environment for her nephew was admirable, but she also knew it wouldn’t be easy.

"I do not doubt you would be an amazing aunt to him, Myrtle. Your kindness and compassion will help him turn into a wonderful person, regardless of who his parents are."

Myrtle smiled. "I wouldn’t be worried like this if it were you and Lennox who had a child. I would be over the moon with joy and excitement. Too bad you and your husband are too busy to start your own family."

"We already have a family, Myrtle." Adrienne chuckled at her friend’s eagerness. "We’re just delaying having a baby because Len and I must be prepared. We want to ensure we can provide our children with a stable and nurturing environment. Plus, we have many dreams and goals we want to accomplish before becoming parents. But rest assured, when right, we will welcome a little one into our family."

"Well, I kind of understand your point, Addie." Myrtle cupped her chin thoughtfully. "Ayla is a year older than us, but we’re still too young to even think of having a child. We have much more to experience and learn before taking on such a big responsibility. Plus, we need to establish our careers and financial stability first."

She and Adrienne were turning 23 in the few weeks since their birthdays, and they were just starting to figure out their paths in life. Though Adrienne started her business three years ago, it was still growing and required constant attention and effort.

On the other hand, Lennox had just recently joined the Qin family’s business and was still learning the ropes. He knew that taking on the responsibility of raising a child would require even more dedication and time, which he felt he wasn’t fully prepared for just yet.

"I’m glad that you see my point, Myrtle, and I’m fortunate that my husband allowed me to pursue my personal goals and dreams before starting a family," Adrienne replied, thinking of Lennox. "We aren’t in a rush.

We have the rest of our lives to become parents, and I want to ensure we do it right when the time comes." She took a deep breath, feeling a sense of contentment with their decision.

"But enough about us. Just call me if anything happens and you need someone to talk to. I’m always here for you, Myrtle, and Aunt Stella." Adrienne’s smile faltered a little. "If Alistair makes things difficult for you..."

"I know, Addie. You don’t have to tell me."

Because getting involved with Alistair’s child could potentially complicate things for Myrtle and Aunt Stella, Adrienne wanted to remind them that she would support them no matter what.