Scratch

Marie sank into the plush couch, her exhaustion evident in her slumped posture.

Her mother, Mrs. Levefre, settled into the armchair opposite her, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

"So, how was the dinner?"

Marie closed her eyes, collecting her thoughts before responding.

"It was fine, Mom. Just a normal dinner conversation," she replied, deliberately downplaying the evening's events.

Mrs. Levefre's eyes narrowed, sensing the omission.

"Just fine? That's all? You know I saw Xavier's car outside. He's still got feelings for you, Marie."

Marie opened her eyes, a warning glance directed at her mother.

"Mom, please. Let's not rehash this again. I've made my feelings clear."

Mrs. Levefre's expression softened, concern etched on her face.

"I just want what's best for you and your son, Marie. You deserve someone who can provide stability and security."

Marie's gaze drifted to her son, engrossed in his toys.

"That's what I'm trying to give him, Mom – a better life. My work may not be ideal, but it pays the bills."

Mrs. Levefre's sigh filled the room.

"I know, dear. I just worry about the impact it has on your personal life... and your son's well-being."

Marie's heart twisted, her mother's words striking a chord.

Marie rolled her eyes, a hint of amusement dancing on her lips. She watched her mother carefully, anticipating the next probing question.

"I don't know what you think, but it's not all that," Marie said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "It was just so bland that I wondered if we were having a funeral in disguise."

Her mother, Mrs. Levefre, raised an eyebrow, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She recognized her daughter's skillful deflection.

"Save it, Marie," Mrs. Levefre said, her voice laced with dry humor. "You know that's not what I was asking."

Marie's gaze drifted around the room, avoiding her mother's piercing stare. She expertly shifted the conversation.

"Where's Tiana? I hope she's having a decent sleep. You can tell her not to resume work tomorrow," Marie said, her tone casual.

Mrs. Levefre sighed, her expression a mixture of frustration and affection. She leaned back into her armchair, the soft cushions enveloping her.

"You're as slippery as a snake, Marie," Mrs. Levefre said, shaking her head. "But I'll let it slide... for now."

The room fell silent, the only sound the soft hum of the TV and the distant murmur of Marie's son playing in the next room.

Marie's eyes met her mother's, a fleeting glint of triumph in her gaze. She had successfully dodged the question, but she knew the reprieve was temporary.

Mrs. Levefre's eyes narrowed, her mind already planning the next interrogation. "We're not done discussing Xavier, Marie."

Marie rolled her eyes, a hint of amusement dancing on her lips. She watched her mother carefully, anticipating the next probing question.

"I don't know what you think, but it's not all that," Marie said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "It was just so bland that I wondered if we were having a funeral in disguise."

Her mother, Mrs. Levefre, raised an eyebrow, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She recognized her daughter's skillful deflection.

"Save it, Marie," Mrs. Levefre said, her voice laced with dry humor. "You know that's not what I was asking."

Marie's gaze drifted around the room, avoiding her mother's piercing stare. She expertly shifted the conversation.

"Where's Tiana? I hope she's having a decent sleep. You can tell her not to resume work tomorrow," Marie said, her tone casual.

Mrs. Levefre sighed, her expression a mixture of frustration and affection. She leaned back into her armchair, the soft cushions enveloping her.

"You're as slippery as a snake, Marie," Mrs. Levefre said, shaking her head. "But I'll let it slide... for now."

The room fell silent, the only sound the soft hum of the TV and the distant murmur of Marie's son playing in the next room.

Marie's eyes met her mother's, a fleeting glint of triumph in her gaze. She had successfully dodged the question, but she knew the reprieve was temporary.

Mrs. Levefre's eyes narrowed, her mind already planning the next interrogation. "We're not done discussing Xavier, Marie."

Marie's voice rose, her words tumbling out in a passionate plea.

"Mom, I understand your sentiments and all, but you need to trust me on this. When I say that I will get something done, it means that I truly will do it. You can't keep forcing me to do what I don't want to. It doesn't make any sense at all. I am a grown woman, before being your daughter. I have a life of my own. I can choose who I want to work with or not!"

Her words echoed through the room, her frustration and desperation palpable.

Mrs. Levefre's expression softened, her eyes widening in surprise at Marie's outburst.

Marie's chest heaved as she sighed softly, her voice cracking.

"You have to listen to what I say and do it," she whispered, her eyes locking onto her mother's.

The room fell silent, the tension between them thick and heavy.

Mrs. Levefre's face sagged, her shoulders slumping in defeat.

"Okay, Marie. I'll try," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Marie's gaze remained fixed on her mother, searching for sincerity.

"I will Try?" Marie repeated, her tone laced with skepticism.

"Just try, you need to do your best"

Marie's eyes flashed, her voice laced with sarcasm.

"Why don't I just do what's best for the company?" she countered, her tone dripping with irony.

Mrs. Levefre's face reddened, her voice sharp.

"Your best hasn't been enough to bring in the proceeds that I need!" she snapped.

Marie's frustration boiled over, her hands flying up in exasperation.

"Why don't you run the company instead and leave me the hell alone?!" she exploded, her voice echoing through the room.

Mrs. Levefre's eyes widened, taken aback by Marie's outburst.

"How dare you!" she countered, her voice rising. "I built this company from scratch, and I won't let you ruin it!"

Marie's face twisted in anguish.

"You're not listening, Mom. I'm not trying to ruin it. I'm trying to live my life, make my own choices," she pleaded.