Our family lineage is marked by strong women. Two generations ago, my grandmother and my mother chose not to marry. Instead, at the right time, they made substantial investments to acquire the best X chromosome from international sperm banks, ensuring a new generation. But in my own little act of rebellion, I decided to do things differently.

Rather than choosing an X chromosome, I opted for a Y, and that’s how Bodhi Crawford came into the world. From his conception onward, I spared no expense in his upbringing. During his childhood, I hired top-tier childcare professionals, nutritionists, and various arts tutors.

Throughout his teenage years, I ensured he traveled widely, engaging in extreme sports to broaden his horizons and cultivate a fearless spirit. Every significant investment helped shape Bodhi into the exceptional, independent, and sophisticated young man I envisioned – polished down to every detail, the epitome of a distinguished heir.

However, my meticulous planning didn’t cover his romantic pursuits. After high school, my plan was to send him abroad, but Bodhi wished to complete his undergraduate studies locally before heading overseas. I had always encouraged him to form his own opinions, so once he expressed his desire, I didn’t object.

To my surprise, after his exams, he met Charlee Harrison, a part-time worker, and chose to remain in the country partly because of her. When I learned of Bodhi’s romantic involvement, I had Charlee investigated. A gambling father, a troubled mother, a dependent brother, and her own struggles – it had all the makings of a compelling tale. What elite heir could resist the appeal of an innocent, yet determined, young woman?

Initially, I had no intention of intervening. After all, young people crave romantic freedom, and it doesn’t necessarily lead to marriage. But then my ever exceptional, self-disciplined son began skipping classes to be with Charlee, failing exams, and claimed that education wasn’t the only path. Mealtime manners became a casualty, as he burped and laughed aloud at the table. The piano was set aside for thumb wrestling, tennis for video games. He even announced he wouldn’t manage the Crawford Group, preferring to retreat to the countryside with Charlee and carve out their own living.

I found myself utterly perplexed. Some advised me to let it be, suggesting he’d learn if faced with setbacks. But there was no time for that! According to my plan, once Bodhi completed his master's degree, he was to gradually take over the family business, with everything transitioning to him by age forty. If he were to face difficulties and start anew, his elite peers would leave him in their dust. How could he possibly compete then?

Relying on my aging self, the Crawford Group would eventually face its demise. The more I pondered it, the more anxious I became. I had to move quickly to break their connection and minimize the risks. Without hesitation, I picked up the phone to call my friend Alexandria Hudson overseas:

“I need urgent assistance… happy to pay, of course... Yes, yes... Please send your daughter here!”

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.

I opened my eyes again and found myself lying in bed.

Stefan, the butler, looked at me with concern. "Ma'am, I'm glad to see you're awake. The doctor stopped by and mentioned it was just a stress-related incident, thankfully nothing too serious."

Outside the window, the sun shone brightly.

I quickly asked, "Who went to pick up Selah?"

"I've arranged for Zane, the driver, to get Miss Olson."

"And Bodhi?"

"He went back to school! He spoke to the doctor, and once he knew you were alright, he decided to stay there."

I knew Stefan was trying to reassure me. It worked; my heart felt much calmer.

I pushed myself up, preparing to get out of bed, when a light, pleasant scent drifted in from the doorway.

"Godmother!"

With a cheerful voice, a figure breezed in.

Standing tall at over five-foot-nine, she was stylishly dressed without overdoing it. Her hair was tied up high, shiny and black, her smile warm and dignified, embodying confidence and grace.

Despite being in college, Selah was studying both management and psychology and excelling in both, according to her mother, my dear friend Alexandria.

Ah, my dream daughter-in-law!

"Godmother, are you alright?" she asked.

"I'm fine, I'm fine! Come here, let me take a good look at you. It's been so many years."

I held Selah’s hand; it was soft and fragrant, hard to let go.

Eighteen years later, for the first time, I regretted not choosing X.

"When I was on my way over, my mom mentioned Bodhi's situation, which just so happens to align with my research topic. Don't worry, I'll help you... er, solve the problem."

Meeting Selah's bright eyes, I couldn't help but be curious. "Selah, what exactly is your research topic?"

She gave a mischievous smile. "That's a secret! I've already set up the action plan on the plane; all you need to do is cooperate with me."

I nodded, somewhat puzzled.

"Alright!" Selah released my hand, her smile unwavering, "No time to waste; I'm going to get everything ready now. Just wait to see the results!"

With that, Selah walked away, her hair swinging.

Oh! This child is even cleverer than her mother.