Ella was shocked, and no doubt so was Chun.
Chun looked around and soon enough the spotlight was on Ella.
Mong signaled Ella to come up on stage, and like a good boss-to-be, she did.
When she was on the stage, she quickly glance a look towards Chun.
He did not seem one bit happy.
“Well, of course, my daughter will not be working right away, she’ll be in training.” Mong said. “I hope that all of you will help Mrs. Wu when needed and try to make this coming up year another success.”
For the next few hours Mong practically dragged Ella everywhere he went, introducing her to the important people in the company.
Ella was about to head home when they came across Mary and Mike.
Ella could see the tense of the air when they saw her.
She had got to be the worst daughter-in-law ever, she thought.
“Congratulations, honey.” Mike said happily.
Ella thanked him and search for something from Mary‘s eyes.
“Uh, Ella. You‘ve been gone for a few months now, why don’t you come back home to us?” Mike asked.
She didn‘t know what to say.
Surely Chun and Mary didn‘t want her home.
But maybe she can take this time to make it up to them.
Or at least to make up for Mary.
---
“Ma, you look so thin now. Have you been eating well?” Ella asked her, trying to start a conversation, while eating dinner.
“Eat your dinner first, we’ll talk later.” Mary said.
She glanced at Mike who gave her a warm, reassuring smile.
Ella looked back down at her plate, untouched and embarrassed.
When she realized that Mary was done eating, she collected the dishes.
“Eh, Ella. You didn’t even eat one bite yet. And you’re already getting up?” Mike asked.
“Dad, I did eat. I just don’t have a big appetite. Since, I’m done anyways, I’ll start on the dishes.” Ella replied.
Mary just ignored her and left the room.
Ella let out a heavy sigh.
“Don’t worry too much about her, Ella. She missed you.” Mike said.
“I’m glad at least someone’s happy I’m back.” Ella sarcastically said.
“Let me tell you, when you were gone, your mother in law wouldn’t eat for days because she said that she missed your cooking, and no one made food as good as yours. I even brought her to the best restaurant in town.” Ella smiled. “And when we saw you tonight at the party, she practically got down on her knees begging me to bring you home. She really does miss you, honey, she’s just afraid to show it.” Mike gave her a kiss on her head. “Come, daughter. You don’t want to be doing the dishes. Seems like you haven’t changed much in the last few months.”
---
“Ma,” Ella called out to Mary as she was watching the television.
“Ma, I’m sorry for leaving.” Ella started.
Mary scoffed and Ella played with her fingers getting more and more embarrassed. “Ma--”
“Just tell me Ella. Why? Why’d you leave?” Mary said with tears in her eyes.
