Chapter 27
27
Jonathan chuckled He s switched to Mal bec recently and don t even mention cigars he s quit smoking
100%
With a casual Hm she recalled Hayden s cigar at their wedding and it dawned on her that has not smoking at their recent gathering meant he d actually given up the habit
Switching topics Teresa inquired Any thoughts on a gift for your mom
“Get her something you think she’d adore. Jonathan replied, the buzz of a meeting filling the background. Tm in the thick of things here, so I’ve got to wrap this up. And just like that, he was off, leaving Teresa to make the final call on the gifts,
Teresa came back from her shopping trip with shopping bags gifting Irene with high end skin care products and fashionable handbags along with pastries and specialty coffee beans as additional presents
Jonathan had generously provided her with a substantial sum of sixty thousand dollars more than enough to cover her purchases
As dinner time neared Jonathan s driver arrived to pick her up
As Teresa settled into the car the driver informed her Mrs Lynn Mr Lynn instructed that I should take you home after dinner
Teresa nodded in understanding and corrected him Please just call me Teresa I m not Mrs Lynn anymore
The driver gave a gentle smile tactfully keeping his opinions to himself
Arriving at the Lynn residence, Teresa emerged from the car, laden with shopping bags.
As Irene opened the door her smile vanished at the sight of Teresa Her tone turned chilly as she questioned What brings you here She didn t pause for Teresa to say hello before asking
Teresa spoke bluntly holding Irene s gaze firmly Jonathan informed me Hayden s returned and requested I bring these and join him for dinner
Irene s sneer was sharp You and my son divorced years ago Why are you still circling my son He deserves better than you Her voice dripped with disdain
Teresa didn’t back down. Tm not circling anyone. Jonathan invited me, and believe me, I’d rather not be here, she retorted, arms folded in defiance.
A gentle curious voice broke the tension Who is it Mrs Lynn Is it Jonathan The question lingered prompting Teresa to fall silent
Irene’s features gentled when she spoke to Simona. “No, sweetheart, just someone who doesn’t belong here,” she said affectionately. dismissing Teresa as she pulled Simona closer.
Turning to Teresa with a smug smile Irene made the introduction Meet Jonathan s fianc e Simon a Larkin
Teresa was shocked She had believed Jonathan was engaged to Yvonne but instead she found herself facing a tall stylish stranger in her late twenties adorned with diamond earrings and a sleek hairstyle
As Teresa took her in, Simona was just as intently studying Teresa, a twinge of envy flickering in her eyes at the sight of Teresa’s striking looks.
The tension was broken by a car horn Hayden emerged from a minivan with Cheryl by his side
Cheryl, in a crisp white dress and beret, greeted Teresa warmly before casting a curious and puzzled look at Simona,
Irene who is this Cheryl asked her voice filled with a light hearted curiosity
Simona, not missing a beat, squared her shoulders and raised her chin. Tm Jonathan’s fiancée, she stated with a confidence that rang out clearly
Cheryl s jaw dropped as she stared at the newcomer Who a wait a minute she exclaimed pointing at Teresa Jonathan s wife is right here and you re saying you re his fianc e Irene what s the deal with this
Simon a her teeth biting down on her lower lip directed a piercing gaze at Irene Mrs L yam you told me Jonathan was single That s why I m here for this family dinner isn t it
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Hayden s confusion was palpable as he looked around the room What s the story h I m lost Who s this stranger causing a scene at our Thanksgiving
here?”
His voice was
was heavy with c once m Fianc e
Simon a s frustration boiled over and she slammed her foot on the ground for emphasis Mrs Lynn I m not leaving until I get some clarity
Irene massaging her temple as a headache loomed suggested Let s go inside and resolve this guiding everyone indoors
Once they were settled Irene turned to Hayden I wasn t trying to hide anything but we need to stop the drama every time you re
around.
Drama Hayden and Cheryl shouted in unison their surprise palpable
Teresa kept her mouth shut, anxiety visible as she watched Hayden closely, biting her lip
Irene spoke gently to Simona “Simona, Jonathan’s divorce has been final for some time now. There were no children involved, so it was a clean break. I’ll fill you in later.”
As Simon a s anxiety subsided Ire pe addressed Hayden Hayden Jonathan s been single for over two years since his divorce And Simon a is soon to become part of our family
Hayden nearly stumbled his face a picture of disbelief Teresa quickly moved to his side supporting him
Hayden assured everyone he was fine and clutched Teresa s hand firmly his voice trembling Teresa don t fret I don t want Irene s side of the story I need to hear it from you What s the truth
The air in the room thickened with tension as Teresa, her voice cracking, broke the news to Hayden. “Hayden, Jonathan and I… we’re divorced,” she said, barely audible.
Evan s shock was palpable No way he blurted out
With a heavy heart, Teresa apologized, her eyes avoiding his. “I’m sorry for not telling you. We just didn’t want to let you down.”
Hayden every one of his eighty years etched on his face couldn t hide his fury His lips quivered and his temples throbbed with visible
veins.
Irene stepped in, trying to calm the storm. “Hayden, please, stay calm,” she pleaded, her hand gently touching his arm.
But Hayden was beyond reason Don t touch me he barked swiping Irene s hand away so hard that she lost her footing and fell back The chaos was escalating and the butler Lance slipped away to make a call
The phone barely rang before it was answered. “Mr. Lynn, there’s been a serious incident at the Lynn residence” Lance’s voice was tense with urgency.
AD