Chapter 10

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Ignoring her question, Jonathan got straight to the point, his brow furrowed with concern. “What’s going on with Teresa? I saw her
new crying so hardTM
With a sympathetic sigh. Miriam filled him in. “She’s got these big dreams of starting her own business, but she’s struggling to get the money together. That’s probably what’s got her so upset.”
Jonathan looked puzzled Struggling I didn t know she was having money problems
Miriam’s voice carried a subtle hint that he should already know. “Her parents have been out of the picture for years. They’ve both started new families. I heard her mom even had another daughter last year. Mi…
Catching her slip, Miriam quickly corrected herself, “My, that girl’s only one . ”
Miriam’s words came out clipped, her disapproval clear. Teresa’s parents left her with her grandparents when she was young. They’d give her the occasional nod, but now they’ve totally tuned out
“And her mom, at 46, is all about her new baby. Miriam’s frustration was evident, reflecting on how Teresa had fallen from her family’s favor
Miriam held her ground, her voice resolute as she confronted Jonathan “Look, Jonathan , now that you’re marrying someone else, you should keep your distance from Teresa.
“I heard you’ve been single for two years and thought maybe you were still into her. I tried to help you reconnect, but if that’s not the case , just stay out of Nareigh.” Miriam’s irritation was evident, showing her fierce loyalty to her friend.
Jonathan kept his cool Let s talk at Horizon lead Group It s about Teresa but let s keep this conversation just between us
Miriam’s brows furrowed, her confusion clear. “Why should I do what you say, Jonathan? Teresa and I have been friends forever. I can’t betray her trust,”
Jonathan then made an unexpected offer. “I’ll have Edward accompany you shopping.”
Those words caused Miriam s conviction to waver her throat constricting with emotion
Edward Lawrence, with his youthful zest and college charm, was Jonathan’s younger cousin and a hit on campus
He was five years Miriam’s junior , and she had fallen for him the moment they met. But to Edward , Miriam was just an older sister.
jonathan, who was aware of the situation, said, “Miriam. If you don’t want to see Edward, that’s cool”
Miriam, not ready to give up, quickly replied, “Actually, I’m free for the next few days.”
Jonathan warned her, “ Don’t mention it to ‘Teresa; she’s got a lot of pride.”
Once the call ended, Miriam felt a sense of helplessness settle in. He was aware of how sensitive Teresa’s p deal with it carefully in the past,‘ she thought to herself, shaking her head
pride is.
but it ser
Miriam stepped into Horizonlead Group, the grandeur of the place hitting her as soon as she crosses the threshold. The place was massive and bathed in light
She was treated like a celebrity, guided to a guest room where she sipped on some fancy coffee that could take her breath away
“Damn, this place is unpressive Miriam commented, taking in the sleek decor . And look at all these go–getters,
Jonathan cut to the chase, his focus on leresa “Is Teresa considering going into business for herself? Is she really strapped for caste ?”
Miriam paused to consider the question “She has a child to support, and that’s not cheap, she thought before telling Jonathan, “She’s at NewEdge Media carning just over two thousand a month. It’s hardly enough to get by”
Jonathan reminisced about the start of his marriage to Teresa, noting the stark difference in their financial backgrounds. He had been living paycheck to paycheck, while Teresa was used to a hefty tonthly allowance from her well–off parents
From the start, jonathan was determined to bridge slut fiancul gap. He had promised Teresa that marrying him wouldn’t mean a

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downgrade in her lifestyle. But no matter how hard he tried, life seemed to have different plans