Chapter 159
158. 158
“ Chappy ” Teresa was caught off guard . She had been too young to remember her fa
villige first mistress
Philip , Ieveraging his good looks , had never been short of women around him . Teresa could . mystresses Ultimately Philip married the wealthiest of them all , a woman six years his senior Hannah , int it funny how we’re kind of alike ? Both entangled with someone surnamed tynn , both hurt by a woman tumamed Chapman , Teresa d
Jennifer stiffened slightly She asked . “ You’re referring to Yvonne , the woman who ruined your marriage , and later died of depression ? But how am I entangled with anyone from the Lynn family ?
Teresa chuckled and said , Jonathan’s cousin Relax , Donald told me . He likes you , but you don’t like him . He’s just harboring unrequited love
Jennifer frowned and responded , really don’t like him
“ Oh really ? Then why are your eyes darting around ? Do you not like him even a little ? ” Teresa teased
Seeing Teresa’s mischievous expression , Jennifer pinched her cheek and asked . “ How could I possibly like your ex husband’s cousin ? ”
Teresa dropped her playful smile and turned serious . She said . “ Hannah , don’t let this stop you if you both like each other ! have no objections ”
She didn’t want her ties with Jonathan to interfere with Hannah’s happiness . There was no rule saying one couldn’t be with her sister’s ex – husband’s cousin .
But Jennifer shook her head firmly and said , “ No , even if I never marry . I won’t get involved with anyone from your ex- husband’s family . Imagine how awkward it would be if our families met . ”
“ But- “ Teresa still wanted to say something
Jennifer cut her off . “ That’s enough . No buts . Im content as I am now , having reunited with my sister. I’m happy and fulfilled . I don’t need love , and I certainly won’t let a man disrupt the life I’ve built ”
Just as Jennifer finished speaking , the urgent ring of a phone broke the silence . Looking up , she saw Donald standing outside the door . She didn’t know how long he had been there
Awkwardly , Donald fumbled to silence his phone before coughing to announce his presence . Smiling , he stepped into the room and said , “ Sorry to interrupt your sisterly chat . I just came to check on you before heading off . ”
“ You two chat . I’ll step out for a bit , Teresa quickly excused herself , leaving the two alone .
Jennifer broke the silence . “ You must have overheard what I said just now ”
Donald nodded , his eyes clouded with disappointment and sadness .
Jennifer averted her gaze . Seeing his sorrow made her feel a pang in her chest . She couldn’t deny that he was a good person . Despite being a few years younger than her , he exuded warmth and care .
She said , “ I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me, and I’m grateful for your feelings . But now that I’ve reunited with Teresa you are her ex – husband’s cousin . Because of this connection , we can’t be together . ”
“ And if that connection didn’t exist ? If it were just you and me , would you like me ? Even a little ? Donald asked , his gaze
unwavering .
Flustered , Jennifer licked her dry lips and shook her head , but Donald smiled knowingly “ You’re fustered . That means you do like me , even if just a little . Right ? ” he asked
“ I don’t ! Jennifer stammered .
Donald reached out and gently ruffled her hair . “ Whether you do or not , I’ll still treat you well . I like you , Jennifer , ” he said .
Jennifer thought of his kindness and the complications of their connection . She also remembered the DNA sample swap she had orchestrated and lowered her gaze
She burst out , “ You don’t even know the real me ! The person you like is just the version of me you see I’m not as good as you think I am , I-
Her words caught in her throat as she felt the warmth of Donaldins on her forehead . His breath , so gentle and protective . lingered for only a moment before he straighte Successfully unlocked !
“ Do you know how scared I was when you got w precious to me . I just want to see you happy
think you’re unimportant or unloved . You are
ant to free you from the pain every time I see in your eyes . Whatever you’ve
I don’t know what you’ve been through , but I want to been through , I hope I can help you leave it behind . ”
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clutching
lanket tightly if not for her frm resche ride and said hank you , but I’m sorry .
Donald smiled faintly in return , his expression tinged with sadness as he turned to le
That night at Jennifer gazed out at the city lights , her heart oppled with emotions that refused to settle
The days patted quickly , and soon , it was January 14th Teresa was exhausted from looking after Jennifer wide trying to Keep Donald and Michael from crossing paths . She didn’t know how Evelyn was dolg , either
Teresa hadn’t had a good night’s sleep for several days . One rare free afternoon , she took Michael to the pizza stom scross from the hospital for a break
Teresa left her phone with him while she queued for their order . Michael was browsing short videos when
suddenly popped up
[ I’ve booked a flight for next week . I won’t be back by January 15th . Tve prepared a gift for you my dryer will deliver Remember to answer his call
[ The car is yours to use for as long as you need . Don’t worry about returning it . When I’m back , see you at Rosary Estates ]
Michael read the message , recognizing it as coming from the man who was saved in Teresa’s contacts as “ Lime ” instead of “ Jonathan ” Though he couldn’t understand all the words , he grasped the gist [ Flight booked , won’t return , gift , car is yours . see you ]
Excited , the boy tried to reply but kept typing gibberish , so he scrolled through the stickers and sent a cute I miss you ”
sticker .
In Nusridge , Jonathan paused , staring at the message for two seconds . The afternoon sunlight softened his features ,
tool lending him an unexpected warmth . He smiled faintly , thought for a moment , and replied : [ I miss you b
The next second , another message arrived . It was a sticker with kisses .
Jonathan raised an eyebrow , slightly surprised but undeniably pleased . He replied briefly before putting his phone away as his client returned from the restroom . Being on the phone in front of the client wasn’t polite .
His client noticed the residual warmth in Jonathan’s expression and how he was on the phone just now , so he asked if Jonathan had been chatting with his girlfriend .
Jonathan replied , “ My wife . ”
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Jennifer had only a few encantiate during her hospital stay – nothing much beyond a washer and hot water Bottle Though Teresa thought they should just toss them , Jennifer insisted on bringing them home . You have to be practical and
Ture Hannah Whatever you say Teress chuckled
i
Jennifer refused to ride in the car , but Donald had already helped led her things into the vehorse “ When’s my cousin coming back Donald asked Teresa
“ Next week she replied
A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes “ You two talk a lot , huh ? I message hien daily and he never replies Teresa coughed awkwardly turning away Meanwhile , Jennifer was getting impatient “ Teresa isn’t your sister – in – law anymore She has nothing to do with the Lynn family
“ Fine , fine Donald said , patting Jennifer on the head while the was unguarded “ You’re always so serious ”
Jennifer smacked his hand away , her face darkening with anger . She was determined never to let him touch her agen Teresa sighed as she observed the exchange . Her sister was much more ruthless than she could ever be
Her resolve to sever ties was much stronger than Teresa’s , and that was impress
As the car started . Teresa turned on the sound system . She was struck by the playlist – vintage classics like “ Time Flies ” “ r
Been Awhile ” and “ My Love “ -unchanged from when she and Jonathan were married
“ You should return this car People will talk if they see you driving your ex’s car , Jennifer scolded
“ I didn’t have a car to pick you up , so I had to use this one . My car’s still with Minam , Teresa explained . She’ll return it next week ”
“ Then take mine- Jennifer started to offer hers but stopped . Her second – hand Toyota – that she had scrimped and saved for – had been totaled in the accident . She bit her lip , realizing she would need a new car soon
Halfway home , Teresa’s phone buzzed . It was Benny , confirming he’d completed what she tasked him to do . Well , no surprise there . Benny always gets things done fast like a bunny , ‘ she thought
As the car pulled into the residential area , Teresa grinned . “ Get out of the car , Hannah , I’ve got a surprise for you ” Puzzled , Jennifer followed her gaze to a brand – new white Mercedes – Benz C260 parked in the driveway , gleaming in the sunlight . Benny jogged toward them , handing the keys over to Teresa .
“ It’s the fully configured version . I got every discount possible ,” he said . “ Total came to 107 thousand dollars with tax . Just give me 100 thousand dollars , you can keep the change . ”
“ No way , ” Teresa said firmly . “ I’ll transfer you the full amount . ”
Benny waved her off . “ Use the extra to buy Jonathan a new scarf . He’s been wearing the black ene all year . He’s always bragging about how it was a gift from you . Besides , he’s a CEO now, and that scarf needs a wash . ”
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