Chapter 186

185. 185
Teresa roared , “ Why ? Why is it always about Jennifer ? What about me ? Teresouth Group is my hard work . I’ve been working my butt off all year to keep it running
“ Have you ever once cared about me ? And now you want me to sell it ? No way .
“ Whether I stay or go , that’s my decision . Quit trying to make me do things I don’t want to . You know how stubborn I am . ” Teresa’s eyes burned with resentment as she spoke , the frustration she’d bottled for so long finally spilling out . All she wanted was her mom’s concem , and that was all .
When Evelyn was rushed to the hospital , it was Teresa who got the call , and it was Teresa who stayed by her side
But now , every word Evelyn said seemed to be for Hannah’s sake , as if Teresa’s feelings didn’t matter at all .
Evelyn pounded her chest , her voice trembling with anger . “ You’re all trying to kill me . Just let me die , and don’t even bother
saving me .”
Teresa pressed her lips together , her face tight with suppressed emotion , and turned to leave . The hospital had sent a notice about Evelyn’s fees , and Teresa quietly went to pay them .
Evelyn was always complaining that Teresa didn’t earn enough – now these hospital bills were steadily draining Teresa’s savings . Money seemed to vanish before she even realized it . And now , just like Jennifer , her mom was pushing her to leave immediately .
“ Hi , Teresa ? ” a familiar voice called out as she finished paying the fees . She turned to see Donald walking toward her . Feeling the ache in her temples , Teresa rubbed her brow and greeted him softly . Donald held out a lunchbox and handed it to her , “ Jonathan asked me to drop this off for you .
“ He said to make sure you’re eating right . He’s already gone back to the office , but he’d come by tomorrow to check on you . ” Teresa’s nose tingled , and she forced a bitter smile . Tell him there’s no need . We are divorced . ”
Donald sighed deeply , “ Actually , he just feels bad seeing you go through all this . It’s like how I feel about Jennifer . I care about her so much , but she still won’t let me in . ”
Teresa shook her head lightly . “ Jennifer is very stubborn . If you’re serious about chasing her , you’d better be ready for the long game . She’s not going to make it easy ”
After all , Jennifer had already lost faith in love and marriage , especially after witnessing Evelyn’s messy second marriage and divorce . Now , she probably trusted them even less .
Donald’s gaze was unwavering , filled with sincerity . “ I’ll wait for her , however long it takes . ” With that , he turned and walked away to attend to his own matters .
That evening , Jennifer noticed how tired Teresa looked and said , “ Why don’t you take Michael home and get some rest ? I’ll stay here and keep an eye on Evelyn .”
Teresa nodded , “ Tomorrow , I’ll go to Melanie’s and bring Isabel back . Il take care of her for now . ”
Jennifer frowned , “ So , you’re bringing Isabel here , and with Evelyn already here , that’s two kids to look after . And Mike ? Are you sure you want to tell Evelyn ? What if your ex finds out ?”
Teresa shrugged . “ I have to tell her . She might be surprised , but she won’t spill to my ex’s family . Mom’s not the type to gossip
Jennifer paused for a moment before asking , “ Has she said anything about leaving ? I mean , all of us leaving Nareigh together, so we don’t have to keep living on edge here . ”
“ Where would we go ? Shaville ? I already told Mom . I don’t have enough cash to buy a house there , ” said Teresa .
“ We could rent a place instead ,” Jennifer offered .
Teresa thought for a moment . “ I have a house in Lonisburg . I have made it a sort of second home . ”
Jennifer , curious , pressed further . “ How much did it cost ? When did you buy it ? ”
“ About 500 thousand dollars . I bought it when Teresouth Group was just starting out . I made some money and decided to invest in a property right away . Along with Rosary Estates , those are the only two houses I own , Teresa replied honestly Jennifer mulled it over and eventually said , “ Maybe Lonisburg is the best option . Your plan does make sense . ” “ Jennifer , can you stop insisting we all move to the same place ? If you want to go to Shaville , then go . You don’t have to drag me along
“ You’ve got your own life , and I’ve got mine . Why can’t we just do things our own way ? ” Teresa said firmly .
“ I just want to be with you and Mike . I’m worried that if I’m not around , I won’t be able to help you if something goes wrong .” Jennifer admitted .
185
“ I’ll be fine Don’t worry about me ” Teresa replied “ Tve been doing fine on my du
my kid alone and managed just fine explained Teresa
Jennifer sighed , shaking her head , “ You’re so stubborn Fine , if you’re staying weer Tutor Hinge Evelyn’s out of the hospital
“ Maybe we can split up . Let her and Isabel stay at Rosary Estates , while the three of
Teresa’s eyes flashed with irritation , but she held back , not wanting to argue in the Ronniere
decided to drop the subject .
Teresa took Michael home first . Jennifer had a shift today and a meeting to attend afterward the was seamses Surey the meeting , she felt her hair loosen as the hair the snapped and fell to the floor
Her long hair cascaded down like a waterfall Jennifer bent down to pick up the broken the brushing herse absentmindedly .
After the meeting , Jennifer returned to her office . A knock on the door interpre
Donald stepped inside , his gaze lingering on her loose hair . A faint blush crept up his face . I saw you will get strand said hi , but you didn’t seem to notice . Lost in thought again ?”
“ Oh , sorry . I was distracted . What’s up ?” she asked .
“ Your hair’s down . Why didn’t you tie it back ?” he teased
“ The hair tie broke , she replied , holding up the snapped band .
Donald grinned and pulled something from his pocket . “ I figured as much . I brought you a new one and score . How about I tie it for you ? ”
Jennifer wanted to refuse , but before she could say anything , Donald was already behind her his hands gently resting on her shoulders .
“ Come on , Jennifer . I will help you . I used to tie my sister’s smile .
“ No , that’s not necessary , ” she started to protest
the time . You’re in good hands ” he said
But Donald had already begun brushing her long hair , running the comb from the top of her head soft and smooth , carrying a faint , fresh scent that lingered in the air , momentarily making him forge He quickly suppressed the warmth rising within him and carefully gathered her hair , tyin As Donald’s fingers worked through her hair with gentle precision , Jennifer
her heart :
tat ne was doing
faster .