Chapter 194
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Evelyn had already stepped inside .
On the way back , Jennifer had told Evelyn about Teresa having a child Shock didn’t even begin to cover it. If
soundproofing hadn’t been top notch , Evelyn’s yelling might’ve shattered the windows
Evelyn had exclaimed , “ How could that clumsy girl , Teresa , possibly know how to change diapers or make formula ? And she’s good at it ? I never imagined shed actually had a child ”
If Jennifer hadn’t handed her a heart pill during the ride . Evelyn was pretty sure she’d have fanted and ended up in the hospital again
Now , Evelyn’s eyes were as round as saucers , fixed unblinkingly on Michael
“ Grandma ” Michael said earnestly , his eyes big and clear . His voice was soft and cautious . He didn’t look much like Teresa
The two stared at each other , wide eyed , until Evelyn let out a laugh – hall exasperation , half amusement . She shook her head , clearly more amused than angry
Evelyn turned to Teresa . “ What’s going on in that head of yours ? Are you crazy ? Jennifer told me on the way back , and i thought she was joking But look at this .
“ The kid’s already so big – he’s even older than Isabel Isn’t he three by now ? ”
“ Grandma , I’m not even three yet . I’m two years and seven months , Michael corrected her , holding Teresa’s hand and blinking up at her “ Right , Mommy ? ”
Teresa gently patted his head . “ Good boy ” she said softly .
Then Teresa tumed to Evelyn . “ He’s tall for his age , but he’s not three yet . He’ll turn three this summer ”
“ Well he’s still older than Isabel , Evelyn muttered , clicking her tongue . “ Isabel’s his aunt ? Isn’t that just ridiculous ? ” The thought made her chuckle .
But Teresa couldn’t bring herself to laugh . ‘ Why does Mom always have to say something sharp , even in front of Michael ? Can’t she just be kind for once ? My son is my treasure . Why is she always so partial to isabel , she wondered .
“ Mommy ? ” Michael tugged on Teresa’s hand again , grinning . “ So she is really my aunt ? That’s so funny Should I call her Aunt Isabel now so Grandma doesn’t get mad ? ”
“ It’s okay , sweetheart , ” Teresa said softly . “ You don’t have to be so formal . Be good and go to your room to watch something on your tablet . I need to talk with Grandma and Jennifer . ”
“ I want to stay here with you ,” Michael insisted stubbornly .
The determination in his eyes at that moment was so much like his father’s . Teresa ruffled his hair gently but still sent him
off to his room .
As soon as Michael left , Evelyn couldn’t hold back her frustration and started laying into Teresa again . She was furing . unable to stop herself from pointing fingers
“ I just don’t get it , Teresa . What were you thinking ? Divorcing Jonathan and then having his child ? It’s not that I don’t like Michael – he’s a sweet boy – but how could you be so thoughtless ? ” Evelyn’s tone was sharp , her imitation clear .
She added , “ Who does that ? Divorces her ex and then has his kid ? If you found out you were pregnant back then , you should’ve just ended it . That would’ve been the clean break you needed – no mess , no complications
“ But now ? Look at the situation you’ve created . It’s ruining your chances of moving on and finding someone better .
“ You’re gorgeous , Teresa . Without a child after the divorce , it would’ve been so easy for you to meet someone new . But now , dragging Michael along ? No wonder you’re still single ”
“ Do I have to get remarried ? Is that some kind of rule ? ” Teresa shot back , her voice dripping with sarcasm . “ I’ve got my career and I’ve got my son . What more do I need ? Not everyone’s as obsessed with men as you are .”
Her words were biting . But deep down , she knew they didn’t fully reflect her true feelings . She only said them because Evelyn wouldn’t stop pushing her .
Teresa knew she shouldn’t have had Jonathan’s child after the divorce . But what was done was done . There was no good
blaming her now . This was exactly why she av Successfully unlocked ! e was no support , no understanding , only
endless complaints , criticism , and rejection
Teresa’s chest tightened with a mix of disappointment and bitterness .
“ Who’s so desperate for a man ? You’re driving me nuts . ” Evelyn took a moment to calm herself , rubbing her aching temples . “ Hannah , did you hear that ? I can’t even begin to understand what you two are up to . ”
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104 Clupter 1H
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