Chapter 233

At the same time , back at Rosary Estates , Jennifer returned to pack her luggage . Teresa was preparing to leave for Fernlandia with Michael , while Jennifer planned to head to Shaville to meet an old classmate .
She didn’t want to give up the cushy benefits and promotion opportunities in Nareigh , but she had no choice . She couldn’t afford to hold Donald back any longer .
Her plan was straightforward . She decided to move to Shaville and climb the careeadder step by step , first to the deputy department head , then to the department head . After saving up for a few years , she would have Teresa move in with her .
They’d both be focused on their careers . By then , Jonathan might have remarried and had kids , and Teresa would have moved on . Jennifer imagined them raising Michael and Teresa’s unborn baby , whose gender was still unknown , side by side
Jennifer had it all mapped out . The next few years would be tough . Earning a living wouldn’t be easy , but she believed they just had to get through the grind , and everything would eventually fall into place .
They were both still under thirty . As long as she and Teresa worked hard , life would only get better . They didn’t need men in their lives . As for Evelyn and Isabel , they could do whatever they wanted . Jennifer couldn’t care less .
All three of them had afternoon flights . For once , Jennifer allowed herself a rare smile . No one understood better than her that everything she was doing was for Teresa’s own good . Without her ex – husband’s family fighting for custody , Teresa would thank her one day .
The childhood promise of happiness they’d dreamed of was finally within reach .
“ Got everything packed ? ” Jennifer asked .
“ Yeah … ” Teresa replied softly .
“ I’m all set too , ” Jennifer said with a sigh of relief . “ Finally , we’re getting out of here . Teresa , once you leave , don’t even think about coming back .
“ I only agreed to let you keep the baby because you promised me . If you get tangled up with your ex again , you won’t be able to hide it . They’ll take your kids away , and you’ll be left with nothing . ”
Nobody liked being nagged constantly , not even by family . It was exhausting and suffocating . Jennifer just drilled the same point over and over and acted like it was for her own good .
Teresa got it , and she really did . But no one would want their life dictated by someone else .
Ever since their reconnection , Jennifer’s controlling nature and constant claims of acting for her own good had left Teresa drained time and time again .
For now , Teresa played along . But deep down , she knew leaving was her only escape .
“ Jennifer , I’m heading to the restroom . Keep an eye on Michael for me ,” said Teresa .
Watching Teresa walk away , Jennifer sighed softly . She knew Teresa was still struggling to let go , but time would heal that . Straightening Michael’s collar , she crouched down to his level .
“ Mike , I need to tell you something . Listen up , okay? ” she said . “ When you get to Fernlandia , be a good boy and listen to your mom . I’ll call your grandma and your mom often , and if I hear you’re not behaving , I’ll be mad . ”
“ Jennifer , I’m always good . Can you stop being so hard on my mom , please ? ” Michael said .
Jennifer reached out and softly patted his head . “ I’m hardly ever hard on her . She’s my little sister . How could I be mean to her ? I’ll miss you both so much when you’re not living with me anymore . ”
Just as she finished speaking , Teresa returned from the restroom . Jennifer didn’t say anything further to Michael .
Michael clung to Teresa’s hand , his reddened eyes brimming with unshed tears . He parted his lips but quickly shut them , glancing nervously at Jennifer .
At that moment , Jennifer’s phone vibrated softly in her hand , breaking the tense silence . It was a message from Cheryl .
[ Jennifer , I helped you out again . ]
[ That guy named Benny was about to do another DNA test , and I happened to run into him . I stopped him you . ]
[ I just want you to see my brother . He’s drinking himself sick , not eating , and wants to transfer to another hospital just to be near you . He’s a good , hardworking guy . Pleas
Successfully unlocked !
[ He’s my only brother and he’s killing himself over you , if you don’t come see him , then forget it . Let everything fall apart . ] Jennifer’s grip tightened on her phone . Frustration and guilt surged inside her , but she stayed calm .
Noticing the serious expression on Jennifer’s face , Teresa asked , “ What’s wrong ? Did something happen ? ”
Jennifer put her phone away and replied , “ Something came up at the hospital . I need to head back . You two go to the
1/2
232 232
airport without me . I’ll leave another day . ”
Teresa nodded . “ Alright , that works After all , they weren’t heading in the same direction .
“ Take care on the way , ” Jennifer added . “ Let me know when you arrive “ ,
She turned to Michael again . “ Mike , make sure you listen to your mom and don’t wander off
“ I know , Jennifer … ” Michael replied softly . Once Jennifer hurried off , Michael clung tightly to Teresa’s hand . “ Mom ”
Teresa looked down and saw tears welling up in his eyes . Alarmed , she asked , “ What’s wrong , sweetheart ? Why are you crying ? ”
Michael wiped his tears and shook his head . “ Mom , I have a small request . Can I say goodbye to Mr. Lime ? Just one last time before we leave ? ”
Subscribed