Chapter 245

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Cathy was startled and quickly asked Donald , “ What do you mean by that ? Don’t tell me you’ve gotten her pregnant . ” “ Mom , no way ! I’m not that kind of guy , Donald replied .
“ Listen , I just want to remind you , we don’t do the whole unwed pregnancy thing in this family . If Jennifer ends up pregnant , you have to take responsibility for her . Our family has always been about doing the right thing , Cathy said .
Donald said , “ I know , Mom . Jennifer and I aren’t at that stage yet . I just like her souch that I can’t help but imagine marrying her and having kids with her . ”
Cathy couldn’t help but laugh a little , both amused and touched by his enthusiasm . She held his hand and said , “ I’ve never seen you so crazy about someone before . ”
Donald said , “ Yeah , I like her so much that I am determined to marry her .”
Cathy said with a smile , “ If you get married , I’ll finally be able to cross one thing off my list . Then it’ll be Cheryl’s turn to settle down . Once you both have your own families , I can finally retire and enjoy spoiling my grandkids . ”
Donald smiled warmly and said , “ Mom , that day will come sooner than you think . ”
“ Alright , I’ll be waiting for it ,” Cathy replied , her eyes filled with anticipation .
*****
A nurse from another bed rushed over , her voice urgent as she called for Heidi and Irene , “ Something’s wrong ! ”
Gordon , who had just woken up , clung tightly to Jennifer’s sleeve . His eyes locked onto the “ Nelson ” on Jennifer’s name badge , and his emotions spiraled out of control . He muttered , “ Fiona . Where is she ? Why is her name on you ? ”
Jennifer said , “ Sir , please calm down . I don’t know anyone named Fiona . Let go of me . ”
Gordon insisted , “ Give Fiona back to me ! I need her ! My Fiona ! ”
Just then , Irene and Heidi walked over . They pried Gordon’s hands off and guided him to the bed . Irene explained to Jennifer , “ I’m so sorry . This is my dad . He’s been battling Alzheimer’s for years . ”
Heidi grabbed Gordon’s arm firmly . She glanced at Jennifer and said , “ You’d better stay away from my dad . He’s unpredictable . He might hit or even bite . ”
“ It’s fine ,” Jennifer replied calmly , brushing off her sleeve . Though startled , she remained composed . This was nothing compared to what she had endured as a child .
Gordon , however , was far from calm . His eyes were wild , and his agitation grew by the second . Irene and Heidi struggled to restrain him . Just then , Jonathan walked in .
Jonathan pulled out a photo of Fiona that Irene had given him and handed it to Gordon . He said , “ Grandpa , look , here’s Grandma . ”
Gordon snatched the photo , his trembling hands clutching it tightly . His frantic expression softened as he stared at the image . At last , he quieted down .
From where Jennifer stood , all she could see was Gordon holding the photo , grinning . The picture itself was obscured , save for a yellowed corner peeking out . Jennifer turned and left the room . She thought , ‘ Whoever Fiona is , it has nothing to do with me .’
After calming down the restless Gordon , Irene stopped Jonathan just as he was about to leave . She said , “ Come with me , I need to talk to you . ”
Jonathan didn’t reply and just followed Irene out .
At the end of the hallway , Irene asked , “ Cathy mentioned that Jennifer is Donald’s girlfriend and Teresa’s older sister . Is that true ? ”
Jonathan frowned slightly , realizing there was no point in denying it . He said , “ I don’t want my past with Teresa to affect Donald’s relationship . He genuinely likes Jennifer . ”
Jonathan glanced at his watch and added , “ I’ve got work to handle at the office . Keep an eye on things and call me if anything comes up . ” With that , he turned and left without another word .
at the hospital ,
Since Jonathan wasn’t willing to talk , Irene decided to go straight to Donald . Visiting him would be the perfect excuse to bring up Jennifer .
Successfully unlocked !
put sneer , “ Birds of a feather flock together . Can
Seeing how much Donald seemed to care for Jennifer Irene count Teresa’s sister be any better ? ”
Before Donald could respond , a cold voice cut through the air , saying , “ Who are you talking about ? ”
Irene turned around , startled to see Jennifer standing there . Her lips pressed into a thin line , and a flicker of unease flashed
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in her eyes .
Jennifer strode forward , her gaze icy as she locked eyes with Irene . She said , “ Teresa refused to reconcile with Jonathan because of a nasty mother – in – law like you . Unlike her , I’m luckier .
“ If I marry Donald , I’ll have a kind and understanding mother – in – law , not someone as bitter and mean as you . ”
“ Say that again ! ” Irene snapped , her voice rising sharply .
Donald , lying on the hospital bed , quickly tried to mediate . He said , “ Irene , please don’t take it to heart . Jennifer just speaks her mind , she doesn’t mean anything by it . ”
Irene scoffed , “ Oh , really ? I see nothing but bad intentions in her words . Am I wrong ? She and Teresa are all the same , nothing but trouble .
“ Donald , don’t say I didn’t warn you . You saw how Jonathan’s marriage to Teresa ended . Their family’s upbringing is a mess . Don’t let her ruin you . ”
Jennifer’s fists clenched tightly . She scolded , “ What’s your problem ? You nasty old hag ! ”
Irene shot back , “ Donald , did you hear that ? She just called me an old hag . And I was right about her lack of manners , wasn ‘ t l ? ”
Jennifer retorted , “ And you think you’re so polite ? What gives you the right to talk about me and Teresa ? You didn’t raise us , and no matter what , we’re still better than a bitter old bat like you ! ”
“ You ! ” Irene stammered , her face twisting with rage .
Irene and Jeffiner locked eyes , their anger crackling in the air like a brewing storm . Neither was willing to back down . It felt like the room was seconds away from erupting into chaos .
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