Chapter 264

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“ Jonathan , your career is thriving now . From the bottom of my heart , I think you’re amazing . I’m not mocking your success . Seeing you succeed really moves me . I know how much effort you’ve put in and the struggles you’ve faced .
“ Without the support of your parents or grandparents , you’ve fought your way to where you are today . I truly feel happy for you . As your ex – wife , all I can do is offer you my best wishes . You’ve worked hard , and you’ve made it . ”
Jonathan’s eyes glistened , as if time had rewound to the past . “ There was someone who once said she wanted to stand with me at the top of Nareigh Tower , sipping red wine and looking down at the world . ”
His thoughts wandered far away . “ Honey, keep going . I believe in you . You’ll climb from manager to boss . And when that day comes , we’ll stand at the top of Nareigh Tower , sipping red wine and living the dream together . ”
“ Alright , just give me some time . ”
“ How long ? ”
“ Five years , maybe . ”
“ I’ll be twenty – seven by then . ”
“ Yeah , I’ll do my best to make sure you get to live the dream before I turn thirty . ”
Those words from the past echoed in Teresa’s ears , and the sweet memory of that moment played vividly in her mind .
Now , Teresa was twenty – seven , and Jonathan had already fulfilled that playful promise . Tears slid down Teresa’s cheeks , but reality weighed heavily on her – she couldn’t afford to dwell on those memories anymore .
Before leaving Fernlandia , Sherry had called Teresa , pleading with her to keep Michael ”
situation a secret . “ Teresa , if Mr. Lynn finds out about Mike , he’ll definitely hold
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Christian accountable . Christian and I are getting married this year , and I can’t let anything go wrong . ”
“ Don’t worry , Sherry . I won’t turn my back on you and Christian . You both helped me hide the truth about Mike back then – I owe you that much . ”
“ I’m so sorry , Teresa . Once Christian and I are married , you can do whatever you want . ”
“ It’s fine . I won’t tell Jonathan . I just want to start over , somewhere no one knows me .
That’s all . ”
Teresa’s mind drifted to her 22 – year – old self , a young woman brimming with happiness and hope . She had rushed into marriage with Jonathan after barely knowing him , and for a while , it had been sweet , But now , she found herself stuck , unable to move
forward or look back .
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All she could do now was hold on to the resolve she had made long ago . No more
hesitation , no more second – guessing . Thinking of Michael waiting for her at home , she ended the call . “ I wish you happiness . ”
The busy tone echoed in Jonathan’s ears . It took him three full minutes to realize she had hung up . His tall figure exuded a sense of desolation , and his long shadow stretched across the ground . Silently , he handed the phone back to Miriam .
“ What did Teresa say to you ? ” Miriam asked .
“ She said … she’s doing well now , ” Jonathan replied . His cold , stern face carried a hint of loss , making it impossible for Miriam to discern what he was truly thinking .
Miriam couldn’t call Teresa back . Teresa had hidden her number , and the call had come from a randomly assigned virtual number , making it impossible to trace or return .
Jennifer walked over . “ Can’t we at least trace the IP address of the call ? I have a friend back in Shaville who’s pretty skilled in this area . He could- ”
“ Are you out of your mind ? ” Miriam cut her off sharply before she could finish .
“ No wonder Teresa doesn’t want to come back . It’s because of people like you . She’s already said not to disturb her , yet here you are , trying to track her IP . What are you . planning to do ? ”
“ I’m just worried about her ,” Jennifer retorted . Only she knew that Teresa was still carrying a child . She was deeply concerned that Teresa might not be able to take care of herself , let alone Michael .
Besides , Teresa couldn’t even cook . Back in Fernlandia , at least Evelyn had been there to prepare meals for her . That was why Jennifer had initially agreed to let Teresa leave with Evelyn in the first place .
Miriam looked at Jennifer as if she were staring at a lunatic . Despite Jennifer’s calm exterior , Miriam couldn’t fathom what was going on in her mind . To Miriam , it was clear that Jennifer still didn’t understand her mistakes .
“ Your so – called concern , your overbearing love , your obsessive care and constant supervision suffocate her . Let it go . If you keep this up , she’ll never ever come back . ” Miriam’s words were sharp and unyielding .
“ I- ” Jennifer tried to argue .
“ Teresa said ,” Jonathan , who had been silent all this time , suddenly spoke .
Both Jennifer and Miriam turned to look at him . His dark eyes were clouded with a complexity that was hard to decipher ,
Jennifer thought Jonathan would insist on continuing the search for Teresa – if he truly loved her .