Chapter 286
285. 285
Judging by Jonathan’s expression , Benny could tell it was true that Teresa had spent the whole night with Jonathan in Jarisburg . “ Wait , why was Teresa in Jarisburg too ? ”
“ It’s fate ,” Jonathan replied .
Benny just chuckled . ‘ Something still feels off , he thought .
Benny really didn’t get why Teresa bolted the second she saw him in Nareigh . He was her friend , and it was not like he’d do anything to her . The way she acted , like a mouse seeing a cat , honestly stung a little .
Jonathan was convinced it was fate . Benny tried to comfort him , saying , “ Alright , I take back what I said about you two not being meant to be . You ran into her in Silvar and in Jarisburg , just never in Nareigh . ”
“ I have to find her , ” Jonathan said .
First , he needed to return Cheryl’s 120 thousand . Second , he wanted to ask Teresa what she really meant that night . He’d been drunk , but she hadn’t been . He wondered why she let him do whatever he wanted .
Benny and Jonathan were about to head out . They usually hung out during the holidays and had planned to invite Miriam , but she said she was busy .
Just as Benny was thinking about it , he spotted a familiar figure downstairs , patted Jonathan on the shoulder , and told him to look .
From their spot at the window , they could see everything below . Miriam was leaning against her car , her arms wrapped around Edward’s neck , and the two of them were kissing .
Edward looked awkward and inexperienced , his hands hovering uncertainly at Miriam ‘ s waist . It was clear Miriam was the one taking the lead in the kiss .
Both Benny and Jonathan saw the whole thing . Benny grinned , about to shout down at them , but Jonathan stopped him , thinking there was no need to embarrass the couple .
It was obvious Edward was embarrassed , and Miriam’s face was flushed too , so Benny and Jonathan decided to make a detour and leave .
Benny rubbed his chin with a mischievous grin . “ Miriam’s got the right idea – dating a young , energetic guy .”
Jonathan snickered and replied , “ Man , I feel bad for you . You just can’t keep up anymore . ”
Successfully unlocked !
Benny rolled his eyes . “ Seriously ? That’s not funny , ” he said . Jonathan just shot him a look , leaving Benny to figure it out himself .
1/3
285. 285
*****
After Donald got into that car accident on Memorial Day , Cathy gave him 150
thousand dollars . She told him to buy a new car and use whatever was left to help with his love life .
Donald’s current car was nothing special . He’d only been working for a couple of years and didn’t have much saved up . His parents figured he didn’t need anything fancy , so they got him a basic car for about 60 thousand .
Jennifer had always driven the Mercedes that Teresa had bought her . Cathy worried Jennifer might look down on Donald’s car , so she gave him the money .
But instead of buying a new car , Donald put together the money from Cathy and the 30 thousand or so he’d saved from work , and used it all as the down payment for a new place for Jennifer . Cathy still didn’t know about it .
After work , Jennifer saw the title deed sitting on her desk . That was when she realized Donald had bought the Chesburg apartment she’d been wanting .
“ The deed’s in your name , ” Donald said , taking Jennifer’s hand and kissing her fingers .
Jennifer pulled her hand back . “ Where did you get all that money for the down payment ? ”
“ I’ve been saving up . And my parents usually give me some pocket money , ” Donald replied .
Jennifer had been saving up to buy a place , hoping Teresa could move in soon . Teresa loved their grandparents , and Jennifer had her eye on a ground – floor unit with a garden at Century Greenway Community , the best neighborhood at their grandparents ‘ old home .
If Donald hadn’t helped with the down payment , she wouldn’t have been able to afford it yet . Over 200 thousand dollars was a lot for Jennifer right now .
“ We’ll pay off the rest of the loan together , so don’t worry , ” Donald said . “ Look how good I am to you , so don’t break up with me , and don’t talk about quitting your job and leaving , okay ? ”
Jennifer just nodded .
“ Move in with me . Don’t stay by the hospital anymore . I’ve renovated the place , bought all new furniture , and even set up your room just the way you like it . Come check it out , ” Donald said .
Jennifer couldn’t say no , so she moved in with him . Donald usually lived there alone- his parents hardly ever came by , and Cheryl didn’t visit either .
Even when Cheryl came home , she always stayed with her parents , so it was just Donald and Jennifer living there together .
2/3
285. 285
Donald opened up a wardrobe , revealing it packed with brand – new women’s clothes and scarves , all with the tags still on – everything he’d picked out just for her .
“ Thank you , ” Jennifer said , especially touched . Every day with her , he always found new ways to make her feel loved .
After dinner , to celebrate Jennifer officially moving in , Donald uncorked a bottle of red wine and toasted with her .
The couple’s rings on their left ring fingers sparkled in the light . With a bit of wine in him , Donald poured out his feelings , promised to always treat her well , and then kissed Jennifer’s lips as his hand slowly wandered down .
He’d dreamed of the moment for so long – holding her close , but never daring to cross the line . This time , Jennifer didn’t resist , letting Donald slip off her clothes …
That night , she gave Donald everything she’d been saving – her most precious gift . In bed , their fingers intertwined as he kissed her brow , the bridge of her nose , and finally her lips .
When it mattered most , Jennifer kept her wits about her and made sure he used contraception . Donald , not losing his head either , was prepared – the stuff he’d bought in advance finally came in handy .
At that moment , a single tear slid down Jennifer’s cheek – partly from pain , partly from happiness .
The next morning , Jennifer woke up early . It was already warm in May , so even without a thick blanket , she didn’t feel cold .
Donald was still asleep . She gazed at his face , her fingers gently tracing the bridge of his nose and the curve of his cheek .
Her eyes were full of tenderness . Suddenly , she realized it wasn’t that he couldn’t live without her . Maybe she was the one who couldn’t live without him .
She’d already given him everything a woman could give . In that aspect , Jennifer was still quite traditional . Even though she’d had some wine last night , her mind had been perfectly clear .
Would marrying him bring her happiness ? At that moment , she found herself longing for a future together , dreaming of what marriage with him might be like .
3/3