Chapter 107

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Teresa stepped forward to block Jonathan’s path . “ No way . You can’t take him . ”
Jonathan raised an eyebrow , his tone turning serious . “ And why not ? ”
“ I’ve already told you . I won’t repeat myself . Compared to you , I have more right to take care of him ,” Teresa said firmly .
Jonathan narrowed his eyes , clearly about to retort when Michael tugged on his sleeve . “ Let’s eat first ! ” he interjected .
“ Yeah , let’s eat ! I’m famished , ” Miriam quickly added , eager to diffuse the tension . “ It’s late , and you two shouldn’t fight in front of the kid . ”
Cheryl chimed in , Jonathan , Miriam’s right . Let’s eat first – we’re all starving ! ” As if on cue , a loud growl rumbled from her stomach .
Miriam had planned to impress everyone with her cooking skills by making fish , but it had gone disastrously wrong , leaving the meal burnt and inedible . By now , it was well past 6:30 p.m. , and no one had eaten a proper meal .
Jonathan , unfazed , handed Michael to Miriam instead of Teresa . With a casual shrug , he shed his jacket , rolled up his sleeves , and smirked slightly . “ Out of respect for you two , I’ll cook . ”
Teresa turned away with a huff . “ You don’t have to make anything for me . I’m not eating . ”
“ You better not eat then , ” Jonathan retorted with a sneer ,
“ Fine . I’m not eating , ” Teresa shot back . There was no way she could bring herself to eat a meal prepared by her ex – husband . It would be too humiliating after an argument .
Jonathan didn’t seem bothered . He grabbed the groceries and headed for the kitchen . But as he surveyed the chaotic mess inside – burnt pots , greasy counters , and a sticky floor – he frowned deeply . ‘ How does a woman let her kitchen get this bad ?’ he wondered .
With practiced efficiency , he cleaned up and called Cheryl in to help .
Teresa stole a glance at Jonathan working in the kitchen before taking Michael to another room . She gently washed his face , carefully tidying him up , and leaned in close to whisper something . Michael’s wide , innocent eyes glowed withi understanding as he nodded .
“ Mo- I mean , Ms. Johnston , I’m going to watch Mr. Lime cook ! ” Michael exclaimed .
“ Hey , come back ! ” Teresa wanted to stop him , but Michael quickly scurried off .
Miriam , meanwhile , was starving . The smell of cooking from the kitchen was torture , and she felt like she could eat an entire feast by herself . Finally , Jonathan’s braised short ribs were ready .
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Unable to wait for the rest of the dishes , Miriam grabbed a few ribs and dug in
enthusiastically . “ Teresa , come eat ! Jonathan’s cooking is amazing . It’s absolutely delicious , ” Miriam said .
She even held out a rib toward Teresa , urging her to try it , but Teresa shook her head firmly . “ Take it away . I don’t want it . ” Even though the savory aroma was tempting and stirred old memories , she refused to touch it .
Jonathan poked his head out of the kitchen and said casually , “ If you’re not busy , come help . Things will go faster . ”
“ I’m coming ! ” Miriam said , putting down the ribs and darting toward the kitchen . Teresa , however , stayed rooted in place .
Since she wasn’t eating , there was no point in helping . Instead , she focused on looking after Michael . Hungry but stubborn , she nibbled on a couple of orange slices .
By 8:30 p.m. , dinner was ready . Jonathan placed dish after dish on the table – braised short ribs , deep – fried prawns , crab cakes , mashed potatoes , sauteed asparagus , meatballs , and honey pork chops .
“ Wow ! ” Cheryl , Miriam , and Michael couldn’t help but drool at the sight . The vibrant colors , tantalizing aromas , and intricate presentation made it feel like a feast .
Jonathan dished out a small portion of each item for Michael , arranging them neatly on a plate . “ This is the kid’s portion – you shouldn’t eat more than that ,” he said gently .
Michael grabbed a short rib and began gnawing on it with gusto , smacking his lips with each bite . “ This is the best short rib I’ve ever tasted ! ” he exclaimed .
Cheryl and Miriam , too , couldn’t wait any longer . They dove into the food eagerly , savoring every bite . Cheryl gave Jonathan a thumbs – up . “ It’s been forever since I’ve tasted your cooking! Honestly , you can be considered a top chef . ”
Miriam , chomping on a pork chop , laughed . “ Totally agree ! Back when those two were still married , I used to come over for meals all the time . ”
In the kitchen , Teresa stood by the counter , intending to have some gruel . However , she lifted the pot lid , only to find the oats inside were still raw . She froze for a moment .
‘ Darn it ! Jonathan showing up threw me off , and I forgot to turn on the stove ! ‘ she cursed silently , her stomach growling as if in protest .
“ Are you sure you’re not eating ? ” Jonathan’s voice broke the silence , smug and insufferable .
Teresa turned sharply and glared at him . “ I said I’m not eating ! ”
Jonathan smirked . “ Why don’t you just change your last name back to Lynn ? ” * Teresa Lynn ? That sounds awful . Absolutely not . Besides , I’m not even hungry , ” she snapped back , but as if on cue , her stomach let out a loud , unmistakable growl . Flustered , Teresa bent over slightly , pressing a hand against her stomach as though
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that might silence it .
Jonathan’s gaze softened as he watched her . ‘ So stubborn , ‘ he thought , sighing inwardly . ‘ Everything about her exudes gentleness – except that sharp tongue of hers .” “ Come on , have some . We made a lot , and they can’t finish it all without you ,” he coaxed , his tone less sharp .
“ I told you , I’m not eating . Stop worrying about me , ” Teresa said , pretending to busy herself wiping the table .
Jonathan frowned , torn . Seeing her stubbornness left him frustrated , but the thought of her going hungry twisted something in his chest . Finally , he gave in . “ I’m just kidding , all right ? You’re still a Johnston . Now go eat . I even made your favorite pork chop . ” Teresa remained unmoved , so Jonathan sighed and wrapped his arms around her gently , pulling her into a firm embrace .
Teresa looked up , startled , her face heating as she found his face inches from hers . ” What are you doing ? ” she whispered , her heart pounding . “ This is Miriam’s house . ”
“ You’re being stubborn . I had no choice ,” Jonathan murmured , his intense gaze holding hers .
Teresa’s face flushed deeper as she squirmed in his grasp . “ Are you crazy ? There’s a kid outside ! ” she hissed , pushing at his chest .
“ Hello , ” a small , innocent voice piped up . Michael’s wide eyes peered in from the doorway . “ What are you guys doing ? ”
Hearing the boy’s voice , Jonathan reluctantly released Teresa , and she quickly adjusted her clothes , her cheeks flushed . “ I’m going to eat , ” she said hurriedly , taking Michael’s hand as he pulled her toward the dining table .
“ Mr. Lime , you’re amazing ! I’ve never had food this good in my whole life ! Michael exclaimed happily .
Upon hearing that , Teresa couldn’t help but chuckle to herself , ‘ Come on , you haven’t even been around that long ‘
“ Teresa , you’re finally here ! Hurry up and eat , we’re almost done ! ” Miriam called out , letting out a satisfied burp . She handed Teresa a fork while casually cleaning her teeth with a toothpick .
Teresa scanned the table and froze . Her gaze locked on the empty plate . Her pork chop – gone , just like that./
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