Chapter 123

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Cheryl lounged on the couch while Michael scurried around , bringing her water at her request . “ Mike , would you like a little brother or sister ? I could make that happen , ” Cheryl joked .
Michael said , “ I like puppies , Aunt Cheryl . Can you give me one ? ”
Cheryl chuckled , asking , “ Why do you want a puppy ? ”
“ So I can play with it when Mom’s gone , ” Michael explained . Cheryl’s teasing smile faded , and she patted his head softly .
In the afternoon , Teresa returned home , arms laden with bags . New Year’s Day was approaching , and she had received gifts from clients and Benny . She handed a few bags to Cheryl .
Meanwhile , Michael crouched on the floor and pointed at a box of chocolates .” Mommy , this is from Bunny ! ” he exclaimed .
Teresa spotted Benny’s name on the box and agreed , “ Yep , those are from him . ”
“ Bunny ? Who’s that ? ” Cheryl asked curiously .
“ He’s a friend of mine – Donald’s too . The rich guy I told you about , ” Teresa answered . ‘ He’s a lawyer . His mom owns a law firm and his dad’s a high – ranking official , though I ‘
m not entirely sure what kind .
“ Regardless , he’s never had to worry about money .”
“ Is he handsome ? ” Cheryl asked as she and Michael started eating chocolates .
“ Yeah , he’s pretty handsome and quite wild too , ” Teresa said .
Teresa chatted before heading out . The holiday season meant a flurry of gift – giving , and she had to make sure she returned the favor for the gifts she had received .
Earlier ; Peter , Jonathan’s former employer , had sent a beautifully wrapped holiday package for her to the office . Teresa was pleasantly surprised by it and noted that there were more gifts than usual this year .
On her way out , her phone rang — Miriam was calling to ask if Benny had given her a gift .
“ Of course , Benny never misses the chance to give gifts to his friends . He’s always so generous ,” Teresa replied .
“ Yeah , he also gave me a lot – over 3 thousand dollars ‘ worth of chocolates ! But I don’t like chocolates , so I’ll pass them to “ 4i – i — –id
Successfully unlocked !
“ Michael can’t eat all that . Why do …
suggested .
y … Edward instead ? ” Teresa
Miriam chuckled and replied , “ Why didn’t I think of that ? Thanks ! ”
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Teresa ended the call and stopped by the hospital on her way back to pick up Cheryl’s prenatal medication . Teresa’s days were always filled with tasks .
Jennifer was also on shift that day , and Teresa spotted her sipping coffee at the
counter .
When Jennifer looked up and smiled , Teresa was caught off guard . It was the first time she had seen Jennifer maskless .
Teresa found herself studying Jennifer’s face .
Jennifer smiled nervously and touched her face . “ Why are you staring at me like that ? ”
“ You look familiar , ” Teresa said . “ Have we met before , Dr. Nelson ? ”
Jennifer shook her head and replied , “ No , I don’t think so . By the way , do you know someone named Donald ? ”
Teresa froze for a moment . ‘ I do . Why’s she asking about Donald ? ‘
“ Donald’s a junior I met during my postgraduate years . We were talking recently , and your name came up . It seems that his family doesn’t know about your child , ” Jennifer
said .
Teresa panicked and immediately grabbed Jennifer’s arm . “ Did you tell him ? ”
Sensing her panic , Jennifer assured , “ No , I didn’t mention anything at all . So , are you keeping Michael a secret from your ex and his family ? ”
Teresa felt guilt creeping in as she explained , “ I have my reasons . I only found out I was pregnant after getting divorced . I decided it was best to raise the child alone without involving my ex . ”
“ I see . ” Jennifer thought , ‘ Just as I expected , she’s worried her ex might try to get custody . Silly girl , what’s there to be afraid of ? ‘
“ I have a favor to ask , Dr. Nelson , ” Teresa said . “ The next time you talk to Donald , please don’t bring my name up or mention that I have a son . Please . ”
Jennifer felt sympathetic . “ You don’t need to beg . Of course , I’ll keep your secret , but you’ll have to pay me . ”
Teresa was taken aback . “ Dr. Nelson , how could you ? ”
“ I’m not asking for money ! ” Jennifer laughed . “ Just invite me over for a meal . You moved , so I don’t even know where you live now . ‘
Relief washed over Teresa , “ All right , but don’t blame me if the food’s terrible . I’m not exactly a chef . ”
“ I’ll help you out , ” Jennifer offered .
They chatted a lot on their way back to Teresa’s place . Teresa talked about her
company and how business was thriving , but Jennifer sensed that she was probably exhausted from having to manage a full plate .
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They discussed various topics , such as Michael and Teresa’s company , but steered clear of family – related matters .
When they arrived , Cheryl looked up from the table cluttered with takeout containers . ” Finally , Teresa ! Mike and I are starving , ” she complained .
Jennifer greeted Cheryl , and Teresa informed her that Jennifer would be joining them for dinner .
Jennifer took off her coat and rolled up her woolen sleeves . “ Since both of you cook , just sit tight . I’ll make some fresh ravioli . ”
can’t
In the kitchen , Jennifer focused on kneading the dough and rolling it out perfectly while Teresa helped by washing the vegetables .
Michael leaned against the door frame as he observed Jennifer . She waved him over and asked , “ You’re Michael , right ? ”
“ How do you know my name ? ” Michael asked .
“ Your mom told me all about you , ” Jennifer said . Despite not being particularly fond of kids , she couldn’t help but like Michael . He was Teresa’s son , after all , and Jennifer adored her sister and everything related to her .
Michael rested his cheeks on his hands and commented , “ Lady , you kind of look like my mom .”
Jennifer’s hands paused mid – motion .
Cheryl , who was passing by to grab a drink , overheard Michael’s comment and gave both Teresa and Jennifer a careful look .
Cheryl had only ever seen Jennifer in a mask that concealed much of her face .
However , as Cheryl studied the two closely , she couldn’t help but notice their resemblance . “ Actually , you two do have some similar features , ” she remarked .
Teresa raised an eyebrow and looked at Jennifer , who was still making ravioli . “ Do we ? ” she asked while running a hand over her chin .
Without looking away from her task , Jennifer said , “ I think I’m not quite as pretty as Teresa . ”
“ Mommy’s the prettiest ! ” Michael bragged , shaking his head proudly before darting off to watch TV .
Cheryl stroked her chin , glanced at Teresa’s chest , and commented , “ Teresa’s got a better figure . ”
Holding the rolling pin above her head , Teresa threatened playfully , “ Watch out , or I’ll hit you ! ”
Cheryl said , “ I’ve always wondered – does breastfeeding make your chest sag ? You’re still as curvy as ever . I’m worried my body won’t look good after giving birth! ”
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Jennifer responded , “ That won’t happen if you breastfeed properly . ” She glanced over at Teresa and asked , “ Did you experience any swelling while nursing ? ”
Teresa turned bright red . “ I don’t really remember . ”
Cheryl said , “ I suddenly feel Jonathan’s getting the short end of the stick . He could’ve at least pitched in .
Teresa grabbed a leafy vegetable from the counter and shoved it into Cheryl’s mouth . ” Zip it ! ” she snapped .
Cheryl spat the vegetable out and muttered , “ It’s tough handling everything on your own without a husband to help .” With that , she exited the kitchen .
She noticed Michael tapping away on the phone but did not know who he was texting .
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