Chapter 125

At Rosary Estates , Teresa tucked Michael into bed , his tiny hands wrapped securely around the necklace Jonathan had gifted him .
‘ He really likes Jonathan , ‘ she mused , her heart twisting unexpectedly . Outside , fireworks crackled , echoing the holiday cheer . Teresa , however , found her thoughts drifting . ‘ Is he spending the night alone in Luviston Estates , or is he staying with his family ? ‘ she wondered .
The weight of those questions carried into her restless night . Her eyes wandered toward the calendar , and she decided to call Miriam .
The next day , Miriam acted as a go – between and reached out to Jonathan . “ Your secretary’s father just passed away , and Mike’s mother won’t be back until after the holidays . Teresa and I are swamped , so can I ask you to take care of Mike for some
time ? ”
Jonathan had been meaning to speak to Miriam about Michael as news of Christian’s father’s passing reached him . “ I have some free time . Should I head to Rosary Estates and pick up the kid ? ” he asked .
“ There’s no need . Mike’s at my place . I’ll drop him off at your office , ” Miriam replied .
Miriam arrived with Michael later that day and she reminded , “ You’ve got him for a few days , Jonathan . I’ll take him back before New Year’s Eve . ”
With five days between Christmas and the year’s end , Michael would be in Jonathan’s
care .
Michael , cheeks pink with shyness , placed his tiny hands on his pants and murmured , ” Sorry for troubling you , Mr. Lime . ”
Jonathan chuckled , asking , “ What’s with the formality ?”
Michael scratched the back of his head sheepishly . “ I’m just embarrassed , ” he admitted .
After Miriam left , Jonathan asked , “ By the way , has Ms. Johnston gotten over her cold ? ”
Michael nodded firmly , remembering Teresa’s instructions . He was not supposed to talk about her , but everything else was fine . Avoiding topics about her meant more time with Jonathan .
With a quick pivot , he mentioned , “ Mr. Daddy Lime , I’m super hungry ! Can we get something to eat ? ”
Jonathan had planned to take him to a restaurant , but his plans were interrupted by a call from Irene for a celebration dinner , though Jonathan knew it was just an excuse to lure him home .
Jonathan brought Michael to the Lynn residence , where Irene and Hayden were
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present . The sight of Michael made their hearts drop .
Cheryl’s paternity test had proven that Michael was not Jonathan’s child . The elders had been crestfallen , but no one had expected Jonathan to bring Michael back to the residence .
“ His parents are swamped , so I’m helping out for a few days ,” Jonathan said . nonchalantly .
Irene pursed her lips , asking , “ Aren’t you busy with year – end work ? ”
Michael , with his small arms wrapped around Jonathan’s neck , turned to Irene and said earnestly , “ Sorry , Grandma Irene . I didn’t mean to trouble Mr. Lime . I’ll be really good , I promise . ”
Irene’s words were caught in her throat . This was not her grandson , but something about Michael’s expression melted away her objections .
“ Okay , let’s eat , ” Hayden announced . “ Come here , kiddo . Give me a hug .”
Michael shook his head quietly , not wanting to leave Jonathan .
“ Dad , don’t frighten him , ” Irene chided . “ He’s just a shy , introverted boy . ”
Jonathan hoisted Michael into his arm and headed toward the kitchen . “ I’ll check on the soup ,” he said casually .
Once there , he balanced Michael on one hip while ladling some steaming broth into a
small bowl and handed it to Michael .
Michael sipped it carefully , then praised , “ It’s delicious ! ”
Jonathan laughed softly , patting Michael’s head .
As they ate , Irene , despite knowing Michael was not her grandson , could not help but dote on him , adding generous portions of vegetables and meat to his plate .
Michael glanced at the growing pile and informed , “ Grandma Irene , my mom says I shouldn’t eat too much at night . If I do , I sometimes get a fever . ”
Irene chuckled , saying , “ Don’t worry about finishing everything , sweetie . Just eat what you can . ”
Michael nodded and occasionally turned his head toward Jonathan .
After dinner , Michael drifted off to sleep . When Jonathan stood to leave with him , Irene and Hayden insisted they stay the night .
Irene mentioned , “ Could Cheryl have made a mistake with the test ? Maybe we should have it done again , just to be sure ? ”
Jonathan gently brushed his hand over Michael’s sleeping form in his lap . He raised an amused eyebrow and replied , “ I know both his parents . No way I’m the father . Do I really need to repeat that silly mistake ? ”
Irene responded , “ What do you mean by a silly mistake ? This kid looks too much like
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you ! Not even you could have a child that resembles you this much ! ”
Hayden teased , “ Exactly ! Even you couldn’t have a kid that looks this much like you . Could he be your long – lost twin ? ”
“ Dad , stop it ! Jonathan’s my only child ! ” Irene huffed as her eyes went wide .
Hayden waved it off , joking , “ I’m just kidding . I’m just lightening the mood . ” However , his response plunged the room into silence .
Before long , Edward arrived , carrying several gift bags . His parents had sent them over
for Irene .
“ Irene , my mom also bought you an emerald piece , ” Edward said . “ Just be careful not to drop it when you open the bag ! ”
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‘ Just put it there , ” Irene murmured , clearly distracted . Then , she added , “ Edward , have you found a partner yet ? You’re not getting any younger . ”
“ Irene , I’m still in college . There’s no rush ,” Edward replied .
Irene did not press the issue further .
Edward thought he had to say goodbye to Jonathan before leaving . As he made his way to the guest room , he saw Jonathan settling a child into bed . The child’s features struck him as oddly familiar , and Edward couldn’t help but do a double take .
“ Is that Mike ? ” Edward blurted out .
Jonathan looked up , momentarily startled , and asked , “ Do you know Michael ? ”
Edward answered honestly , “ Yeah , that’s Miriam’s nephew . We’ve run into him a lot . I’ve even taught him some dance moves before . ”
Jonathan’s mind raced . ‘ Nephew ? A lot ? ‘ he wondered .
Edward explained , “ We first met during the weekend when you were away on your business trip to Jarisburg . When we were together , Miriam brought the kid along with her , and Teresa joined them too . Do you remember you wouldn’t let me stay at your mansion then ? ”
Jonathan’s frown deepened . Without warning , he abruptly shut the door and motioned for Edward to follow him into the study . Edward scratched his head , wondering , ‘ Did I say something wrong ? ‘
Once inside the study , Jonathan’s gaze sharpened , his voice turning serious . “ Are you telling me that Miriam and Teresa took that kid to Jarisburg during a weekend ? ”
Edward nodded , answering , “ Yeah . ”
“ Why didn’t you tell me sooner ? ” Jonathan pressed .
“ You never asked , ” Edward mumbled quietly .
“ I didn’t really focus on what the kid looked like back then ,” Edward said . “ But last month , Miriam brought him along to visit me at school . That’s when I really got a good
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look at him . And honestly , he looks a lot like you . ”
Jonathan frowned further , his thoughts racing . ‘ What’s going on ? Something feels off , he thought .
“ Does this kid really look like me ? ” he asked .