Chapter 128

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“ Mommy , let’s talk later . I’m going to thank Mr. Lime by giving him a drawing. He has been so nice to me , ” Michael announced .
“ Okay , ” came Teresa’s response . She would be lying if she said she wasn’t jealous . ‘ Why hasn’t he drawn anything for me ? I’ve always been nice to him too ! ‘ she wondered . After a brief pause , Teresa said to him , “ Go ahead then . Also , I bought tickets for the latest holiday movie – Paddington . Let’s watch it together when you’re back ! ”
“ Okay ! ” Michael nodded eagerly , his head bobbing back and forth like a bobblehead . After hanging up , Michael continued to draw .
When Jonathan finished work two hours later and returned to the hotel , Michael had fallen asleep at the desk with a crayon still clutched in his
hand .
Gently , Jonathan picked up the drawing . It depicted a man in a suit standing next to a lime tree .
For a child just over two years old , the drawing was impressively vivid . The figure stood before a vast sky , looking like he was strong enough to hold it up . Carefully , Jonathan carried the sleeping Michael to his bed , tucking him in gently . The following days were filled with exploration as Jonathan toured the city with Michael . Many passersby mistook them for father and son .
The day before New Year’s Eve , the two returned to Nareigh . Miriam , playing her usual role as mediator , went to the airport to pick Michael up . The child was fast asleep in Jonathan’s arms .
“ He’s exhausted from the trip and slept through the entire journey back , ” Jonathan explained as he handed Michael to Miriam . “ Also , I heard from Edward- ”
Miriam , impulsive as ever , cut
him off before he could finish , “ What ? What did Edward say about me ? Has he taken a liking to me ? ”
Jonathan shook his head . “ He mentioned that Mike is your nephew . Why did you lie to him ? ”
Miriam swallowed nervously . “ I just used Mike as an excuse to meet him , ” she admitted sheepishly .
Jonathan pressed further . “ On that weekend , you and Teresa took Mike to Jarisburg , didn’t you ? It’s impressive his mom has so much trust in you both to take such a young child on trips .
Miriam’s heart raced . ‘What exact successfully unlocked ! athan ? If only Teresa were here to help ! She’d know how to handle this , she noted . but Teresa wasn’t there , and Miriam wasn’t as quick on her feet .
She decided to confront Jonathan instead . “ So what if Teresa and I took Mike out ? His
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mom trusts us to take care of him . Besides , Mike isn’t your kid . We can take him . wherever we want ! Who are you to be asking so many questions ? ”
Jonathan’s tone turned sharp . “ He’s not my child , but it’s funny how everyone keeps saying he looks like me . ” With that , he walked away .
Miriam anxiously chewed on her fingernails , then immediately called Teresa to relay the encounter . Although flustered , Teresa quickly composed herself .
‘ Even if Jonathan suspects something , he doesn’t have proof , ‘ she reasoned . The medical records from her childbirth were strictly confidential . No matter how resourceful Jonathan was , he couldn’t access them . ‘ And he doesn’t even know which hospital I delivered in , ‘ she reassured herself .
“ What if Jonathan decides to get another DNA test ? ” Miriam asked nervously .
“ That’s impossible . Cheryl already did a test that proved Mike isn’t his son . Jonathan is too proud to risk embarrassing himself by going through that again , ” Teresa replied with certainty . She knew Jonathan better than anyone .
Miriam finally relaxed at Teresa’s assurance . ‘ Besides , even if the truth comes out , it’s not my problem , Miriam thought .
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