Chapter 139
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Teresa shook off Jonathan’s hand . “ What’s gotten into you ? ”
Startled , Jonathan quickly sobered up and remembered that they had divorced . He had somehow fallen asleep . Even though the theater seats were uncomfortable , he slept deeply and peacefully .
“ I’m sorry , ” Jonathan apologized .
Teresa bent down and hurriedly picked Michael up from his seat . “ We’re leaving . ”
“ I’ll drive you ,” Jonathan said .
“ No need . My car’s downstairs .” Teresa rejected his offer .
She left in a hurry . By sheer luck , the elevator doors opened just as they left the cinema . She stepped inside with Michael without hesitation and exhaled in relief when
the doors slid shut .
Michael was still surprised as he tugged Teresa’s sleeve , “ Mommy , Mr. Lime called you his wife . ”
“ He got it wrong . How could I possibly be his wife ? ” Teresa asked .
“ But-” Michael tried to speak .
“ Enough , we’ll talk about it when we get home , ” Teresa cut him off .
She hurriedly drove back to Rosary Estates . Once they got home , the warmth of the heating enveloped them . She helped Michael out of his coat and gently urged him to have some water .
Michael tugged at her arm and asked , “ Mommy , could Mr. Lime’s crush be you ? ”
Her hands , busy pulling down his zipper , froze for a second . “ What nonsense are you spouting now ? ”
Michael explained , “ Mr. Lime told me he likes someone . He said she’s a stunning beauty ; and I think that someone is you , my beautiful mommy . ”
Teresa denied , “ He’s got plenty of pretty girls around him . Do you see me meeting him often ? We don’t even stay in touch . How could he possibly like me ? ”
Michael snorted . “ When we were watching the movie today , I tried to switch seats but Mr. Lime wouldn’t let me . I saw the way he looked at you . His eyes were sparkling like stars . ”
“ I saw it on TV . People’s eyes only sparkle like that when they’re looking at someone they like , so I think Mr. Lime has a crush on you , ” he continued .
Successfully unlocked !
“ Is he Iron Man ? Does he shoot beams from his eyes ? ” Teresa retorted .
“ Well , I’m calling Mr. Lime , ” Michael said , reaching out to Teresa . “ Give me back my phone . I need to ask Mr. Lime if he likes you or not . ”
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“ That’s enough , Michael . ” Teresa put on a serious face . “ I’m going to get angry . ”
Michael stood up straight . “ Why would you get angry ? Mr. Lime’s handsome and rich . If he likes you , wouldn’t that be good for you ? ”
“ I don’t like him , and he doesn’t like me either .
“ He called me ‘ wife ‘ today because we used to be married for a short while . As I’ve told you , your real father’s old and ugly ; and I didn’t want him anymore . So , now , it’s just you and me .
“ As for Mr. Lime , he’s not your father – he never was and never will be . One day , he’ll marry another woman and have children with her ; and none of that will have anything to do with us . Do you understand , Michael ? ” Teresa said through tears .
Michael had never seen Teresa cry like that , and called out in panic , “ Mommy ! ”
Teresa hastily wiped her tears away . “ I’m a little tired . I’m going to go rest in my room . ”
She turned around and went to her room , but the tears started flowing again . She began to blame everyone , including herself .
‘ Why’d Jonathan have to return to Nareigh ? Why do I keep letting my guard down and getting tangled up with him ? Why’d I let Michael spend a few days with him ? Why’s it so hard just to spend some quality time with Michael ? ‘ she pondered .
Her life had been calm after the divorce , no matter how tough things were . But , now that Jonathan had returned , everything was in a mess . Worse , Michael adored and trusted him completely , singing praises about that man at every turn .
Perhaps what one feared losing the most was exactly what they were destined to lose . Growing up starved of love , Teresa did not know how to give Michael the best options .
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