Chapter 149

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Jennifer disagreed , “ Is cooking stressing you out that much ? Enough to make you think about telling him the truth ?”
Teresa shook her head . “ It’s not just about cooking . I just feel like I can’t do this alone . Mike really likes him and Jonathan … well , has been great to Mike , even without knowing he’s his son . Whenever we talk about Mike , the guilt eats me up inside . So I’ve been thinking , maybe I should tell him . Keeping it a secret might have been a mistake . ”
Jennifer frowned and said , “ It’s not a mistake . You absolutely can’t tell him . Think about his mother . She would definitely fight you for custody , and that would hurt Mike . ”
Teresa bit her lip , unable to refute .
She wanted to tell the truth because of Michael , but also Jonathan . However , the fear of losing her child made her conflicted .
She confided in Jennifer , trusting her as a wise , older sister figure who could offer guidance .
Jennifer saw through her thoughts and sighed , giving Teresa’s arm a gentle squeeze .
“ I don’t get it . You said you weren’t going back to him . Don’t let your feelings trip you up .. You weren’t happy in that relationship , so why go back ? You can’t live your life like your mom . Is that what you want ? Having two kids in quick succession , then getting pregnant again at fifty ? Don’t you think a woman can live a fulfilling life without a man ? ” Jennifer asked .
Teresa was puzzled . “ How do you know my mother has three kids ? ”
Jennifer explained calmly , “ You told me , remember ? On New Year’s Eve . ”
“ Did I ? I don’t remember saying that , but maybe I did , Teresa thought .
Jennifer held Teresa’s hand . “ Listen , don’t tell Jonathan or his family . It’s better to keep quiet and start fresh in a new city .
Jennifer’s desire to take Teresa and Michael away from Nareigh had never wavered .
She longed for a fresh start , but even more so for Teresa . Hence , she didn’t want Teresa to let her emotions cloud her judgment .
All the while , she was waiting for the right moment to tell Teresa about herself .
She wondered how Teresa would react when she found out that Jennifer was actually her long – lost sister , Hannah . Part of her was eager to reunite with Teresa as sisters , but another part was fearful it might overwhelm Teresa . She also worried that Teresa might not believe her .
Successfully unlocked !
“ I can’t leave Nareigh right now ,” Teresa said . “ I still have responsibilities at Teresouth Group , and I can’t just walk away . If I were to leave , it would have to be once the company is stable . ”
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She added , “ I’ll need to hire a nanny . I’m not great at cooking , but I can’t let my child suffer because of it . Before , I couldn’t afford it , but that’s not the case anymore . My main concern now is finding someone trustworthy . What if the person I hire mistreats him ? ”
The news was
filled with heartbreaking stories of nannies mistreating children , which made Teresa even more wary . She didn’t have the right connections to find someone reliable , and the thought of hiring a complete stranger made her hesitant .
Jennifer paused for a moment before suggesting , “ What if I moved in with you ? ”
Teresa blinked in surprise .
She explained , “ Actually , my lease at Golden Residence is up . If you don’t mind , I could move in and cook for both of you . ”
“ Sure ! ” Teresa happily agreed .
Living with Jennifer would definitely put her at ease .
Teresa said , “ I used to stay with a colleague . We got along well , but she’s got a boyfriend now . She’ll be back after the holidays , but she’ll probably move in with him . I ‘ ve been thinking about finding a new roommate , someone who can help look after
Mike when I’m not home . ”
Jennifer smiled , “ I see . You should’ve said so earlier ! I was worried you So , how much is the monthly rent ? I’ll transfer it to you now . ”
wouldn’t agree .
Teresa shook her head . “ That won’t be necessary . I’m already grateful that you’re helping us with meals . Rent and utilities are on me . ”
Jennifer shook her head . “ I can’t let you cover everything . I should still pay rent . ”
Teresa casually suggested , “ How about 200 dollars ? ”
Jennifer wasn’t having it . She quickly transferred 3,000 dollars to Teresa . “ I’m planning on staying long – term . If I leave earlier , we can settle the balance then . ”
Teresa promptly returned the money to Jennifer . ‘ Pay me on a monthly basis , she insisted . “ Your job isn’t easy , and you should have some extra to take care of yourself . ”
Jennifer didn’t want to argue further , but she felt that 200 dollars was too little . So , she transferred 300 dollars instead .
The next day , Jennifer moved in with Teresa . Her belongings were minimal ; just a few boxes . Teresa had already prepared the room , bought fresh sheets , and made sure everything was set up for her .
The move was one of the few things that had brought Jennifer joy lately . In good spirits , she decided to grab a coffee at the café downstairs from the hospital , where she bumped into Donald .
Seeing the usually stoic woman smiling for once , Donald couldn’t help smiling , too . ” Something good must’ve happened . It’s rare to see you this happy . ”
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“ Nothing special . ” Jennifer ordered another cup of coffee , offering it to him . “ Here , this one’s for
you . ”
“ You’re being so nice to me today . I’m flattered . ” Donald was surprised .
“ I’m just thanking you for always looking out for me , ” Jennifer said . She had always had special feelings for Donald .
It all started when she had swapped Jonathan’s hair in the DNA test , causing Donald to deliver inaccurate results to Jonathan . Every time they met , the guilt from that deception resurfaced .
However , seeing his gentle and caring expression now stirred something more
complicated within her . She quickly pushed those feelings aside , not wanting them to distract her from moving forward .
Her thoughts were interrupted by a light flick to her forehead . Jennifer blinked in surprise , looking up at Donald . “ Oh , come on . You’re always thanking me or apologizing . You don’t need to act like we’re strangers . ”
Jennifer cleared her throat . “ Oh . ”
Donald noticed the faint blush creeping up her ears and was surprised . Leaning toward her face , he teased , “ You’re blushing ? I didn’t expect that from you ! ”
No one had ever been this close to Jennifer before , especially not a man . Flustered , she pushed him away , stammering , “ I … I need to get back to work . ”
“ Wait for me . I’m heading back too . ” Donald followed her with a grin .
*****
In the evening , Jennifer returned home and busied herself in the kitchen , preparing a variety of dishes for Teresa and Michael . She was glad to be staying with her sister and nephew .
Miriam stopped by to visit Teresa . Jennifer stepped out to greet her .
Teresa introduced them with a smile , “ Miriam , this is Jennifer . She’s a doctor at Nareigh Maternal and Child Health Hospital and also my new roommate . Jennifer , this is my best friend , Miriam . ”
Jennifer smiled warmly and said , “ It’s a pleasure to meet you , Miriam . Thank you for always looking out for Teresa . ”
Miriam blinked , confused . “ Huh ? Oh , no , it’s nothing . She’s just as supportive of me . ”
After Jennifer headed into the kitchen , Miriam leaned in , grabbing Teresa’s arm . “ How do you know her ? She’s a bit … strange . The way she thanked me , it’s as if she’s your family . ”
“ I met her a few times at the hospital . That’s just how she is , but she’s really kind . ” Yet , despite her words , she couldn’t deny that Jennifer’s behavior struck her as peculiar at times .