Chapter 162

Jennifer had reunited with Teresa , and all she wanted now was to live with her and Michael while focusing on her career , She believed that if Teresa committed to her work , they could both excel in their fields and raise a child together without difficulty .
However , Michael shook his head . “ I don’t want to leave , Aunt Hannah , I like it here . I don’t want to go . ”
Jennifer opened her mouth to respond but stopped when she saw tears welling up his eyes . Panicking , she quickly wiped them away , pressing her lips together . She decided to drop the topic .
That night , Teresa came home late . Jennifer was still awake and greeted her warmly . Jennifer said , “I made some supper . It s still worm in the pot . You should eat something . You must be hungry ”
Teresa shook her head . “ Tm fine . I’m not hungry Mom was discharged from the hospital today . Her husband didn’t pick her up , so I drove her home . ”
Jennifer nodded . “ Okay . Get some rest . It’s good to have you back . I’m heading to bed . ”
“ Good night , Hannah , Teresa said , watching Jennifer retreat to her room . She could tell Jennifer still cared about Evelyn , even if she tried to hide it .
Before heading to bed , Teresa peeked into Michael’s room , as she always did . “ Is my little muffin asleep ? ” she whispered .
There was no response . The room was dark , and she assumed he was asleep . But as she turned to close the door , something felt off . The blanket on his bed was bunched up strangely , trembling slightly as if something underneath were moving .
Alarmed , Teresa switched on the light and rushed over. Pulling back the blanket , she found Michael curled up , his face streaked with tears . “ Mommy … Michael opened his arms , asking for a hug .
Teresa’s heart ached as she scooped him up , stroking his soft hair . “ What’s wrong , sweetie ? Were you waiting for me ? Or were you worried about me ? ”
Michael sniffled , burying his face in her shoulder . “ Aunt Hannah said we’re leaving here and never coming back . ” Teresa frowned , thinking . ‘ Why would Hannah say that to him ?’
Michael tugged on her sleeve . “ Mommy , is it true ? Are we leaving for good ? Does that mean I’ll never see Mr. Lime again ? ” Teresa was quiet for a moment . Leaving was inevitable , but she hadn’t yet prepared Michael for the idea . She said gently , Remember the last time we moved ? We moved once and went to Lonisburg . ”
Michael nodded . “ Yeah , but we came back because Mr. Lime got sick . ”
His words stirred something in Teresa . Back then , Jonathan’s high fever had broken her resolve , and she returned . Since then, she had stayed . Moving on would require strength , especially with the challenges Teresouth Group was facing Jennifer had brought up the idea of moving so many times , urging Teresa to leave as soon as possible . Even while she was in the hospital , Jennifer had asked over and over when they would be leaving Nareigh , But Teresa had never given her a clear answer .
That night , Teresa held Michael close , telling him stories and singing lullables until his tears dried and he finally fell asleep Only then did she leave his room and head to Jennifer’s
She hesitated , planning to address the issue in the morning , thinking Jennifer had already gone to sleep . But the next moment , Jennifer’s door opened
Jennifer stood there , looking wide awake . “ I couldn’t sleep . I was just coming to check if you were still up . ”
Teresa sighed. “ Hannah , we need to talk . Why did you tell Michael about us leaving like that ? ” She knew they were leaving soon , but she didn’t want to bring it up around him right now .
Jennifer replied , “ I’m just being honest . It’s better to rip off the band – aid now . You don’t want Mike getting too attached to his biological father ”
Teresa’s voice grew sharp . “ Michael is two and a half . He’s just a little boy ! I don’t want to lay it all out for him like that ! ” Jennifer countered , “ I wasn’t being harsh . I just told him that once we leave Nareigh , we won’t be coming back . He needs to understand that . We went through worse as kids . ”
Teresa’s frustration boiled over . “ I’m not Evelyn , and Jonathan is nothing like Philip ! I would never let Mike go through what we did . No matter how hard or exhausting it’s !
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Jennifer softened her tone but stood her grour .. your future . Clinging to the past will only hurt you both in the end . ”
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Her voice became almost pleading . “ You’re my sister , Teresa . I just want the three of us to be happy and move forward Teresa stared at her for a long moment and finally said , “ I’m tired , Hannah . Let’s talk about this tomorrow . Get some sleep ”
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Teresa could not help but chuckle at his innocent suggestion . “ On ? Do you have spent
Michael said , “ That doctor from the hospital ! The one who kind of looks like Mr. Lee ”
Teresa thought , Donald would be perfect Having previously married into the Lynn family , she knew Jonathan’s relatives well Donald was polite , well – mannered , kind , and had a respectable , drama free personal Me
If anyone could heal Hannah’s weary heart , it was him . But Hannah’s stubbo
seem impossible No matter how kind Donald was , she had no interest in dating
While Teresa was busy with work that morning , Michael stayed in her office , entertained by watching the busting some outside the window .
By the time Teresa finished her meetings and returned , Michael ran to her as he always did at home “ Mommy . I’m starving What’s for lunch ? ” he asked eagerly
Teresa smiled and said , “ What do you feel like eating ? I’ll order something for us . ”
“ I want …” Michael tapped his chin , pretending to think deeply . Just then , Teresa’s phone rang It was Jennifer She had prepared lunch for Teresa and Michael and bought some snacks for him .
“ I’m downstairs at your office . Are you in ? Should I come up ? ” Jennifer asked
Teresa quickly replied , “ I’ll come down and get you ”
When Teresa met Jennifer in the lobby , she was holding bags of food , including Michael’s favorite snacks . Back upstairs Michael spotted Jennifer and , still a little wary , peeked out from behind Teresa’s leg , clinging to her tightly
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