Chapter 169

168 168
168. 168
Suddenly recalling something . Teresa left the room and headed to her car She retrieved a shopping bag containing a gray men’s scarf she had purchased after work . Returning to Jonathan’s bedroom , she placed it on the table
Noticing that Jonathan appeared to be asleep , Teresa gazed at him for a while longer before preparing to leam . Just as she turned , his hand grabbed her wrist , Jonathan opened his eyes , saying , “ Don’t go . It’s late ”
Just as Teresa was about to respond , her phone buzzed in her pocket . She glance at the caller ID , then showed it to Jonathan . “ It’s my sister . I need to head back , or she’ll worry about me . You should get some rest ” With that , she tumed
and left .
As Teresa left , she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had forgotten something important . By the time she returned to Rosary Estates , it was already past two in the morning .
Jennifer was still awake , watching as Teresa walked in and removed her coat . Without warning , she asked , “ Did you use protection ? ”
Teresa frowned “ What ? ”
“ You slept with Jonathan , right ? Did you not use protection ? Are you planning on having another child with him ? ” Jennifer said .
Teresa replied , “ I’m not pregnant . My period just started a few days ago . ”
“ Oh , that’s good . Jennifer nodded .
“ Hannah , we need to talk. Teresa couldn’t hold it in any longer .
“ Okay , Jennifer responded .
It had been two weeks since they reunited . It should’ve been cause for celebration , but Teresa hadn’t been happy lately .
She expressed her feelings clearly . “ Hannah , I know you’ve been through a lot all these years , and I feel for you more than anyone . That’s why I did my best to offer you as many material comforts as possible . ”
Teresa continued , “ I know you care about me , but I’m an adult now , not a child . I value my freedom and privacy , and I don’t like when people interfere in my life and force me to do things , even if they’re family . ”
She concluded , “ I hope we can maintain the space and distance we had before the reunion ; it’s been really tiring and uncomfortable for me lately . ”
Jennifer remained silent for a while . Noticing the fatigue in Teresa’s eyes , she sighed . “ I was wrong today . I got anxious and spoke too loudly , scaring Mike . After you left , I comforted him for a long time before he finally fell asleep ”
She continued , “ In the future , I’ll approach things calmly and discuss them with you . I’m also sorry for looking at your messages and replying on your behalf ; I shouldn’t have done that . But … ”
“ I want you to know that I meant well . I don’t want you getting caught up with your ex – husband . ” She paused , frowning . ” You’re an adult now . If you want to keep Michael a secret , then leaving is the only way .”
“ Tunderstand , Teresa responded . It was late , and they were both exhausted , so she returned to her room .
Meanwhile , Jennifer lay awake , unable to sleep as memories of her childhood resurfaced . She vividly recalled the nights when Philip and Evelyn fought . A young Teresa had clung to her arm , seeking comfort , as Evelyn’s voice rang out . “ Hannah , Teresa , to your rooms ! It’s bedtime . ”
As the door closed behind them , the muffled voices quickly escalated into shouts , followed by the deafening crash of glass shattering on the floor . “ Hannah , I’m scared ! Teresa had cried .
“ Don’t be scared , Teresa . I’ll protect you , ” Hannah reassured Teresa . The two small figures huddled together , seeking solace in each other’s warmth .
“ I don’t want to stay here anymore , Hannah . I hate this place … Teresa whispered .
Hannah cooed , “ Then let’s make a pinky promise . When we grow up , we’ll leave Nareigh and move to a faraway city . We’ll build a happy life together . ”
“ Hannah , will we really be happy ? ” asked Teresa .
“ Of course . When we grow up , we’ll be happy . ”
Her recollection ended abruptly . Yet , Jennifer’s
Successfully unlocked ! unwavering through the