Chapter 188

187. 187
The sugary taste melted on her tonque , and for a fleeting moment , it fell like the warmth she had been denying herself . Without even realizing it , the corners of her lips curved into the faintest of smiles .
Teresa drove to Melanie’s house to pick up Isabel , Isabel , not even two years old , babbled in her soft , incoherent way . Teresa glanced at her half – sister , her expression indifferent , feeling no connection the toddler .
Evelyn had been missing Isabel and wanted her by her side , so Teresa brought the child to the hospital . When Evelyn mentioned wanting to be discharged , Teresa’s tone was firm “ You can’t leave until next week . Just stay here and rest ” “ Then let Isabel stay here with me . I can take care of her , ” Evelyn said , her voice full of affection . She looked at Isabel like the little girl was her entire world . “ Did you miss me , Isabel ? I missed you so much . ”
Watching her mother dote on Isabel , Teresa felt a familiar bitterness rise in her chest . She turned to leave , but Evelyn called out to her .
“ You paid the hospital fees , didn’t you ? How much was it ? I’ll pay you back ,” Evelyn said .
“ There’s no need , ” Teresa replied , her voice noticeably colder .
“ Why are you always so stubborn ? I’ll transfer the money to you . Just take it Evelyn insisted , her tone soft but persistent Teresa cut her off sharply , “ You can’t even take care of yourself right now . What’s the point of sending me money ? Keep it . I don’t need your pocket change . ”
“ You really are- Evelyn trailed off , at a loss for words in the face of her sharp – tongued daughter
Teresa handed over the formula , diapers , and other supplies she had brought , her movements brisk and efficient . Just as she was about to leave , Isabel started crying ; it was time for a diaper change .
Evelyn sighed deeply and struggled to get up , ready to tend to the child
“ I’ll take care of it . You should lie down and rest , you’re still so weak , Teresa said .
Evelyn frowned and said , “ You ? You’re so clumsy . How could you possibly know how to change a diaper ? Let me handle- ” Before Evelyn could finish , Teresa had already unfastened Isabel’s diaper and , with practiced ease , replaced it with a clean
one .
Evelyn pursed her lips and gave Teresa a few surprised glances . “ You know how to change diapers ? Since when ? ” Evelyn asked , clearly taken aback .
“ There are plenty of things you don’t know about me , ” Teresa replied nonchalantly .
Evelyn furrowed her brows . “ Are you hiding something from me again ? Spill it . ”
“ No , ” Teresa said dismissively . After finishing the diaper change and preparing a bottle of formula for Isabel , she left . As she walked , she recalled that Michael had already stopped drinking formula at this age , yet Isabel was still dependent on it . Not only that , Isabel couldn’t even speak yet , while Michael had been able to clearly articulate words at the same age .
Teresa wondered if Evelyn would blow up at her if she ever found out about Michael . But it didn’t matter . Teresa had made up her mind – she would always stand by her son .
She had come to terms with the fact that her mother had her priorities . Isabel came first , then Hannah , and Teresa herself was always last . As long as she fulfilled her duty as a daughter and had a clear conscience , she wouldn’t bother worrying about anything else .
Teresa returned home and noticed Michael’s hair was getting a bit long . Since tomorrow was free , a day for haircuts , she decided to take him to a nearby salon for good luck .
There had been a lot of people coming in for haircuts recently , and all the salons in the area were packed with people After some searching , Teresa finally found a salon with only a few cars parked outside . She stepped inside with Michael , only to spot Edward and Jonathan sitting there .
Teresa instinctively tightened her grip on Michael’s hand , but the little boy had already wriggled free . “ Wow , Mr. Lime ? Edward ? ” he shouted excitedly , his legs carrying him straight toward them . A flicker of panic flashed across Teresa’s eyes .
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