Chapter 193

192. 192
Teresa frowned . “ Let’s take it one step at a time and how things go But that was out of the question for Jennifer right )
Jennifer admitted she was fixated on that childhood promise , dreaming of a happy life with Teresa The first step toward that dream was leaving Narigh and starting fresh in a new city
Jennifer would never get manied . She and Teresa would raise Michael together , tomching him their values and gring him the best education Sure , Jennifer had secretly hoped Michael would be a girl , but he was Teresa’s child , and that was what mattered most
Jennifer had never disliked him — not even for a second . If anything , she was terrified of the idea that Michael might grow to
resent her
Right now , Jennifer was even more determined than Teresa to keep the child’s existence a secret . If the truth came out , Teresa would lose everything , and Jennifer would lose her job and be left with nothing
No one truly understood how much Jennifer cherished what she had – her career , her sister , and her nephew . She had so little in her life and couldn’t afford to lose any of it .
Jennifer was so close to leaving – just one step away . But now Evelyn had been abandoned by her man and left without any support . Teresa couldn’t possibly turn her back on Evelyn ,
Jennifer was just waiting for the day Teresa would genuinely decide to leave . And yet , their plans would be derailed by
someone so irrelevant .
‘ Benny ? Damn it . Why did he steal a kid’s hair ? Seriously , no one will do as he did , Jennifer wondered .
Jennifer felt the same disdain for Benny as she did for Donald . Birds of a feather , indeed .
Suddenly , a name surfaced in Jennifer’s mind . Jennifer added Miriam in a group chat but hadn’t added Cheryl yet , so she sent Cheryl a friend request .
Cheryl quickly accepted the request . Considering they were about to become a family and Donald had feelings for her , Cheryl took the initiative to say hello .
Jennifer didn’t waste time . II remember you’re pretty free these days , not really working a serious job . ]
Cheryl : [ Excuse me ? I’m an illustrator . How is that not a serious job ? Just because you might marry Donald doesn’t mean you can look down on me ]
Jennifer : [ Sorry , I didn’t mean to insult you . Also , I won’t marry Donald . I just need your help with something ]
Cheryl : [ What kind of help ? If it’s anything shady , I’m not interested . ]
Jennifer : ( It’s something simple . It’s for Teresa and Mike . Besides , you wouldn’t want your pregnancy to become public knowledge , would you ? ]
Cheryl groaned [ Seriously ? You two are the same , always holding this over my head . So annoying . ]
Jennifer offered : [ Next time you come to the hospital for a check – up . I’ll give you a prenatal yoga DVD as a thank you gift . How about that ?]
Cheryl rolled her eyes and replied : [ Forget the DVD . This Saturday is Donald’s birthday . Just spend time with him , okay ? I’ll do whatever you want . I just can’t stand seeing him so down because of you . Please , just give him some attention . ]
Jennifer didn’t respond
Cheryl sent a voice message . “ Come on , Jennifer , just give Donald a shot . Let me introduce him to you . He’s really tall and has a great physique . His hobby is playing badminton . He’s a Pisces , and he can be a bit love – struck at times ,
“ You might not believe in astrology , but his sign really suits him . Anyway , he’s an amazing guy . He gets along with everyone and has a great personality . People say he’s kind – hearted , caring , and genuinely nice .
“ He helps old ladies cross the street and donates to kids in poor rural areas . He’s just a really good person . Give him a chance , will you ? ”
Cheryl : [ Try spending time with him . He’s not bad – looking at all – handsome and cheerful . But lately , he’s been so gloomy at home because of you ]
If it were about Jonathan and Teresa , Cheryl wouldn’t had all this After all , Jonathan was her cousin , and his temper made Cheryl hesitant to speak up . But Donald Successfully unlocked !
Cheryl couldn’t bear to see Donald so melancho every day , remy created and even a bit self – conscious because of Jennifer . The words hit Jennifer like a jolt , her eyes flickering with a trace of unease .
Donald , of all people , feeling insecure because of me ? ‘ she wondered . Jennifer’s heart sank . “ He is warm , cheerful , and kind – everything I am not . If anyone doesn’t measure up , it’s me .
While Jennifer was lost in thought , Cheryl still waiting for a reply , called her via voice chat
Jennifer ignored the call and texted back ( Got it , I’m heading to bed
Cheryl Alright , it’s settled then , Jennifer . This Saturday , Donald’s birthday – don’t forget Welcome Thanks in advance from the Lynn family . ]
Jennifer didn’t reply . That night , she couldn’t stop thinking about Donald . But she knew that if she let herself waver , leaving Nareigh would no longer be an option .
Friday came quickly . Over the past couple of days , Teresa had been busy arranging Evelyn’s discharge from the hospital . First , she picked up Isabel and brought her to Rosary Estates
Later , Jennifer would drive over to pack Evelyn’s belongings from the hospital and bring her back home .
“ Mommy . ” Michael’s curiosity was piqued by the unfamiliar little girl . He gave her a once – over and asked , “ Who’s she ?”
Teresa answered honestly , “ She’s your aunt . ”
“ What ? No way . Michael puffed up his cheeks and glared at Teresa “ You’re joking , right ? She’s just a little kid , even younger than me . Why do I have to call her aunt ? ”
“ She’s your grandma’s daughter , so she’s my sister . Grandma will be here soon , too . You’ve always asked me about my parents , right ? Well , you’ll finally get to meet them , ” explained Teresa .
Michael’s eyes widened as realization dawned on him . He looked up at Teresa and asked , “ Mommy , is that why you’ve been going to the hospital these past few days ? Was Grandma sick ? ”
“ That’s my clever boy . You figured it out so quickly , Teresa said , playfully rubbing his cheeks with both hands .
“ Mommy , is Grandma okay now ? Are Grandma and , well , Aunt Isabel going to live with us from now on ? ” he asked .
“ For now , yes , ” Teresa replied with a gentle smile . Meanwhile , Isabel , sitting on the sofa , let out cheerful sounds as she crawled toward her handsome nephew , her tiny hands reaching out to grab his clothes .
Michael sighed in resignation , “ Mommy , I can’t call her Aunt . She’s just a baby who doesn’t even talk yet .”
“ Alright , it doesn’t matter , Teresa said with a chuckle .
Even Teresa found it strange to call Isabel her sister . Isabel was younger than Teresa’s son , and Teresa was older than Isabel by over twenty years .
The elevator dinged , and footsteps grew closer . Teresa took a deep breath , bracing herself to introduce Michael to Evelyn- and to endure whatever scolding might come her way .
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