Chapter 195
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Jennifer finally spoke , her tone steady but firm . “ Mom , stop blarning Teresa What’s done is done . Besides , we’re all going to leave eventually . Mike has nothing to do with his biological father . That man hasn’t done a thing to help raise him . ”
Evelyn sighed , her voice softening slightly . “ Well , that’s true , but
“ You’ve kept this hidden for so long . Jonathan’s mother isn’t someone who lets things slide . How could she not fight for her grandson ? Do you really think she’d just sit back and ignore this ? ” Evelyn askoth
Teresa shot back , her voice sharp . Tve already told you Jonathan and his family don’t know . Can you just listen for once ? ”
It finally clicked for Evelyn how deeply Teresa had concealed the truth , Not only was Jonathan unaware , but even his meddlesome mother had been kept in the dark . For a moment , Evelyn was at a loss for words , unsure of how to react
“ You’ve always been so carefree since you were little . This time , you even managed to fool his mother Jonathan’s a CEO now , and you two have been entangled for years . How has he not noticed Michael ? I mean , Mike does look like him , ” Jennifer remarked .
Teresa glanced at Jennifer , her eyes filled with weariness and irritation . Teresa didn’t know why Jennifer brought this up . She disliked how Jennifer handled things , even though she knew Jennifer was just trying to push her to leave .
“ I told him I didn’t love him , that I’d never have his child – and he actually believed me ,” Teresa said , her voice tinged with bitterness and disbelief .
Evelyn snorted , “ No man would fall for that . ”
Suddenly , a wave of sadness washed over Teresa . Jonathan , a man who had built an empire under Nareigh in just two and a half years , believed her every word .
She told him she didn’t love him , and he believed it . She said she wouldn’t have his child , and he believed that , too . He chose to let her go , to keep things clear – cut , to part ways without resentment – just so he wouldn’t hate her ,
“ That’s how things are . Is blaming me all you know how to do ? I never asked you to raise my child ,” Teresa said , her voice sharp with frustration .
Evelyn let out a long , weary sigh , finally calming down .
She had come to terms with the fact that Teresa had a child , though she felt indifferent toward Michael , seeing him as little more than an illegitimate child . What mattered now was figuring out the future .
“ Rosary Estates isn’t big enough for all five of us . Listen to Jennifer – either we move , or you and Jennifer take your son and leave . I’ll stay here with Isabel , ” Evelyn suggested .
“ I have a house in Fernlandia , meant for retirement , Charlie doesn’t even know about it . The place is beautiful and peaceful . Jennifer said she’d follow you anywhere . You two are close , so why not go together ? ” Evelyn added .
Jennifer immediately looked at Teresa , her eyes lighting up with hope . But Teresa’s gaze remained devoid of any desire to go abroad . “ The person who should go is you . You need a place to heal and recover . ”
Evelyn hesitated . “ But you two are in a mess . I just reunited with Jennifer . How can I feel at ease if I leave ? I love Isabel , and I love you two as well . You’re my treasures , and I want you both to be happy . ”
Neither Jennifer nor Teresa said a word , their silence speaking volumes .
“ Let’s get some rest . Everyone’s tired ,” Teresa said softly .
With five people sharing three rooms , the house felt undeniably cramped . Evelyn and Isabel shared one room . Jennifer had another to herself , while Teresa and Michael shared the last one
That night , Michael couldn’t fall asleep . Snuggled in Teresa’s arms , he blinked at her with curiosity. “ Mommy , there are so many people at home now , ” he said .
“ Yes , are you not used to it ? ” Teresa asked softly .
Michael nodded and hugged her arm tightly . “ Mommy , do I have to wake up super early now ? There are so many people . and even the bathroom’s always busy . I wish we could live in a big house . That would be so cool . ”
Teresa stayed silent , her eyes filled with guilt .
After a moment , Michael hesitated and asked , “ Does Mr. Lime live alone ? He must feel really lonely ” Teresa lowered her head and saw his wide , watery eyes , full of longing and pleading .
Her heart ached for Michael , and before she could stop herself , she said , “ Why don’t we go live with him ? ”
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