Chapter 206
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“ Why not ? ” Jonathan’s frustration was evident . She was driving him up the wall . He wondered what on earth was going through her mind all day .
Teresa replied firmly , “ Let’s stop this back – and – forth . No more seeing each other . And for the record , I’m not pregnant . I’m absolutely sure . ”
Jonathan was stunned for a moment . “ Pregnant or not , we’ll deal with it when we back in Nareigh . ”
“ I’m telling you now . I’m not getting checked when we’re back . There’s no need . I’m sure I’m not pregnant . I took two contraceptive pills ,” Teresa said , her words sharp and deliberate .
Jonathan’s head snapped up , his gaze piercing . His eyes carried a mix of disbelief and reproach . Teresa had lied , clinging to her story out of fear . She’d taken two contraceptive pills , desperate to avoid the possibility of being pregnant .
‘ Two contraceptive pills ? ‘ Jonathan pondered .
Teresa felt like her thoughts were spiraling , leaving her drained and gloomy . “ Let’s just go , ” she muttered , her voice low and heavy .
Jonathan sighed deeply and took her hand . “ Whether there’s a baby or not , we’ll figure it out when we’re back in Nareigh . For now , I don’t want you to spend these few days with me feeling miserable .
“ Just take a break , let go of all that stress , and enjoy yourself for a couple of days . Then we can head back with lighter hearts . ”
Holding her hand more tightly , Jonathan added , “ Let’s go see the ocean . It might help clear your mind . I’ll go get the car . ”
Teresa suddenly found herself at a loss for words .
By the time they reached the beach , it was already past two in the afternoon . The ocean shimmered under the sunlight . The deep blue waves were mesmerizingly beautiful .
Nearby , an elderly man offered instant photos for 3 dollars apiece , or higher – resolution versions for 7 dollars . Jonathan pulled out 30 dollars from his wallet and handed it to the man , asking him to take several shots .
“ Look this way , you two ,” the old man said cheerfully .
“ Oh , what a perfect match . You two look amazing together , ” he added , handing the printed photos to Jonathan and Teresa . Teresa picked one up and smiled . “ This one makes me look good . I’m going to show it off to Miriam when I get back , ” she said , slipping the photo into her wallet .
Jonathan chuckled softly . “ How about a boat ride ? ” he advised .
Teresa shook her head . “ Just soaking up the sun and watching the waves is nice enough , ” she replied .
Jonathan nodded and followed her lead , gently holding her hand and tucking it into the pocket of his coat .
At that moment , they seemed like a couple deeply in love , or perhaps like a pair of long – married partners who had weathered life’s storms together .
The atmosphere between them was harmonious , free of arguments , as if past conflicts had been swept away by the sea breeze . However , conflicts wouldn’t simply vanish .
Teresa cherished this fleeting tranquility , fully aware that once they returned to Nareigh , such peace would be impossible . Estrangement might be the best outcome for them .
As they strolled , Jonathan noticed a woman selling roses by the roadside . He paused briefly before leading Teresa over . Taking out his phone , he scanned the payment code and bought the entire box of roses .
Teresa tried to carry as many roses as she could , but there were far too many . Jonathan said , “ Take what you can . Leave the rest here . ”
Confused , Teresa asked , “ If we can’t carry them all , why did you buy so many ? ”
Jonathan glanced in the direction the woman had gone , his eyes filled with sympathy . “ Didn’t you notice ? She had a child with her . Life must be tough for them . ”
Teresa froze , following his gaze . She finally spotted the woman pushing a cart away , accompanied by a boy who looked about seven or eight , helping her with the load .
Jonathan sighed . “ Scenes like this always tug at my heart .”
Teresa stood there , stunned and silent .
“ I … ” Teresa suddenly began to speak .
Jonathan raised an eyebrow . “ Hmm ? What is it ? ” he asked .
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