Chapter 239
238. 238
She tried to suppress the flutter in her heart , determined not to get involved . But his tenderness was irresistible . The candies he gave her were sweet . She kept them in her drawer , savoring one each day as a guilty pleasure .
Jennifer snapped out of her thoughts and shook her head . “ You have your parents , your sister , and your friends here . I can’t let you throw all that away for me . You have a good life here in Nareigh , one that I don’t want to ruin . ”
Donald’s voice was firm . “ It’s simple . Either I leave , or you stay . If you’re set on leaving Nareigh , then I’ll leave instead . ”
His determination was like a flame , melting the walls around Jennifer’s heart . She couldn’t ignore the warmth he brought . But memories of Teresa’s failed marriage and Evelyn’s disasters rushed back , reminding her of love’s pain .
No , she couldn’t let herself fall any deeper . She had to remind herself that it was wrong , no matter how comforting his presence felt .
Jennifer took a deep breath and said , “ You’re probably still drunk and talking nonsense . I’ll take care of you for two days , and once you’re better , I’ll leave . Let’s just leave it at that , okay ? ”
Donald stayed silent for a moment and then nodded slowly . “ Alright . Just seeing you now is enough for me . ”
After dinner , Jennifer glanced at her phone . A message popped up . Teresa had made it to Fernlandia . She was relieved . Her sister was finally out of this painful city .
“ I’ve got a few things to take care of here , but I’ll be leaving Nareigh in a few days too , ” she replied .
After sending the message , Jennifer started tidying up the kitchen . Spotting a bottle of dish soap , she decided to wash the dishes herself .
Donald rushed over , grabbing her wrist gently but firmly . “ No way . How could I let you do the dishes ? I’ll take care of it . ”
“ It’s fine . I can handle it , Jennifer said calmly .
“ Absolutely not . In the Lynn family , men don’t let women wash dishes . If my mom saw this , she’d scold me for sure . How could I let my future wife do the dishes ? ”
To raise someone as warm and thoughtful as Donald , Cathy must be an incredible woman .
Snapping out of her thoughts , Jennifer retorted , “ Are you out of your mind ? I’m not your future wife , and I’m never going to
be . ”
Donald chuckled , completely unfazed , “ My parents are great . They’d love anyone I love . ”
Jennifer scoffed , “ I’m your cousin’s ex – wife’s sister . Don’t you think that would be super awkward for our families ? There’s no way they’d accept me into your family . ”
Donald frowned slightly but didn’t back down , “ That’s a separate issue . You’re an amazing person , beautiful , smart , and independent . They wouldn’t have anything to complain about . ”
“ You’re giving me way too much credit . I’ve told you . I’m not as good as you think . In fact , I’m a terrible person , ” said Jennifer .
Donald , still washing the dishes , glanced at her with a playful smile . “ Oh yeah ? Then tell me . What makes you so terrible ? ” He almost wished the sink would magically fill with more dishes , just so he could keep talking to her .
Jennifer didn’t know how to respond . She averted her gaze and changed the subject .
“ What if I hurt your family ? Would you still think I’m a good person ? ” she asked quietly .
Donald paused for a moment , her question catching him off guard . Then he said , “ I don’t get it . Why would you even think about hurting my family ? They’ve got nothing to do with this . ”
Jennifer countered , “ You’re close with Jonathan , aren’t you ? ”
At first , Jonathan came to Donald at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital for a DNA test , which showed how much Jonathan trusted him .
nathan
Donald sighed , his voice gentler . “ Jonathan’s dad died when he was young . My dad raised him like his own s has always been grateful and kind to Cheryl and me . Once he became a CEO , he’d give us younger ones pocket money ”
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