Chapter 249

248. 248
Teresa said , “ Just do what you want . ” With that , she hung up . She felt helpless because she had moved on , but Jennifer was still stuck .
Donald had been stuck in bed for three days and couldn’t take it anymore . Jennifer’s distant attitude over the past few days had been driving him crazy .
Unable to hold back , he cornered Jennifer in the hospital garden during her lunch break . He pulled her into a tight embrace , ignoring her struggles .
He said , “ Why are you being so cold again ? Are you having second thoughts ? Or are you still planning to leave me ? Didn’t you promise you wouldn’t ? I’ve already arranged the transfer to Nareigh General Hospital . We’ll go together , okay ? ”
Jennifer gently pushed him away and said , “ But I’m Teresa’s sister . I don’t think we should be together . ”
Donald said firmly , “ As long as I love you , that’s all that matters . I don’t care about anything else . ”
Jennifer hesitated , her gaze dropping . She said , “ I still need more time to think about it . ”
Donald said , “ Jennifer , don’t push me to the edge . I’ve already told my mom . I don’t care about your family , I don’t care that you’re Teresa’s sister , and I don’t care about your past .
“ You’re a kind , upright woman , and I love you . I want to be with you . ”
Jennifer said , “ But I … ” Before she could finish , Donald kissed her lips .
Donald pulled Jennifer closer , his kisses deepening with an almost desperate intensity .
Jennifer felt her resistance melt away under his fervor . She placed her hands on his waist , but the moment her fingers brushed against his still – healing wound from the car accident , she froze .
Jennifer thought , ‘ He was willing to risk his life for me . ‘ Lost in thought , she didn’t even notice when a platinum ring slipped onto her finger . Stunned , she stared at it in disbelief .
Donald rarely saw her so dazed . He kissed her forehead and took her hand in his . His fingers trembled slightly . He couldn’t tell whether it was from nerves or urgency .
He said , “ I’ve had this ring ready for a long time , just waiting for the right moment to give it to you . Jennifer , will you be my girlfriend ? I promise to love you , protect you , and heal the wounds of your past . ”
Tears welled up in Jennifer’s eyes . The afternoon sunlight refracted off the ring , its dazzling brilliance piercing her vision and warming her frozen heart .
She never imagined she could receive such a solemn promise . She brushed over the ring with care . She had been lying to herself all along . She wasn’t indifferent to love . Deep down , she longed for such a kind of pure , unwavering love .
In that moment , she couldn’t bring herself to say no . The days of hesitation she had endured melted away as she gave a small nod .
Donald felt relieved . He gazed at her with deep affection and kissed her fingers tenderly . He murmured , “ Finally , you’re my girlfriend . Jennifer , I love you . Tell me you love me , too . ”
He carefully kissed her lips again . He wrapped his arms around her waist and deepened the kiss .
Jennifer closed her eyes , tears slipping down her cheeks as happiness wrapped around her . Yet , a sense of unease lingered in her heart . She thought , ‘ He called me upright , exceptional , and kind . But what if he ever found out the truth ?
‘ I swapped the samples to protect Teresa , but from Donald’s perspective , it would look like I have hurt Jonathan . If Teres child were ever discovered , Jonathan would undoubtedly blame Donald , accusing him of betrayal .
‘ It could tear them apart , turning them into enemies . Cathy would resent me too . No , I can’t let that happen . I have to protect Teresa , my nephew , myself , and most importantly , Donald , the man I love .
‘ I have fought so hard for this happiness , I can’t afford to lose it . ‘
Donald chuckled softly , loosening his hold on her . He said , “ You’re kissing me , but your mind’s somewhere else . Am I that bad at it ? Looks like I need more practice . ”
Jennifer shook her head and said , “ I was just thinking I’ll protect you too , Donald . Always . ” She was determined to guard the secret about Teresa’s child .
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