Chapter 251

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“ We can’t just let this slide ! ” Teresa’s tone was firm . “ You always defend Isabel , but Mike’s really upset this time . He loved that notebook ! Even if Isabel didn’t mean it , she still needs to apologize
“ She’s barely over a year old . She can’t even talk yet . How is she supposed to apologize ? Evelyn shot Teresa an exasperated look . “ It’s just a notebook . Buy him a new one
“ You can’t buy it anymore , ” Michael wiped his tears , his voice full of frustration . It ad Mr. Lime’s autograph on it . ”
“ Mr. Lime ? What kind of name is that ? ” Evelyn asked , clearly baffled .
“ That’s not the point ! Teresa snapped . “ The point is , Mike loved that notebook , and now Isabel’s ruined it . You need to set an example . If you keep siding with Isabel like this , Mike and I are moving out *
“ It’s not a big deal . Can you stop making such a fuss ? ”
Teresa wasn’t overreacting . They had been in Fernlandia for less than ten days , but she couldn’t feel any love from Evelyn toward her or Michael . All Evelyn did was shower Isabel with affection and frequently call Jennifer to check on her
Some people are just like that . They were always worrying about those far away while neglecting the ones right beside them .
“ It was a mistake for us to come here . We shouldn’t have moved in with you and Isabel , Teresa said firmly , gripping Michael s hand tightly . Her gaze was resolute , filled with determination . “ We’ll be moving out soon . ”
Evelyn stared at Teresa like she was out of her mind . She thought , ‘ Is all this really necessary ? It’s just a notebook Isabel tore , and it wasn’t even intentional . ‘
Teresa knew all too well the pain of having a mother who played favorites . She refused to let Michael experience that same hurt , and more than anything , she wanted him to know he had someone who would always stand by him .
“ You’ve only been here a few days , and now you’re talking about leaving ? Where would you even go ? And what am I supposed to tell your sister ? Fine , it’s my fault , okay ? I’ll buy you a new one ! ” Evelyn said , exasperated .
“ Don’t bother , Ms. Davis ,” Teresa said coldly .
“ You’re going to drive me to my grave ! ” Evelyn clutched her chest . “ Even when I apologize , it’s not enough . It’s just a notebook , for crying out loud ! And now you’re ready to pack up and leave ? Where did you even get this temper from ? ”
“ Because I’ve had enough ! ” Teresa shot back , her voice trembling with emotion . “ You’ve always put Isabel first , treating her like she’s some fragile doll . Then there’s Hannah . And me ? I’ve always been at the bottom of your list ! ”
Teresa loved Evelyn deeply , though she doubted Evelyn ever realized it .
As a child , she had clung to the hope that Evelyn would leave Philip and take her away . But instead , she was left behind like an unwanted burden .
That was why , after having her own child , Teresa swore she’d never let him feel that same loneliness . No matter how hard life got , she’d keep him by her side . She couldn’t trust anyone else .
Moving in with Evelyn had been a mistake . Time and again , she was reminded of Evelyn’s blatant favoritism toward Isabel . It was like staring into a mirror of her own childhood . Evelyn never once thought of Teresa .
Even though Evelyn made money and gave Teresa financial support , the love she missed out on as a child could never be replaced . Evelyn always claimed she didn’t understand Teresa’s feelings , but that was because she could never grasp the pain Teresa had endured .
Teresa’s eyes reddened slightly , though a hint of relief flickered in her gaze . “ I don’t care where I live or how much I have to endure . But now that I’m a mother , I can’t let my child suffer again because of arguments with your daughter . ”
Evelyn shot Teresa a sharp glare . “ How have I ever wronged Mike ? You make it sound like I’m some kind of villain . It’s just a notebook ! Why do you always have to make such a big deal out of everything ? Fine , I’ll apologize . Happy now ? ”
“ Mike , Grandma was wrong , okay ? ” Evelyn said , her tone laced with impatience . “ Grandma’s apologizing on behalf She then turned to Teresa with a huff . “ There , is that good enough for you ? ”
Teresa remained silent .
Evelyn’s temper flared up quickly but fizzled out just as fast . She didn’t think much of the argument and went to bed early , hugging Isabel tightly as she drifted off , her snores rumbling softly in the quiet night .
Del . ”
After dinner , Teresa brought out glue and double – sided tape , sitting down with Michael to repair Jonathan’s autograph . Michael tilted his head up and looked at Teresa with wide , uncertain eyes . “ Mom , I know Grandma doesn’t like me . ” Teresa looked at him , her eyes filled with warmth and a hint of heartache . She gently stroked his hair . “ No , sweetheart . You ‘ re so handsome and adorable . How could Grandma not love you ? ”
“ But Grandma never smiles at me , ” Michael said , his eyes brimming with tears . “ Mom , do you think I’m embarrassing ? ”
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Teresa froze , caught off guard . “ Why would you think that , honey ? ” she asked softly .
“ You don’t let me call you Mom when Mr. Lime is around . Is it because you think I’m embarrassing ? Did you think I’d embarrass you so you had to take me away ? ” Michael’s voice trembled .
Teresa was stunned into silence again .
Michael buried his face under the blanket , his small body shaking as he sobbed . It seemed like he’d been holding onto these feelings for a long time . Evelyn blaming him today had finally pushed him to the breaking point .
Teresa quickly pulled him into her arms , fumbling to wipe away his tears . “ Mike , listen . I’d never thought you were embarrassing . If anything , I was scared you’d think I was embarrassing . Having a mom like me might make you feel ashamed . ”
Michael finally lifted his tear – streaked face , his clear eyes shimmering with emotion . “ No way ! You’re my beautiful mommy ! ” he said with a sniffle .
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