Chapter 265
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“ She’s doing fine now and doesn’t want to be disturbed ,” Jonathan finished the
sentence .
Jennifer’s eyes were filled with disappointment as she stared at Jonathan . With a mocking smile , she said , “ So you’re just giving up on Teresa ? Is that all your so – called love amounts to ? ” After saying that , she turned and walked away-
Miriam told Jonathan to ignore Jennifer , saying . That woman has some issues . Jonathan replied indifferently . “ There’s no need to look for Teresa .”
He turned and left
Miriam let out a helpless sigh
Benny , after hearing Miriam mention Teresa’s phone calls , felt frustrated . “ Everyone’s talked to Teresa except me ? If I’d known , I wouldn’t have left that day . What a mistake , ” he muttered .
“ Why hasn’t Teresa come back ? ” Benny asked Miriam .
“ Because of Jennifer , ” Miriam snorted . “ I always knew Jennifer was bossy , but I didn’t think she’d go this far . She’s practically running Teresa’s life .
“ Ever since Teresa moved in with her , I haven’t seen her smile . She never complains about Jennifer , though . Jennifer even brainwashed me , saying everything was what Teresa wanted . Ugh , I can’t believe I actually fell for her act . ” Miriam scoffed .
Benny raised an eyebrow . He’d met Jennifer a couple of times and found her tough to deal with , but he didn’t share Miriam’s deep hostility . “ By the way , what about your
cousin ? ” he asked .
“ Which cousin ? ” Miriam asked , feigning confusion .
“ The one named Sherry ,” Benny clarified .
Miriam’s eyes flickered for a moment . “ Oh … She’s doing fine . Why do you ask ? ”
Benny stared at Miriam . “ I thought I saw her in Nareigh a few days ago . Didn’t she leave ? And what about her kid – the one who looks just like Jonathan ? ”
Miriam laughed nervously . “ You must’ve been mistaken . You’re terrible with faces , remember ? ”
Even though Miriam said that , Benny couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off . Raising an eyebrow , he brought the conversation back to Teresa . “ So , Teresa’s not coming back just because Jennifer is too controlling ? ”
Miriam nodded . “ Teresa didn’t sa successfully unlocked ! ng by Jennifer’s behavior , I bet she’s always scolding and lecturing her .
Benny frowned , still puzzled . “ That doesn’t sound like Teresa . She’s not the type to hold grudges . I remember back in school , she’d always oversleep and be late . When
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the teacher scolded her , she’d just laugh it off and move on . ”
“ If someone were living in your house , constantly bossing you around , controlling everything you do , setting rules and demands , and you couldn’t just kick them out because they’re family – how would you feel ? ” Miriam said .
“ Really ? Her sister’s that bad ? But isn’t her sister dating Jonathan’s cousin now ? She seems pretty happy with Edward , ” Benny replied .
Miriam snapped , “ Jonathan’s cousin is Donald . Stop dragging Edward into this . ”
Benny chuckled apologetically , “ My bad , my bad . So , what’s the deal then ? Are we really not looking for Teresa anymore ? I even asked Jonathan , and he said there’s no
need to look for her . ”
Miriam shook her head . “ I don’t know what Teresa said to Jonathan , but she made it clear that she’s doing fine and just wants to live on her own . She told us not to worry about her . ”
“ Something’s off , though . It still feels off , ” Benny muttered , stroking his chin as he paced back and forth . Suddenly , he stopped in his tracks , snapping his fingers , his face lighting up like he’d just solved a mystery . “ Don’t tell me Teresa’s found herself a new boyfriend ? ”
‘ Damn it ,’ Miriam cursed inwardly . Benny’s too sharp for his own good . This was exactly why she’d been so on edge around him . Back when she and Sherry staged that lie about Michael being Sherry’s kid , she’d been terrified Benny wouldn’t buy it .
Benny was no fool . Miriam couldn’t let him start suspecting Michael again or find out Teresa had a son .
Now that Teresa was no longer in Nareigh , Miriam could only feign ignorance . ” Seriously , stop with the wild guesses . Teresa doesn’t have anyone else . She still hast feelings for Jonathan , ” she said , trying to sound convincing .
Benny patted Miriam’s shoulder . “ Miriam , we’re close , right ? Don’t keep secrets from
Miriam nodded and returned the gesture , patting Benny’s shoulder . “ Benny , come on , we’re tight . You know that . ”
Benny slung his arm over Miriam’s shoulder again . “ Just tell me – did Teresa get involved with another guy ? I’promise I won’t tell Jonathan .”
Miriam smirked coldly . “ How would I know ? If you’re so curious , go find Teresa and ask her yourself . ”
Benny gritted his teeth . “ Fine . If Jonathan won’t look for her , then the two of us will keep an eye out . We have to find her . ”
Miriam was speechless , but inwardly , she was panicking .
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The night was deep , and at this hour , Nareigh General Hospital – the largest hospital in the city – was still bustling . Jennifer sat in her office , immersed in work . Having recently transferred to this hospital and taken on the role of associate chief physician , her workload had increased .
Suddenly , a black jacket was draped over her shoulders .
A familiar scent lingered in the air . Jennifer turned around and met Donald’s concerned gaze . She sighed softly , her exhaustion evident . “ I thought you were off work , ” she said .
“ You’re my girlfriend . How could I leave knowing you’re still here ? ” Donald replied , his tone warm and steady .
“ Thank you ,” Jennifer murmured , holding his hand . She felt a wave of gratitude for having someone who cared so deeply for her . ‘ This is what love is , she thought . ” Someone who stays by your side , not someone who just walks away .
“ Take a break ,” Donald said gently . He brewed her a cup of coffee and then moved behind her , his hands skillfully massaging her shoulders and temples , easing the tension bit by bit .
Jennifer closed her eyes , her body relaxing slightly . Yet , her mind wandered , and Teresa’s face surfaced in her thoughts . A sigh escaped her lips as she thought of Teresa .
“ I wonder how Teresa’s doing . Is she eating properly ? That girl can’t even cook . I used to make her meals , or we’d just order- ” Jennifer stopped herself , realizing she had almost let something slip . “ Takeout just doesn’t compare to home – cooked food . ”
She turned to look at Donald , who was gazing at her with nothing but affection . He seemed oblivious to her momentary hesitation and simply stroked her cheek , placing a soft kiss on her brow .
“ Don’t worry so much ,” Donald said softly . “ Teresa’s an adult , not a child . She’s just taking some time for herself . When she’s ready , she’ll come back . ”
“ Mmm , ” Jennifer leaned back , resting her head gently against Donald’s chest . “ Thank you , Donald . Having you by my side makes me believe in love . ”
“ Jennifer , ” Donald kissed her forehead , his voice tender and full of emotion as he spoke each word , “ I love you .” His lips slowly moved down , brushing against the bridge of her nose before capturing her lips in a sweet , breath – stealing kiss ,
Jennifer closed her eyes , savoring the warmth of his kiss , but a growing unease stirred within her . She wondered if Donald truly loved her and if he would leave her one day in
the future .