Chapter 29
29
Jonathan bore the brunt, letting out a weary sigh. “What more can I do? As soon as I heard she was in trouble, I left everything and came back. 1 sacrificed a significant contract for this.
Hayden made his stance clear with a dismissive snort Money comes and goes but a good marriage That s something you can t replace he stated his voice unwavering
Jonathan catching Teresa s eye gave a solemn nod You re right Grandpa he agreed
the better of her and she blurted out So what happened with the divorce What went wrong
kent their counsel.
Cheryl s curiosity got
The room fell silent anticipation hanging in the air but Jonathan and Teresa kept
Teresa glanced at her watch and prepared to take her leave Hayden if there s nothing more I should be going You need to take it easy and get some rest she suggested gently
Suddenly, Hayden clutched at his chest, his features contorted with pain. “Oh, it’s my chest! Is it my heart again?” he groaned, his voice strained
Teresa s face paled as she reached out to him Hayden are you okay she asked urgently
Dropping the act Hayden gripped Teresa s wrist with surprising strength Don t go Stay and have dinner with me and I ll be okay Sir next to Jonathan he can crack the crabs for you
Teresa remained silent her mind elsewhere
Jonathan slipped off his jacket nodding at Hayden s advice Let s eat and then I ll take you home he told Teresa
Irene had left and didn t return probably because she knew she wasn t wanted
After they finished dinner Hayden gestured for Jonathan to join him in the study
Curious about the exchange between Hayden and Jonathan, Teresa was drawn out of her thoughts by Cheryl, who leaned in and murmured, “Hey, what’s the real deal with you and Jonathan? Why did you guys break up? I promise it’ll stay between us.”
Teresa chose not to badmouth Jonathan. She replied vaguely, “We just weren’t suited for each other, I think.”
Cheryl, not one to give up easily, probed further. “How so? Was it a matter of not being on the same page in terms of intimacyTM
Teresa blushed and playfully tapped Cheryl on the forehead You re too young to be thinking about this stuff
Cheryl gave Teresa a playful nudge her eyes twinkling with mischief Tm getting up there but you Teresa you ve got that mature allure she teased
Teresa caught on to Cheryl s meaning and rolled her eyes at Cheryl s playful gesture You never change she said her tone filled with affectionate amusement
Cheryl hooked her arm through Teresa s complimenting her Your figure is to die for Teresa Being around such stunning beauty is a real treat she beamed her eyes full of admiration
Jonathan from the doorway of the study watched the interaction noticing Cheryl s touch on Teresa s form He d always been drawn to Teresa s figure and it still captured his attention
He cleared his throat noisily descending the stairs and interrupting the moment prompting Cheryl to un link her arm from Teresa s
Teresa glanced at her watch and her eyes widened at the time I have to get going she said her voice tinged with urgency as she thought about her son waiting at home
Hayden looked at Jonathan and let out a sigh Make sure Teresa gets home safely It s a shame she can t stay over like she used to
Teresa and Jonathan shared a wordless strained look their mouths set in tight lines
As they departed Teresa tossed a remark over her shoulder to Hayden Thanks for the Thanksgiving gifts Hayden That was really something
Hayden s brow furrowed in confusion What are you talking about I didn t send any gift
1/2
12:30 PM c
29
Teresa s eyes widened in shock You didn t have Edward bring the holiday package to my place
Hayden shook his head No I didn t Edward s not my errand boy I wouldn t have done that
Jonathan quickly steered the conversation away taking Teresa s hand Let s hit the road he said guiding her out the door
Teresa started to put the pieces together her expression thoughtful as she followed Jonathan
Settled in the car Teresa inquired You re the one who sent Edward with those gifts right
Jonathan’s hands clenched the steering wheel, and he responded with a brief “Yeah.”
His voice grew nostalgic as he continued When we first tied the knot I didn t have much to give I m just trying to make up for those early times
Tears welled up in Teresa’s eyes as she looked at Jonathan’s silhouette. “By the way, there isn’t really a fiancée, is there? You were lying. right?”
2/2