Chapter 30
A teasing glint lit Jonathan’s eyes as he picked up on Teresa’s irritation. “So, are you more upset or is that jealousy I see?”
Teresa s features hardened Jonathan I m serious At our age we can t be messing around with this sort of thing It s enough to make
anyone mad
What am I supposed to say when your network keeps asking for interviews Once I m on TV I ll be swarmed by women he remarked
Teresa gazed at him appreciating how his naturally attractive features had enhanced over the years
“You’re quite full of yourself, aren’t you?” she said, playfully deflating his confidence. Baffled by his fabricated story of a fiancée meant to dellect attention, she’d expected him to bask in the adoration he received.
Catching the coldness in her eyes, Jonathan let out a soft sigh. “You’ve had a tough day, he spoke gently.
Teresa s throat tightened and she turned her gaze away Tm fine she whispered her voice barely audible
She was all too familiar with such drama Her split from Jonathan had been largely influenced by Irene She d learned the hard way that marriage could struggle without a supportive mother in law Beyond Irene s impact there was another major reason for their divorce
Teresa looked intently at Jonathan her voice steady as she inquired Mind if I ask you something
Go ahead he replied
She paused to gather herself before asking What about Yvonne She had believed Yvonne was his fianc e
The memory of Yvonne s desperate pleas for Jonathan s attention loomed heavily over Teresa
Jonathan s eyes flickered with a deep sadness that Teresa couldn t miss She took her own life last year he shared his voice carrying the burden of that truth
The news struck Teresa with force She found it difficult to align the Yvonne she knew self absorbed and morally deficient with the concept of taking her own life
Sitting back her lips pursed Teresa admitted To be honest I never felt much sympathy for her her tone resolute even considering Yvonne s depression
To Teresa depression didn t excuse butting into someone s marriage Yet Teresa s doubts lingered You re not lying again are you she probed her voice laced with skepticism
Jonathan’s voice was dead serious as he spoke. I’m not kidding about this. She threw herself into the river and she’s gone.”
Teresa let out a soft “Oh,” and silence ensued. The previous emotional toll seemedyo vanish amidst the surprise of the news she’d received
Yvonne had left no stone un turned in her efforts to break up Jonathan s marriage to Teresa and her tactics had swayed Irene to her side
Teresa had stepped back from her marriage with Jonathan believing Yvonne and Irene would get what they wanted Yvonne s death had been unexpected and only now did Teresa see why Irene was on the hunt for a new spouse for Jonathan
Noting Simon a s attraction to Jonathan Teresa commented Simon a s quite taken with you She couldn t take her eyes off you since arrived And she s quite the looker herself
Enough Jonathan cut her off his grip on the steering wheel tightening
Teresa just snorted and went quiet not pushing the topic any further
you
Pulling up at Rosary Estates Teresa hurriedly headed for the exit without a word of farewell Jonathan remaining in the vehicle called out to her Happy Thanksgiving and threw a purse in her direction
The moment Teresa caught the bag her eyes caught sight of the iconic Hermes logo and memories surged back
She recalled saying to him I really want this bag and his casual reply Then get it
When she pointed out It s 15 grand that s your entire month s salary he dismissed her concern with If it brings you joy it s worth every penny I ll make more
1/2
30
Coming back to the present Teresa looked at Jonathan with a mix of surprise and nostalgia This is the ultra rare edition isn t it It costs as much as your annual salary back then right
AD