Chapter 34
Edward shared the news He wants me out He s booked me into a hotel
Teresa was quick to agree Great let s roll She hadn t be
hadn t been looking forward to staying there anyway
She couldn’t gamble on Jonathan showing up unexpectedly. Given his sharp instincts and piercing scrutiny, she was anxious about his potential suspicion upon encountering Michael
Meanwhile Jonathan after hanging up the phone complained about Edward s lack of respect for privacy
His family was still waiting to move into their newly revamped home but Edward had already made himself at home Jonathan wasn t about to let that M and
Miriam was determined to inspect the entire house before they took off with Edward equally eager to look around before leaving They both assumed Jonathan would be okay with it
As they explored the courtyard house Teresa s attention was drawn to the master suite and the side rooms but it was the bathroom s grand bathtub that stopped her in her tracks
Teresa was swept away by recollections of her past with Jonathan She remembered expressing her desire for a luxurious bathtub A big special tub would be a dream but they re incredibly pricey
Jonathan had responded with a promise that echoed with determination Til earn more and one day I ll get you that tub
She had questioned Is it too much to hope for Am I asking too much
Jonathan had been candid about his own ambitions I m extremely lucky to have you as my wife I know y reservations about me but I m determined to show them I m worthy of their trust
your parents have their
Tears filled Teresa’s eyes as she reflected on those memories. Despite their high hopes, their marriage ultimately crumbled, the divorce leaving a painful, irreversible mark of regret and loss for both.
Exiting the expansive courtyard house the group proceeded to the hotel Jonathan had mentioned for the evening
Finding only two rooms available for their group of three adults and a child Miriam sighed dramatically Guess Eddie and I will have to share a room
Edward after a brief moment of thought waved off the idea Nah Il room with my little buddy here You can pair up with Teresa Teresa keeping a grip on Michael s hand piped up You guys enjoy some quiet time I ll take the night with the little one I ve got it covered
Edward let out
at a frustrated sigh when he realized he was on his o wIL
Miriam grabbed his collar steering him aside Could you give me some space Miriam Edward requested striving to maintain his
She paid no mind to his request and ushered him into the elevator What s with the distance she joked waving off his unease I m not going to devour you you know
Edward felt a lump in his throat Miriam s attractiveness was undeniable but her gaze was predatory not friendly which set his nerves on edge
In a separate room Teresa and Michael encountered a different issue Michael was profusely sweating and Teresa noticed the telltale red splotches of a heat rash on his neck
I m so sorry darling Teresa said her voice heavy with remorse She made a silent vow that once she had saved enough she and Michael would escape N are i gh far from Jonathan and his family
Michael hands planted firmly on his hips reminded Teresa Mommy you promised me something right
Teresa had made a promise by the men s restroom Michael would get three wishes when they n returned home if he behaved
With a nod Teresa reassured him I haven t forgotten as she guided him to the bathroom
After getting cleaned up Michael ran a towel through his hair and remarked Mommy you seem really anxious around Edward I think
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34
he’s pretty cool.”
Teresa paused before saying It s not Edward that s bothering me it s
Michael full of curiosity pressed What then
Without finishing Teresa pulled out a storybook from their hug gage She tucked Michael into bed and began to read to him
Half asleep Michael murmured Mommy I want to go to the amusement p
Teresa softly responded We ll do that I promise
park tomorrow.
His eyes nearly shut Michael mumbled When can we go to the Candy Castle
Teresa gently replied, “We’re not sure yet, but we’ll try to make a reservation for tomorrow.
Michael still half asleep gazed at Teresa with a wistful sigh Mommy will we ever have a place as nice as that big house he asked his voice tinged with a child s innocence
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