Chapter 370

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Jonathan felt that Teresa wouldn’t show up . He hadn’t planned to come either , but Donald had invited him three times , mentioning that Teresa had been invited as well .
“ I might as well leave . You guys can have your fun , ” Jonathan said , turning to leave , Donald quickly grabbed his arm .
“ Hey , man , you’re only thirty . Don’t act like an old man . Why not stay ? If you walk out now , my colleagues are gonna chase after you instead of watching my proposal ,” Donald joked .
Jonathan was silent for a moment .
Then , another round of cheers erupted from the front . The car that had come to pick up Jennifer arrived . Donald finally released Jonathan and hurried to organize the crowd .
Jennifer stepped out of the car and saw the crowd , her face showing a hint of confusion .
But when she saw the photo of herself and Donald on the big screen , she suddenly understood and her eyes welled up with tears .
“ Jennifer , I’m so jealous . I wish you all the happiness in the world , ” one of the hospital colleagues said , handing her a flower .
“ Jennifer , Donald really went all out this time . You two are such a perfect match . You have to be happy , ” another added .
Jennifer accepted the flowers with a smile , thanked them , and walked to the end of the aisle , where Donald’s mom , Cathy , handed her another flower .
Jennifer hugged Cathy and said , “ Mrs. Lynn , thank you for coming . I appreciate it !”
As soon as she released Cathy , Evelyn , standing behind , couldn’t help but want to hug Jennifer . Jennifer’s eyes were cold , and she was reluctant as she hugged her mother .
Evelyn shed tears and whispered emotionally in Jennifer’s ear , “ Hannah , it’s so great to see you happy . As long as he’s the one you love , I have no right to say no . ”
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Jennifer replied in a voice only the two of them could hear , “ Who are you to stop me ? Don’t think that just because you’re back , I’ll forgive you . ”
Evelyn’s body stiffened slightly . Jennifer continued , “ You owe me . I’ll never forgive you in my lifetime . Ever since I fell off the cliff when I was little , I’ve said it before . I don’t consider you my mother anymore . ”
Her expression darkened as she spoke those words . To outsiders , it looked like a touching mother – daughter moment . ‘ You owe me forever , ‘ Jennifer wondered .
After they released each other , Jennifer regained her usual composure . She scanned the crowd , looking for the one person she wanted to see , but Teresa wasn’t there . A hint of disappointment and regret flickered in her eyes .
“ Jennifer ? ” the prince of the day called out . Donald stood right in front of Jennifer and handed her the bouquet of 99 bright red roses he was holding .
Jennifer snapped back to reality , tears streaming down her face as she accepted the flowers from Donald .
The next moment , under everyone’s watchful eyes , Donald knelt down on one knee . A sparkling diamond ring was presented to Jennifer . “ Marry me , ” he
said .
The crowd erupted in cheers . “ Marry him . ”
Jonathan was also watching the scene unfold / His eyes were filled with blessings and a tinge of regret , his mind filled with the image of someone who hadn’t shown up today .
Suddenly , a hand clapped his shoulder . Jonathan turned around and saw Benny . He raised an eyebrow in confusion . “ What are you doing here ? ”
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“ Donald’s proposing . It’s a big crowd , lots of fun , ” Benny replied , then subtly pointed northwest with his eyes .
Under the shade of the trees , Jonathan caught sight of Teresa standing alone . At the same moment , Jennifer said , “ I do .”
With a series of bangs , confetti’cannons and fireworks burst into the sky , showering Jennifer and Donald with colorful ribbons .
Amidst the cheering crowd and dazzling fireworks , Teresa’s gaze met Jonathan’s . For a few seconds, they locked eyes at the proposal scene . Then Teresa broke the gaze and turned to leave .
Jonathan pushed Benny aside and chased after her . “ Wait . ”
At the entrance of the venue , separated from the cheering crowd , he called out to Teresa .
Teresa stopped in her tracks but didn’t turn around .
Jonathan walked up to her , looked down into her eyes , and said with a hint of helplessness , “ After Donald’s engagement , I’m leaving Nareigh . I didn’t mean to overstay my welcome . ”
Teresa pursed her lips . “ Do as you please . Whether you stay or go , we agreed to act like we never met , didn’t we ? ”
Jonathan furrowed his brow . “ How did you get here ? Let me give you a ride . ”
“ No need . I’ve already called a cab , ” she said .
“ I never properly proposed to you , not like Donald just did . Back when we were- ” Jonathan felt sorry .
“ That was a long time ago , ” Teresa interrupted . “ We agreed to move on . Save your proposal for someone else . Goodbye . ”
Jonathan’s brow furrowed even more . He wanted to say something but swallowed his words instead . Only after Teresa got into the taxi did he avert his
gaze .
Donald and Jennifer , now successfully engaged, were inseparable and affectionate .
It was already evening . Cathy invited Evelyn to dinner , and Hayden from the Lynn family was also there .
On one hand , it was the first time the two families were having a meal together . On the other hand , they were discussing the engagement plans for Donald and Jennifer , including preparations and arrangements .
When Hayden saw Evelyn , he shook her hand and quickly asked , “ Where’s Teresa ? Why isn’t she here ? ”
Evelyn replied with a sigh , “ She’s busy and can’t make it . ”
“ No problem , we’ll wait for her . How could she miss such an important occasion ? ” he said .
“ Let’s just forget about her, ” someone suggested .
“ No way , ” Hayden insisted . “ We can’t just let it go . Teresà is Hannah’s own sister . ”
Soon after , Jonathan arrived . Hayden immediately asked him to call Teresa .
Jonathan pursed his thin lips . After nodding a greeting to Evelyn , he said to Hayden , “ I’m her ex – husband . Why would I call her ? ”
“ Well , maybe you should leave then . Let Teresa come over . Otherwise , with both of you here , won’t that be awkward for her ? ” Hayden was firm .
Jonathan was taken aback for a moment .
“ Dad , let’s head to the restaurant , ” Irene said as she walked over . She had already made a reservation .
Evelyn glanced at Irene , who ignored her . Evelyn , in turn , ignored Irene and continued talking to Cathy .
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7 May
Seeing Evelyn and Cathy chatting amicably , Irene didn’t dare to make a scene in front of Hayden .
“ Evelyn , this is Donald’s father , my husband , Werner , ” Cathy introduced at the restaurant .
Werner greeted Evelyn , then put his arm around Cathy’s shoulders and pulled her aside to talk .
“ How could that girl Cheryl not come back ? This is her brother’s big day , ” said Werner .
“ Didn’t i tell you to contact Cheryl ? ” Cathy was puzzled .
“ I did . She said she couldn’t make it . I didn’t push it , ” Werner sighed .
“ What’s going on ? ” Hayden walked over . “ Where’s Cheryl ? ”
“ Dad , Cheryl is in Lonisburg . She said she’s busy and can’t come back , ” replied Werner .
“ Go get her , ” Hayden said firmly . “ Today , nobody is allowed to miss out . ”
Hayden also said to Cathy , “ You have Teresa’s number , right ? Call her and tell her I’m waiting for her . ”