Chapter 434

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Seeing Teresa , Irene couldn’t help but think of Liora , but Jonathan’s situation was nothing like his father’s .
Irene snapped back to herself . “ When you married my son , you were the one with money tell me you’re not just after his money . ”
Now that he’s made it big . You suddenly want him back ? Don’t
Teresa waited for Irene to finish before speaking . “ If I cared about whether Jonathan was rich , I wouldn’t have married him in the first place . We were together for over two years , and we really did have feelings for each other . I cared about hirm , too .”
“ I don’t see it . If you really cared , you would’ve given my son a child by now , ” Irene shot back .
Teresa fell silent again . She glanced at Irene , her fingers tightening , and then turned without a word and went to her car to get the gifts she’d bought especially for Irene .
She lowered her stance and said , “ Mrs. Lynn , I know you’ve never been happy with me as your daughter – in – law . You’ve always thought I was cold , that I wouldn’t give your family an heir . If – just if – I could give Jonathan a child now , and try to make up for things , then- ”
“ Don’t even think about it . I’ll never accept you , ” Irene said , every word sharp as a knife . “ Jonathan finally divorced you – he deserves someone better You want to give him a child ? You don’t even have that right anymore , Teresa . There’ll be a better woman to give Jonathan children . ”
Teresa’s face went completely pale .
“ I don’t want your things . Take them away , ” Irene said impatiently , shoving Teresa’s hand aside . She didn’t care that Teresa nearly stumbled , just brushed right past her .
The gift boxes were scattered all over the ground . Teresa stood frozen , her whole body stiff and cold , her fingers clenched so tightly it hurt .
“ And one more thing . ” Irene walked a few steps , and then turned back and pointed at Teresa . “ This is your last warning . Stay away from Jonathan . Don’t follow him on business trips . If you don’t listen , don’t blame me for what I’ll do . ”
With that , Irene walked straight into the villa , slamming the door behind her . The echo of it carried down the driveway .
Night had fallen . The gates of Rosary Estates swung open as a Porsche rolled inside and the engine cut off , leaving Teresa alone in the darkness .
Irene’s cold , cutting words echoed in Teresa’s mind , along with everything Jennifer and Evelyn had said . Overwhelmed , Teresa slammed her fist against the steering wheel , then slumped over it , crying silently .
She wept alone in the quiet , her phone buzzing on silent mode several times . Eventually , even the screen’s glow faded away .
Meanwhile , Michael was sprawled out on the balcony , waiting for Teresa to come home . Every so often , he’d scan the neighborhood with his binoculars , or pull out his phone to try calling her again . Then he heard the sound of the elevator or footsteps in the hallway .
The moment the door opened , Michael dashed over . “ Mom , what took you so long ? I called you so many times .”
Only then did Teresa pull her phone from her pocket and see all the missed calls – most from Michael , and one from Jonathan .
She let out a tired sigh and gently stroked Michael’s cheek . “ I’m sorry , sweetheart . There was a traffic jam , so I got home late . I’m really sorry I made you worry .”
Michael immediately noticed something was off . Seeing her red eyes , he hugged her arm , someone bully you ? ”
his voice full of concern . “ Mom , have you been crying ? Did
Teresa took a deep breath and forced a smile . She had to be strong for her child . “ Who could possibly bully me ? ”
“ Mom , is Mr. Lime really coming back ? Will he really be here for my birthday ? “ .
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Teresa hesitated , her throat tight as she looked at his innocent face . “ He will . I promised you , didn’t I ? I wouldn’t lie to you
That seemed to reassure him , though he still looked a little worried . “ Mom , you’re really okay , right ? if anyone bullies you , you have to tell me ficatu police for you . ”
She managed a laugh , ruffling his hair . “ Thank you , my little hero . But I’m really fine . Let me go change , and then I’ll make us some dinner
Once everything was settled and Michael was finally asleep , Teresa sat alone in her room for a long time . She didn’t know how much time had passed before she finally found the courage to call Jonathan .
It was noisy on Jonathan’s end – Teresa could hear someone calling him “ Mr. Lynn , ” like he was in a meeting . “ If you’re busy , never mind . I just wanted to ask why you called me today . ”
Jonathan replied , “ I’ll be back tomorrow . I’ll be in Nareigh by tomorrow night at the latest . Just giving you a heads up . ”
Teresa went quiet . Jonathan’s voice was low . “ I’m busy . See you tomorrow . ”
She heard the call end , and her phone slowly slipped from her palm . She had no idea how much time had passed before she opened the deepest drawer of her nightstand and took out a pair of rings .
She still remembered leaving the rings at the house in Everport . Jonathan had bought that place . When she went back to look for them , he was running a fever . She took care of him , and somehow , they ended up spending the night together again .
She let out a self – deprecating laugh . Just like he once said – every time they went on a business trip , they’d end up in bed , and by morning , it was like they were strangers all over again .
Her phone buzzed twice . Teresa unlocked it and saw a message from Jennifer .
[ Teresa , I don’t know what you’re thinking . Do you really have to push things to the breaking point ? Think about Mike’s birthday . The whole family can be there for him , except your ex – husband . ]
Teresa closed her eyes for a moment , then , expressionless , blocked Jennifer’s number again and turned off her phone for good .
The next morning , sunlight was streaming in . Teresa glanced at the calendar – July 24th .
Just as Teresa was about to call Miriam , her phone rang – it was Mirjam .
“ Teresa , tomorrow’s Mike’s birthday , right ? Is Jonathan coming back today ? Are you really going to come clean to him ? Have you figured out what to say ?
“ Maybe I should go with you . I’m worried he might lose his mind when he finds out the truth , or even hurt you . I just can’t relax .”
“ Miriam . ” Teresa pressed her aching forehead . “ I’m still thinking about talking to Jonathan . Could you pick up Mike and watch him for me today ? I think I -caught a cold last night . ”
Miriam could hear how rough Teresa’s voice sounded . “ Okay , I’ll come over in a bit . Make sure you take some medicine , ” she said .
“ Alright , ” Teresa replied , but she didn’t dare take any medicine . She was pregnant and didn’t want anything to affect the bab tough it out .
After Miriam picked up Michael , Teresa stayed home , drank some soup Miriam had brought , and curled up under her blanket .
e’d just have to
She slept until after three in the afternoon . When she woke up , the house was empty . If the baby in her belly hadn’t moved just then , Teresa might have thought she was completely alone in the world .
It was a little after five when Jonathan called her .
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