Chapter 440

439
Irene’s face soured . “ I’m the elder here , and you want me to apologize to someone younger ? I didn’t even say anything that harsh . I said she was clinging . to you . Wasn’t that the truth ? ”
Jonathan said , “ It was who wouldn’t leave her alone . I dragged her along on business trips , followed her everywhere she went . Is that what you want to
hear ? ”
“ I’m not apologizing , ” Irene insisted stubbornly . “ She’s not even my daughter – in – law anymore . Why should I bother with her ? ”
Jonathan’s expression turned cold . “ Fine . If you won’t apologize , I’ll go see her myself . ”
“ You ! ” Irene grabbed Jonathan’s hand tightly , finally giving in . “ Alright , I’ll apologize to her , okay ? But remember , I’m only doing this for you . I really don’t want you to go to Teresa , and I don’t want to see you two getting tangled up again . ”
Jonathan let go of her hand , face blank . “ What’s between us isn’t something you can explain in a few words . And if anyone’s clinging , it’s me . ”
“ Can’t you just let her go ? It’s not like she’s the only woman in the world .”
Jonathan was silent for a moment , and then finally said , “ I won’t go to her . ”
“ Good . As long as you stay away from her , I’ll call and apologize , ” Irene said .
Jonathan had already turned and walked out .
It was almost dark when Irene finally got in touch with Teresa . She apologized , though it was clear she wasn’t happy about it . Teresa was in the middle of making pasta , and after listening to Irene , she just replied with a calm , “ Mm . ”
Teresa said lightly , “ I was wrong , too . I shouldn’t have come looking for you . Just pretend I never said any of that . I won’t bother your son again . I’ll just wait and see who you pick for him . Someone who checks all your boxes and makes you happy . ”
Irene was fuming . Before hanging up , she snapped , “ Fine , just watch . I’ll definitely find Jonathan a perfect wife . ”
Irene thought Winnie was good . Winnie’s got a sweet , gentle voice , and she even took cooking classes . The only thing was Jonathan’s feelings toward
Winnie .
“ Mom , when are we eating ? ” Michael called out as he helped set the tableware . Teresa had made pasta for the birthday boy .
“ Right now , honey . Let me just grab the cake . ”
“ Okay .”
Once everything was ready – four dishes , pasta , and the cake . Michael sat across from Teresa , eating with big mouthfuls . Teresa wiped his mouth and told
him , “ Slow down . ”
“ Mom , you didn’t make this , did you ? ”
“ I ordered it from a restaurant , What’s wrong , don’t like it ? ”
Michael shook his head . “ Oh , and Mom , Bunny ate with us today . He kept asking if my mom was Teresa .”
“ Yeah ? So what did you say ? ”
“ I didn’t say anything and then I started crying . It was so embarrassing .”
Teresa paused and then asked , “ Why did you cry ? “ .
Michael sniffled , looking a little wronged , “ I just wanted you to be with me , but you weren’t there . ”
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439 .
Teresa quickly wiped away his tears . “ But I’m here with you now , aren’t 17 ”
Michael shook his head . “ Yesterday , you left me at Miriam’s . She said you were really busy . I thought you weren’t going to spend my birthday with me–
Teresa’s eyes turned red as she wiped away the sparkling tears from Michael’s face . “ I’m sorry , sweetheart . I shouldn’t have left you at Miriam’s last night . I caught a cold and didn’t want you to get sick , but I made you sad . How could I ever miss your birthday ? ”
Hearing Teresa’s explanation , the sadness in Michael’s heart finally melted away .
Once the candles were on the cake , Teresa turned off the lights . “ Look , we haven’t even had cake yet . Make a wish , my little prince .” She put a party hat on Michael , and he crossed his little hands over his chest and closed his eyes .
Teresa sang the birthday song for him .
“ Mom , I’m done making my wish , ” Michael said , opening his eyes .
“ What did you wish for ? ”
“ I can’t tell you . If I say it out loud , it won’t come true , ” he replied , shaking his head .
Teresa chuckled . “ Alright , I won’t ask . Go ahead and blow out the candles . ”
With a big puff , Michael blew out all three candles in one go . Teresa clapped for him , took off his hat , and leaned down to kiss his cheek . “ Grow up healthy and happy , okay ? ”
“ Mom , you have to stay healthy , too . And always be beautiful , like a princess . ” Michael grinned .
“ Deal , ” Teresa laughed , dabbing a bit of frosting on his little nose . Not to be outdone , Michael scooped up some cream and smeared it on Teresa’s face , both of them bursting into giggles .
Just then , Teresa’s phone suddenly rang . She glanced at the caller ID , and her smile froze . Instead of answering , she pressed the button to silence the
call .
Jonathan’s car was parked outside Rosary Estates . He hung up after hearing the machine voice , but didn’t get out . He just sat there , looking from a distance at the building where Teresa lived , wondering if she was home alone , or maybe already asleep .
Jonathan leaned against his car , standing there quietly for a long time .
Inside , after dinner , Teresa and Michael cleaned up together . She washed the dishes while he put away the tableware .
Once everything was done and Michael had fallen asleep , Teresa finally checked her phone and saw Jonathan’s message .
I didn’t know you went to see my mom . If she said anything that upset you , I had her apologize , and I want to apologize too . I really don’t know what happened . Did you talk about us ? ]
Teresa sighed , leaning back against the headboard , thinking about how to reply .
Jonathan kept pacing outside the gates of Rosary Estates , checking his phone every so often . Finally , he heard that familiar vibration her message .
quickly opened
[ I only went because I owed you money and felt bad , so I brought your mom a small gift . That’s all I said . Please don’t overthink it . Your mom already called to apologize , so let’s just leave it at that . )
Jonathan’s grip tightened around his phone / With no expression , he unlocked the car , got in , and sped away .
Teresa checked her phone again and saw his reply : [ Got it ] . She didn’t respond .
439
Early the next morning , Teresa was still in bed when the doorbell started ringing nonstop . She’d barely slept last night and just wanted a little misce cent but someone was ruining her morning . Frowning , she dragged herself to the door
“ Teresa , you’re only just getting up ? ” Cheryl stood there , baby in her arms , pouting , “ It’s already eight – thirty ”
Teresa just sighed . Seeing Cheryl drenched in sweat , she stepped aside to let her in .
Cheryl set the baby down on the couch and started fanning herself . “ Carrying a baby is exhausting . My arms are about to fall off
AD