Chapter 71
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“ Mommy , please ,” Michael pleaded .
Teresa looked at Michael , amused yet exasperated . “ Do you like Mr. Lime that much ? ” She thought , “ Have he and Jonathan ever met in person ? Why does he like Jonathan so much ? Is this the undeniable pull of blood ties ? ‘
Michael gestured above his head . “ Mr. Lime is so tall , handsome , and rich . I won’t be losing out if he becomes my daddy . ” Teresa was rendered speechless .
The online buzz was in full swing . Teresa hadn’t expected Hayden to call , offering her comforting words and advice not to pay attention to the discussion online . “ Hayden , thanks for thinking of me even from afar . ”
“ No , I’ve returned to Nareigh and am staying at Jonathan’s place . Come visit me when you’re free , ” Hayden said . Teresa agreed as she hadn’t seen Hayden since Thanksgiving Day . She was moved for he’d returned from Lasmegas for her sake .
“ Mommy . Mommy . ” After dinner , Michael leaped off the couch on the balcony and darted toward Teresa excitedly . “ I saw Mr. Lime’s car . He must be here to see you .
With a frown , Teresa walked to the window and took the binoculars from Michael’s
hand . Sure enough , Jonathan was there . Her phone buzzed on the side table . Teresa answered the call while simultaneously covering Michael’s mouth to keep him quiet .
“ I’m downstairs at your place . Let’s talk . ” Jonathan’s voice was deep and magnetic .
“ About what ? ” Teresa asked .
After a brief pause , Jonathan sighed . “ I’m here . Do I have to explain it over the phone ? ” He wondered if meeting Teresa face – to – face was such a tall order .
“ Let’s talk tomorrow . I’m about to go to bed . With that , Teresa hung up the phone .
Michael scowled at Teresa . “ It’s only 8 p.m. You’re not going to bed . You’re lying .”
“ I don’t feel like going downstairs . It’s a hassle ,” Teresa said .
Michael sighed . “ Fine . I’ll meet Mr. Lime for you . ” He was anxious since Teresa looked indifferent .
Teresa grabbed the back of Michael’s shirt collar as he bolted toward the door . “ Where are you going ? Wanna get punished ? ”
“ Will you really hit your handsome son ? ” Michael countered , about to leave .
Teresa decided against bantering with Michael . She squatted down , firmly gripping his shoulders , and said seriously , “ Michael , listen to me carefully . It’s impossible between me and Mr. Lime . He’s not your dad . Be good and stop this , okay ? ”
Michael snorted . “ I’m trying to help you . I refuse to see you exhausted , so I’m picking out a suitable husband for you .”
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“ Thanks , but we don’t need that ,” Teresa insisted . “ Trust me – even without a husband , I can take care of you and keep you well – fed . ”
Philip didn’t believe in Teresa , and at present , Michael was her only family . If he didn’t trust her , she didn’t know who else would . For her child , Teresa was willing to work hard and earn money , no matter how difficult it would be .
“ Okay , I believe you . ” Michael hurriedly brought Teresa her lipstick . “ But you’d better go meet Mr. Lime now . Don’t keep him waiting . ”
Teresa warned , “ Don’t come downstairs . I’m serious . If you do , I’ll get mad and unfriend
you .
“ Hmph – you’re so petty . ” Michael promised he wouldn’t go downstairs . Even so , Teresal felt uneasy . She turned to Sherry and told her to keep an eye on Michael . Without a choice , Sherry agreed to keep watch on Michael .
The November night wind was biting cold . Jonathan wore a thin overcoat , his collar flipped up . His breath puffed in – visible clouds as he spoke , his gaze fixed on Teresa , who was approaching him . “ It’s chilly out . Can we talk at your place ? ”
“ Let’s talk in your car ,” Teresa said .
Jonathan raised an eyebrow . “ Is it that hard to offer me a cup of coffee ?”
Teresa explained , “ I live with a colleague . She’s home , so it’s inconvenient . “ ”
‘ Which colleague ? Male or female ? ” Jonathan asked .
Teresa kicked Jonathan’s shin lightly . “ Why would I live with a male colleague ? Are you insane ? ” Jonathan didn’t say much else .
Once they were inside his car , Jonathan turned on the heater and waited for Teresa to speak . As she remained quiet , he raised a brow and glanced at her in disbelief .
“ You’re not going to thank me after all that I’ve done to help you ? ” Jonathan asked . If it weren’t for him stepping in , who knew how badly those internet trolls would be tearing Teresa apart ?
“ I didn’t ask for your help , ” Teresa said flatly .
“ Oh … I must be out of my mind , bored out of my skull , to announce to the world that we were once married . All my wishful thinking , all right ? ” Jonathan’s furrowed brows , cold demeanor , and tightly pressed lips betrayed his displeasure .
Teresa tilted her head and forced a smile . “ Thank you , Mr. Lime . Thanks for helping me out . Happy now , Mr. Lime ? Satisfied ? ”
Jonathan’s furrowed brows eased , and he suddenly laughed . “ You’re starting to sound
like that boy . ”
Teresa’s heart skipped a beat . Somehow , she had blurted out “ Mr. Lime .” She had completely been led astray by Michael . Trying to play it off , Teresa asked casually , ”
Who ? ”
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“ You wouldn’t know him even if I told you . ” Jonathan steered the conversation back on track . “ Have you seen what I told the media ? ”
Teresa nodded . “ More or less .
Jonathan thought , ‘ Huh ? What does ‘ more or less ‘ mean ?
Teresa asked , “ What exactly are you trying to say ? Can we get straight to the point ? It’s late , and I still have to work on my online store . ”
Jonathan parted his lips and enunciated each word . “ What if I told you that comment about getting back together wasn’t a joke ? ” Teresa fell silent . The car was unusually quiet inside . The sound of Jonathan taking a breath could almost be heard .
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