Chapter 813
Jonathan had no idea that Teresa would secretly use her own stash of money to help out whenever his family needed it, covering a lot of their expenses behind the scenes.
Not wanting to hurt his pride as a man, she always told everyone the money was from Jonathan. Since her own family was rarely together, she truly treated Jonathan’s family as her own.
Teresa snapped back to reality and said, “Hayden, it’s all in the past. I really don’t want to talk about it anymore.”
At twenty–two, she was young and clueless, thinking marriage would last forever. She didn’t overthink it. Even though the wedding was simple, her family didn’t give their blessing, only a few friends showed up, and the dowry was just 9 thousand, she still said yes.
She didn’t care about all the formalities. She was the kind of woman who, once she fell for someone, never bothered to weigh the pros and cons.
She chose him, only cared about who he was as a person, and just wanted to spend her life with him. After the divorce, her only regret was not getting to know his family and his past sooner.
As Hayden was about to leave, Teresa stood up. “Hayden, let me walk you out.”
“Teresa.” At the door, Hayden turned around. He said sincerely, “Remember what I told you. In my heart, you’re always the best, the brightest, and the most genuine Teresa. And you’ll always be my favorite granddaughter–in–law. Our family will always welcome you.”
“Thank you, Hayden,” Teresa replied. After Hayden left, she went to wash her face, washing away the tears.
“Mom, were you crying?” Michael asked, leaning against the wall and looking at Teresa with concern.
“No, my eyes just ached a little.” Teresa sniffled, grabbed a towel, and dried her face.
“Mom, are you carrying a baby?” Michael asked again.
Teresa froze for a second and instinctively glanced down at her belly. She thought, ‘Did Mike actually notice something?‘
Michael said, “Grandpa Werner secretly asked me if you were carrying a baby. I told him I had no idea. Mom, are you really carrying a baby?”
Teresa didn’t expect that Werner, a grown–up, would secretly ask a kid something like that.
She didn’t hide it from Michael anymore. She smiled and admitted, “Yes, I’m carrying a baby, but this is my little secret.”
“Mom, is this a secret that even Mr. Lime isn’t supposed to know?” Michael asked.
“He knows,” Teresa replied.
“Oh, I get it. So it’s a secret just for the four of us–me, Mr. Lime, you, and the baby, right?” Michael grinned.
Teresa crouched down and said softly, “You can think of it that way. It’s one way to keep the baby safe.”
“Roger that!” Michael raised his little hand. “I’ll definitely protect you and the baby!”
Teresa smiled. “Then your younger brother is counting on you, Mike.”
“Wow!” The little guy, a beat behind, suddenly jumped up in excitement. He said with a flush, “I–I’m gonna have a younger brother?!”
Teresa loosened her waistband and guided Michael’s little hand onto her belly. “You can try to feel your brother’s heartbeat.”
“Wow, really?” Michael rested his hand on Teresa’s belly, holding his breath in anticipation.
“Do you feel anything?” Teresa asked softly.
Michael shook his head with a little pout. “But Mom, I don’t feel anything at all.”
Teresa chuckled. “He’s just sleeping right now. When he wakes up, he’ll start kicking my belly.”
Michael immediately pointed at Teresa’s belly and said seriously, “Hey, little guy, listen up! You have to be good and stop kicking Mom’s belly, okay? It hurts her! Promise you’ll be a good baby. Did you hear me?”
Teresa couldn’t help but laugh. She pulled Michael into her arms and said, “He said yes.”
Michael looked up at her with bright eyes and said, “Mom, when is he going to come out of your belly? I really want him to play with me soon!”
“Well, probably in about three more months,” Teresa replied.
Michael counted on his little fingers. Then he hugged Teresa tightly and said, “Mom, when he comes out, can he call Mr. Lime ‘Dad‘, too?”
Teresa nodded. She thought, ‘Of course. After all, he’s also Jonathan’s child.‘
“That’s awesome!” Michael spun around in excitement. “Now Mr. Lime gets another family member! He’s definitely going to be super happy!”
Teresa looked at Michael and asked gently, “And what about you? Are you really happy? Won’t you be mad?”
Michael cocked his head to the side, a little puzzled. “Mom, why would I be mad?”
“I was just afraid you might not be happy about me having another child,” Teresa said softly.
“I’m not upset at all! Mom, you get another family member, Mr. Lime gets another family member, and I get a little brother to play with. I can’t be happier!” Michael beamed.
Teresa hugged him tightly. “Thank you, sweetie.” She was so thankful for him. Somehow, he always managed to heal her.
That night, after Michael had fallen asleep, Teresa heard the door open. She paused, and then stepped out of the bedroom to take a look. Then she saw
that Jonathan was back.
They met each other’s gaze. Jonathan was loosening his tie while taking a call. Teresa could hear Irene’s voice on the other end. She noticed Jonathan’s brow furrow slightly as he said, “Got it.”
He ended the call. Then he turned to Teresa and asked, “Where’s Mike?”
Teresa replied coldly, “He’s asleep.”
Jonathan went to check on Michael. It had been a few days since he’d last seen Michael.
Jonathan gently tucked the blanket around him, and then softly caressed his little hands, arms, and his small, sleeping face. His eyes softened with all the love a father could have for his son.
Teresa said, “Don’t wake him up. Come out.”
Jonathan didn’t know what to say.
Leaning against the doorway, Teresa didn’t bother to hide her irritation. She said, “Didn’t your mom just call you? If you’re busy, then just go home.”
Jonathan stared at her and frowned. “What are you even mad about?”
“What do I have to be mad about? By the way-” Teresa turned and headed into the kitchen, pulling out a few gift boxes.
She said, “Your grandpa and Werner stopped by today and dropped off some food. You can just take it all back with you. I really can’t finish it.”
Jonathan just left the boxes on the floor and raised an eyebrow. “So you’re really this upset just because I sent Mike to my home without telling you?”
“Yeah, I am,” Teresa replied, taking a slow, deep breath.
“We agreed to co–parent, but you still took him to your home to see his grandma without telling me, didn’t you? Next time, you need to let me know first!” she said.
Jonathan shot back, “Are you saying he can’t even see his grandma? I’m his dad. Don’t I get a say in even something this small?”
Teresa said, “I never said he couldn’t see his grandma. Just don’t forget that Mike’s household registration is still with me. He shares my last name, and I’m his primary guardian.”
Every word she said drew a line between them, and Jonathan’s voice instantly went cold.