Chapter 95

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95. 95
Teresa thought for a moment before responding , “ Why don’t you ask a trusted friend to go with you ? After all , I’m not your sister – in – law anymore . ”
Cheryl shook her head . “ I didn’t tell anyone about this ; not even my closest friends
She had kept everything a secret . After her period was late , she quietly traveled to a nearby city , where she eventually discovered she was pregnant .
Cheryl sighed , her voice tinged with frustration . I just went to the restroom for a moment , and somehow , you saw the test results . Now , only you know I’m pregnant .
Teresa frowned . Cheryl was only 22 , pregnant , and didn’t even know who the father was . Cheryl had always been kind to her , often siding with Teresa before the divorce . They would shop together , spending time like sisters .
“ Okay . Take some time to think about whether you want to have an abortion , and let me know . I’ll go with you , ” she finally said .
“ Thank you so much , ” Cheryl said .
Back in Nareigh , Teresa and Cheryl parted ways . Teresa sent Michael to Miriam’s home before heading to Luviston Estates . When she arrived , Donald opened the door , informing her that he had just put Jonathan on an IV drip .
As Teresa stepped inside , she saw Jonathan reclining on the couch in dark blue loungewear , receiving an IV . His face was pale and haggard , and for a moment , their
gazes met .
He then glanced at Donald . “ You can leave now . ”
Donald nodded , grabbing his coat and keys . “ Off I go . Teresa , once the drip finishes , can you remove the needle for him ? ”
Teresa nodded . “ Got it . ”
Donald left in a hurry , and as soon as the door slammed shut , Jonathan asked , “ Where have you been ? ”
“ Can’t I go on a business trip ? Teresa asked , shrugging off her coat . The heat from the room and the warmth of the turtleneck sweater beneath made her feel a little too
warm .
Jonathan pressed , “ I mean , where did you move to ? And why did you move ? ”
Teresa frowned . “ I moved because I wanted to . Why do I have to explain everything to you ? ”
Successfully unlocked !
Jonathan’s expression hardened …. yourd . Can’t I show a bit of concern ? ” Teresa glanced at him . “ If you still have the energy to care about me , then you don’t need much looking after . I’m leaving . ”
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Jonathan reached out to grab her sleeve with his hand that was free from the IV drip . No way . ”
Teresa turned around . “ How about I make you some gruel ? It’s good for your stomach . ”
Jonathan nodded . “ Could you hand me the tissues on the table ? My nose won’t stop running . ”
As Teresa observed Jonathan’s reddened, runny nose , she couldn’t help but think back to when Michael had the same symptoms during his fever a few days ago . “ Like father , like son , she thought .
“ You don’t think you’ve caught the flu , do you ?” Teresa asked .
Jonathan shrugged . “ I’m not sure . Maybe it’s from waiting outside your house all night
in the cold .”
Teresa didn’t reply .
After cooking the gruel to perfection , she couldn’t help but feel a small sense of pride in her growing culinary skills . She set the bowl aside , looking at the almost empty IV bag . “ Let’s remove the IV before you have your gruel . ”
Jonathan nodded .
Teresa leaned down to peel the tape from Jonathan’s hand , her long hair cascading over her shoulders . Her fitted sweater accentuated her curves , causing Jonathan’s throat to tighten involuntarily .
Though they had been intimate after their divorce , things were different . He remembered how things had been between them , how he would’ve eagerly sought intimacy with her even while unwell .
“ I’m taking it out now . If it hurts , just bear with it , ” Teresa warned .
She swiftly pulled the needle out , and a few drops of blood seeped from the puncture . Teresa immediately reached for a cotton swab to apply pressure to the wound , but before she could , Jonathan seized her hand .
“ Here , hold the swab yourself , ” Teresa said .
Jonathan asked , “ Can you hold it for me ? And maybe grab some more tissues ? ”
Thinking his nose was running again , Teresa passed him a tissue , only for Jonathan to wipe his nose and reveal blood . Her eyes widened in surprise . “ Are you okay ? Why the nosebleed ? ”
“ Maybe it’s just the fever . I’m fine , ” Jonathan replied .
Teresa was about to suggest calling Donald again when her phone rang .
It was Michael . She glanced at the screen , quickly silenced the call , and pocketed her phone . “ I’ll be right back . I’m going to the bathroom . ”
Once she was in the bathroom , Teresa texted Michael : [ What ? ]
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Michael asked : [ How’s Mr. Lime doing ? ]
Teresa responded : [ He’s fine . ]
Michael : [ Send him my regards , wish him a speedy recovery , and remind him to get plenty of rest . ]
Teresa replied with an angry bird sticker : [ Got it . ]
When she exited the bathroom , the gruel was finished , and Jonathan was in another bathroom washing his face . His phone kept ringing , but Teresa didn’t answer it . As he came back , she told him , “ Your mom’s called several times . ”
Jonathan frowned , ignored Irene’s call , and typed out a message while his expression
remained tense .
“ My mom wants to see Mike , your roommate’s son ,” he explained .
Teresa tried to remain calm . “ Really ? Why does your mom want to see him ? ” Jonathan didn’t answer . Instead , he dialed Christian’s number . “ Christian , I need to borrow your son for a while . I’m taking him out for a meal . ”
Christian stuttered . “ M – Mr . Lynn , he’s not at home . His dad brought him out . ”
“ Let me know when he’s back ,” Jonathan demanded .
“ All right , Mr. Lynn , ” Christian answered after some hesitation .
Meanwhile , Teresa quietly clenched her hands .
In the evening , Teresa made a bowl of gruel with a touch of pumpkin and quietly left while Jonathan was in the bathroom .
She placed a note next to the gruel : [ Stick to gruel or gruel for the next few days . If you ‘ re still unwell , call Donald . I have work . ]
Teresa headed to Miriam’s place , where she found that Michael had just fallen asleep . She then recounted the events of the day .
“ What ? ” Miriam exclaimed in surprise . “ Jonathan wants to take Mike back ? Oh no , if his family sees Mike , they’ll start making assumptions . This could turn into a huge
mess .
She thought , ‘ After all , Mike looks just like his dad . ”
Teresa knew that . On her way to Miriam’s place , Christian called her , completely losing it and asking how long he had to keep putting on an act .
‘ We can’t keep Mike hidden forever . There’s a saying that goes “ The most dangerous place is often the safest spot . ” Maybe it’s time to let Mike go to the Lynn residence , so his family can finally give up any hope they have left , Teresa thought , finally deciding to call Cheryl .
The next morning , when Michael woke up , Teresa told him , “ Mr. Lime wants to invite you over to his place for a visit . ”
D
Michael’s eyes widened , and he covered his cheeks with his hands . Oh my gosh m
not ready to meet the family yet !