Chapter 3
At the sound of that voice, Teresa’s heart dil a backilip. It was a voace from years had flown by, and now, the owner of Hur vodor was here, in the fles
her past, one sh
one she hadn’t heard in what seemed like forever. Over two
Teresa took a deep breath, her glass clinking softly as she placed it on the table. With a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, she raised her gaze to meet jonathan’s. Her expression was a musk of calm, echoing the collected smiles around her.
Jonathan loomed over the room, his long black coat draping his frame like a cloak of authority. His sharp features were riched with confidence, making him the undeniable forms of every eye in the room.
While Teresa watched, Jonathan was engrossed in birthday salutations to Benny. Once the pleasantries were exchanged, his attention flicked to Teresa, a flicker of acknowledgment in his gaze
“Didn’t expect you to come,” he said, his voice casual, as if they’d just seen each other yesterday.
Teresa matched his casualness with a shrug, “Been a while,” she replied, glossing over the chasm of time that had lain between their last meeting.
Teresa found herself stealing glances at Jonathans, struck by how his looks had sharpened over time he was even more dashing and fit. She let out a small, dry laugh and sipped ber drink to mask her surprise.
Henny, playing the perfect host, motioned for Jonathan to take a seat.
Teresa’s stomach did a flip when she saw Benny had placed Jonathan right beside her. Her heart thumped with a sudden, unsettling anticipation.
ll just give us a
ve us a bit more elbow room, Teresa muttered, almost to herself, as she nudged her chair away from Jonathan’s
Benny, with a glint of mischief in his eyes, joked, “You guys are still so formal, even as a couple,”
Teresa shot him a look that was half–warning, half–plea for him to stop
Ignoring Teresa’s silent signals. Benny turned to the group and announced, “I was just saying, this beautiful lady here is with Jonathan Lynn, the GEO of Horizonlead Group!”
A murmur of surprise rippled across the room. “Wow, this is Jonathan?” someone whispered in awe.
“Benny, you sly fox, you never said we’d be in such esteemed company!” another guest joked, clearly awestruck.
A voice piped up, “We would’ve picked up something swanky for Mr. Lynn if we’d had a clue!”
New to Jonathan, a few guys hurried to pour him drinks, vying for his favor
For Teresa, there were compliments too. “Mrs.
- x. Lynn, you’re stunning, a perfect complement to Lynn” they flattered, shoving drinks her way.
But Jonathan quickly interjected, “She’s a lightweight and prefers soft drinks over alcohol”
Benny brushed it off with a chuckle, patting Jonathan on the shoulder. “Just being a good husband, looking out for his wife,” he dismissed, hoisting his glass. “Enough chatter. Let’s get this party started!”
Teresa felt overwhelmed and decided she needed a break. She rose, her voice hushed. Tm off to the restroom,” she informed the room, carefully stepping around Jonathan.
In the process, her stockings brushed against his trousers, setting off a static shock that zapped her call. The surprise jolt made her face flush with a heat that had nothing to do with the room’s temperature.
Jonathan, still feeling the electric aftermath, shifted uncomfortably and took a gulp of water to ease his dry throat. Even after all this time, Teresa’s pose and allure were as striking as he remembered.
Finding sanctuary in the restroom, Teresa let out a long breath. Stockings were a bad idea, she thought to herself, her heart pounding at the thought of her ex–husband.
She whipped out her phone and tapped out a quick text to Benny. Got a sudden errand. Cotta bounce.]
Benny’s reply came fast, his confusion clear as day. [Wait, what? Your coat’s right here.]
Tere: Yeah. I know. Could you grab my coat? Im by the elevator, face–to–face with going back.
Chapter 3
Teresa lingered at the doorway, her enthusiasm dampened. She’d shown up for Benny’s birthday bash, but if she had ari inkling her ex would be present, she would’ve made other plans
Benny emerged, holding our Teresa’s coat. As she took it, she let her frustration
out with a kick to his shin
“Ouch! That’s got some bite, Teresa–trying to take down the birthday boy Benny jested, nursing his shin.
“Had it coming. Teresa retorted, her irritation clear as day. “You knew about the divorce, yet you still invited him. You’ve been dropping hints all night. You’re doing this on purpose.”
Benny grinned, wincing slightly. “He’s my buddy, and you’re my friend–I was just trying to play matchmaker”
Save in, Benny. Jonathan and I are done. Teresa declared, her voice carrying confidence. “We’re not getting back together, not even if you tried to marry me off to the town’s team mascot,
Unbeknownst to her, her declaration reached Jonathan’s ears. It wasn’t until she turned to leave that she noticed her ex–husband’s cold, hard stare. He’d heard every word she said.
The tension in the room was palpable, and Benny decided to make himself scarce. “Tll give you guys some space,” he remarked, nodding as he slipped out the door.
Teresa remained poker–faced, her thoughts tucked away.
Jonathan fixed his gaze on Teresa, his eyes dead serious. “Wanted to make it clear, I’m not here for you, he declared, his voice as firm as his stare.
Teresa responded with a calm nod. “Loud and clear. Benny’s playing matchmaker, but he’s way off”
Jonathan’s reply was a curt acknowledgment. “He’s got no business butting in, he remarked, a tinge of irritation in his tons
A playful smile touched Teresa’s lips as she offered her congratulations. “Heard about your new venture. Congrats. I suppose I should be buttering you up a bit, shouldn’t I, Mr. Lynn?”
Jonathan’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, his voice clipped. “Thanks,” he said, clearly not in the mood for small talk.
Teresa was just about to slide into her trusty white Porsche, which had seen better days but was still her go–to ride.
As she reached for the door handle, a sleek black Rolls–Royce Phantom rolled up its golden emblem gleaming in the light
Jonathan, lounging in the back seat, lowered the window and made his offer. “Get in. I’ll see you home.
The gleaming Rolls–Royce stopped Teresa in her tracks, a memory of Jonathan’s vow hitting her like a wave. “One day, I’ll get you a Rolls–Royce. You’re my wife, and you deserve the best,” he had promised.
She shook off the nostalgia and replied, “Tve got my own set of wheels, but thanks.”
Jonathan’s forehead creased, determination etched on his face. We need to talk about the house. Get in“
Teresa hesitated for a moment before sinking into the car’s opulent backseat, which could comfortably host a small gathering.
As she settled in, she cut to the chase. “So, what’s this about the
e house?”
Once the driver raised the privacy partition, Jonathan got down to business. The house in Luviston Estates–transferred it to your name, right? It’s been two years, and you’ve never even been there.”
Teresa’s eyes widened in surprise. “How did you know that?” she questioned, her skepticism evident in her tone.
Jonathan’s brow furrowed, his voice tinged with bewilderment. Tve been footing the bills for that place, but the manager mentioned it’s been emply”
Teresa interjected, her tone even. “I’ve got my own digs these days, and
He didn’t let her finish, “And what?”
“And we’re history, she replied crisply.“I’m not crashing in our old nest. She’d retreated to her family’s legacy, an apartment in Rosary Estates, a gift from her grandparents, Bradley and Natalie Johnston.
square footage. I figured you’d stick
A flicker of disappointment crossed Jonathan’s eyes. “That house is leagues above those in Rosary Estates. More squa around there.”
Wath
a firm shake of her head, Teresa Laid it out “We hashed it out in the divorce. Yours is yours. I’m not hanging around in my ex’s pad”
2:02 PM
Chapter 3
Jonathan took her in, her beauty still striking, her casual demeanor unchanged. A sardonic smile tugged at his lips as he said, “Well then, no sweat selling the place.”
Teresa’s nod was more out of habit than enthusiasm. “Do as you like,” she drawled, her voice as lifeless as the car’s suddenly frigid air.
Trying to crack the ice, Teresa propped her chin on her hand, her gaze fixed on Jonathan. “So. how’s your mom been!”
All she got in return was a clipped “Fine,” before Jonathan’s eyes returned to the world whizzing by outside
Braving the tension, Teresa delved into more delicate topics. “What about your ex? I gave you space, didn’t I? Is she doing okay now with her depression?”
But her inquiry was cut short by Jonathan’s piercing gaze. It was a silent but clear signal the discussion was off–limits
Teresa let her shoulders drops, her voice as relaxed as she could make it “Just curious, that’s all. We’ve moved on, so your love life is your own business now.”
Jonathan dismissed her with a curt, “Drop it,” and flipped open a magazine, effectively shutting down the conversation.
As the car rolled to a stop at the Rosary Estates entrance, Teresa, not wanting Jonathan to cross the threshold, was quick to offer her thanks. “Appreciate the lift” she said, hoping he’d take the hint.
With a teasing lift of his brow, Jonathan challenged, “No invite to come
Teresa’s eyes flickered with a moments indecision. She wasn’t sure if Miriam had brought Michael back yet.
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