Chapter 9
As Teresa continued to sobs, she became aware of someone’s capul appssach. Lifting her tear–filled eyes, she managed a raspy. “Mutam”
Miriam quickly closed the distance, lowering herself to confort Teresa with a hug. “What’s wing?” she inquired, her voice laced with worry.
Teresa was a picture of misery, her face pressed against Miriam’s shoulder, her head shaking in a silent refusal to admit anything was wrong. was clear she was on the verge of tears, utterly drained.
Miriam ran her fingers through Teresa’s hair, her tone gentle and reassuring “It’s cool, Teresa. If you wanna talk, Tis here. You can tell me anything.
Miriam’s comforting presence was like a warm hung to Teresa, whost always been able to rely on her childhood best friend.
In Miriam’s VW CC, Miriam had a box of tissues at the ready, gently wiping Teresa’s tears and her sniffles.
Deep in their chat, Teresa failed to notice the black Rolls–Royce that quietly shipped away, its departure going unmotwed
overcame
As they approached Teresa’s place, her curiosity over ame her. “How’d you find me?” she asked, her voice still quivering
Miriam’s eyes sparkled as she recounted the message from Jonathan to keep quiet about him “You weren’t answering my calls,” she sail, a tinge of anxiety in her voice I panicked and went looking for you.”
Teresa nestled closer to Miriam, a soft stile gracing her lips. “Thank you, Mirians,” she said, her tone affectionate.
Miriam seemed to have a response on the tip of her tongue, but instead, she just sighed, letting the moment slip away.
After they d returned home and Michael was down for the night, they popped open a couple of beers. Teresa raised her boule in a toast. “Here’s to us she said tapping her bottle against Minum’s
Eyeing Teresa with a mix of worry and curiosity, Miriam asked, “What’s going on with you? You’re acting off, You’re usually the strong one.”
Teresa dodged the topic of her family, preferring not to expose her issues.
“Ive been thinking. Miriam, Teresa began, taking a gulp of her beer. “Tm done with just getting by. I want to start my own business. I’ve got responsibilities now, with my son and all”
Miriam gave a dismissive wave, a hint of annoyance in her tone. “You should talk to Jonathan. He’s the father, and from what I hear, b
11 hear, he’s rolling in
It seemed reasonable for Teresa to ask Jonathan for significant child support, possibly even reaching million
Teresa exhaled, her tone devoid of emotion “Miriam, he’s engaged Might as well be at the altar soon. I’m not about to interfere?
Miriam’s eyes bulged. “Seriously? Benny never breathed a word about it” Her disbelief was palpable
Benny was tight with Jonathan, and Miriam thought it was strange that he’d never brought it up with them.
Teresa shrugged it off. “His choice of bride is his own deal. I’ve got my kid, and that’s what really matters”
Miriam’s brow wrinkled, a clear indication that she wasn’t entirely convinced. As the night wore on, Teresa, after a few too many, finally gave in to the pull of sleep, conking out on the couch.
Seeing
therf
friend out for the count, Miriam quietly got up, grabbed a blanket, and laid it over Teresa, tucking her in
Just then, her phone buzzed in her pocket. Miriam answered, and Jonathan’s voice came through. “Is she asleep?”
Miriam replied with a simple “Yeah”
Jonathan was the one who clued Miniam in on Tere
- breakdown, prompting her to fusd and comfort Teresa in a moment of crisis. Without his call. Minum would have been in the dark about Teresa’s distress
Mirum casually brought up the topic, “Hey, I heard a rumor–you’re heading down the aisle again?”
Ignoring her question, Jonailun got straight to the point, his brow furrowed with concern. “What’s going on with Teresa? I saw her crying so hard?
With a a sympathetic sigh. Miriam filled him in. “She’s got these big dreams of starting her own business, but she’s struggling to get the
Chapter 9
together. That’s probably what’s got her so upset”
Jonathan looked puzzled “Struggling I didn’t know she was having money problems
Miriam’s voice cared a subtle hint that he should already know. “Her parents have been out of the picture for years. They’ve both started new familes. I heard her mom even had another daughter last year. Mi…”
Catching her slip, Miriam quickly corrected herself. “My, that girl’s only one?
Minam’s words came out clipped her disapproval clear. “Teresa’s parents left her with her grandparents when she was young. They’d give her the
Ceasional nod, but now they’ve totally tuned out.
“And her mom, at 46, is all about her new baby” Miriam’s frustration was evident, reflecting on how Teresa had fallen from her family’s favor
Miriam held her ground, her voice resolute as she confronted Jonathan ‘Look, Jonathan, now that you’re marrying someone else, you should keep your distance from Teresa
1 heard you’ve been single for two years and thought maybe you were still into her. I tried to help you reconnect, but if that’s not the case, just stay out of Narrigh. Miriam’s irritation was evident showing her fierce loyalty to her friend
Jonathan kept has cool “Let’s talk at Horizonlead Group. It’s about Teresa, but let’s keep this conversation just between us?
Miriam brows furrowed her confusion clear. “Why should I do what you say, Jonathan? Teresa and 1 have been friends forever. 1 can’t betray her
Jonathan then made an unexpected offer. “I have Edward accompany you shopping”
Those words caused Miriam’s conviction to waver, her throat constricting with emotion.
Edward Lawrence, with his youthful rest and college charm, was Jonathan’s younger
er cousin and a hit on campus.
He was five years Miriam’s junior, and she had fallen for him the moment they met. But to Edward. Miriam was just an older sister.
Jonathan, who was aware of the situation, said. “Miriam. If you don’t want to see Edward, that’s cool
Miriam, not ready to give up, quickly replied. “Actually, I’m free for the next few days
Jonathan warned her. “Don’t mention it to Terest; she’s got a lot of pride”
Once the call ended. Miriam felt a sense of helplessness settle in. He was aware of how sensitive Teresa’s pride is, but it seems he didn’t deal with it carefully in the past, she thought to herself, shaking her head
Miriam stepped into Horizonrad Group, the grandeur of the place hinting her as soon as she crossed the threshold. The place was massive and bathed in light
She was treated like a celebrity, guided to a guest ro
she sipped on some fancy coffee that could take her breath away
“Damn, this place is impressive” Miriam commented, taking in the sleek decor. “And look at all these go–getters.”
Jonathan cut to the chase, his focus on Tereu. “Ts Teresa considering going into business for herself? Is she really strapped for cash?”
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Miriam paused to consider the question. She has a child to support, and that’s not cheap, she thought before telling Jonathan “She’s at NewEdge Media, carning just over two thouund a month. It’s handly enough to get by.”
Jonathan reminisced about the start of his manage to Teresa, noting the stark difference in their financial backgrounds. He had been living paycheck to paycheck, while Teresa was used to a hefty monthly allowance from her well–off parents.
From the start, Jonathan was determined to bridge that financial gap. He had promised Teresa that marrying him wouldn’t mean a downgrade in her lifestyle. But no matter how hard he tried, life seemed to have different plans
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