Chapter 19
Jonathan had instructed Lance to report any unusual happenings at the family home without delay
His expression darkened as he took in Lance’s frantic message. The moment the call ended, be set about making necessary arrangements.
At the Lynn residence, Hayden had regained his calm and was about to call Jonathan when his phone vibrated with a call from Jonathan. He picked up, his face hardening as he attempted to speak, but Jonathan got the words out first.
In response, Hayden clipped out, “Got it. We need you back here, pronto.
After ending the call. Hayden faced Simona, pointing a finger at her. “Jonathan says he’s not involved with you and is on his way back. Turning to Teresa, he said. You’re not leaving. You’re the only one I acknowledge as Jonathan’s wife.”
With Hayden’s grip keeping her in place, Teresa’s brow furrowed in confusion. She recalled that Jonathan had mentioned a business trip to Shaville, which would take at least two hours to reach by plane.
Jonathan arrived half an hour later, his face showing the strain of a hurried flight. Despite the fatigue, he carried himself with an air of authority that filled the room.
Simona’s breath hutched when she laid eyes on jonathan up close. He was even more captivating in reality, his chann and good looks more impressive than she’d envisioned. His imposing stature and confident demeanor surprisingly instilled a sense of safety in her.
As soon as Jonathan entered, his gaze fixed on Teres. He strode across the room and pulled Teresa up from the couch, his silence conveying more
than words
Teresa’s bewilderment was evident as she wondered why he hadn’t approached Simona first
Hayden’s fury was tangible; he pounded the table, his face flushed with rage. “Jonathan, you better start explaining yourself. Are you two–timing?”
Holding Teresa’s hand, Jonathan spoke firmly, his gaze sweeping the room. “I have no connection with Ms. Larkin. We’ve never met, never been engaged. There’s nothing between us, nothing at all.”
Hayden nodded decisively, his voice resolute as he asserted. Jonathan swore he’s not involved with Ms. Larkin, and I believe him. She should go she’s not in our circle.”
Facing Teresa with conviction, he said. “In my book, you’re the only one I see as Jonathan’s wife.”
Teresa was overwhelmed by a mix of feelings. She was treated like an outsider in her own family, yet she found herself backed by her ex–husband’s grandfather as if she truly belonged
Simona’s face flushed with anger, and she addressed Irene, demanding, “Mrs. Lynn!”
Irene’s fare was a mask of sternness as she said. “Hayden, they’re divorced. That’s reality, and we can’t ignore it.”
Hayden remained unyielding, insisting with a slight cough. They might as well remarry, for all we know. I’m sticking to the original—no replacements,”
Cheryl interjected, her tone soothing. “Irene. let’s not ruin today. It’s Thanksgiving, a precious opportunity for us to unite. Can we simply saver this time together!”
Feeling left out. Irene kept her thoughts to herself as Jonathan and Teresa rushed to Hayden’s side.
It seemed like the whole family was backing up T
Teresa, leaving Irene feeling isolated
Jonathan tried to calm the situation, his hand gently patting Hayden’s chest.
But Hayden was furious, swatting Jonathan’s hand away. “What gives you the right to just divorce her? You make some money and suddenly your wife doesn’t matter! We don’t do things like that in the Lynn family,” he fumed
Jonathan sighed, nodding in response to Hayden’s rebuke. “I understand. I messed up. We’ll fix this, he promised, trying to keep Hayden from getting more upset
Teresa’s eyes flashed with surprise and disapproval at jonathan. She hadn’t signed up for any remarriage plans.
At her limit. Simona spun on her high heels and stormed out of the room, casting a despondent look at Jonathan, who seemed not to notice her leaving.
Irene stone
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stone was urgent as she quickened her steps to keep up with Simona, calling out, Simona, hold up! Let’s talk this through
Chapter 191
Hayden was still fuming, his rage palpable as he confronted Jonathan, both with words and force. “You ungrateful boy!” he shouted, “You choose Thanksgiving to drop this bombshell! You’d better be nice to Teresa, or there will be consequences
e was in trouble, I left everything and came back. I
Jonathan bore the brunt, letting out a weary sigh. “What more can I do? As soon as I heard she was in sacrificed a significant contract for this.”
Hayden made has stance clear with a dismissive sport. “Money comes and goes, but a good marriage? That’s something you can’t replace; he stated,
his voice unwavering.
Jonathan, catching Teresa’s eye, gave a solemn nod. “You’re right, Grandpa,” he agreed
Cheryl’s curiosity got the better of her, and she blurted out, “So, what happened with the divorce? What went wrong?”
The room fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air, but Jonathan and Teresa kept their counsel
Teresa glanced at her watch and prepared to take her leave. “Hayden, if there’s nothing more, I should be going. You need to take it easy and get some rest,” she suggested gently
Suddenly, Hayden clutched at his chest, his features contorted with pain. “Oh, it’s my chest is it my heart again?” he groaned, his voice strained.
Teresa’s face paled as she reached out to him. “Hayden, are you okay?” she asked urgently.
Dropping the act, Hayden gripped Teresa’s wrist with surprising strength. “Don’t go. Stay and have dinner with me, and I’ll be okay. Sit next to Jonathan, he can crack the crabs for you.
Teresa remained silent, her mind elsewhere.
Jonathan slipped off his jacket, nodding at Hayden’s advice, “Let’s eat, and then I take you home, he told Teresa.
Irene had left and didn’t return, probably because the knew the wasn’t wanted.
After they finished dinner, Hayden gestured for Jonathan to join him in the study.
Curious about the exchange between Hayden and Jonathan, Teresa was drawn out of her thoughts by Cheryl, who leaned in and murmured, “Hey, what’s the real deal with you and Jonathan? Why did you guys break up? I promise it’ll stay between us
Tere chose not to badmouth Jonathan. She replied vaguely. “We just weren’t suited for each other, I think.”
Cheryl, not one to give up easily, probed further. “How so? Was it a matter of not being on the same page in terms of intimacy?”
Teresa blushed and playfully tapped Cheryl on the forehead. “You’re too young to be thinking about this stuff”
Cheryl gave Teresa a playful nudge, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Tm getting up there, but you, Teresa, you’ve got that mature allure,” she leased
never change,” she said, her tone filled with affectionate
Teresa caught on to Cheryl’s meaning and rolled her eyes at Cheryl’s playful gesture. “You ne
amusement.
Cheryl hooked her arm through Teresa’s, complimenting her. “Your figure is to die for. Tere. Being around such stunning beauty is a real treat,” she beamed, her eyes full of admiration.
Jonathan, from the doorway of the study, watched the interaction, noticing Cheryl’s touch on Teresa’s form. He’d always been drawn to Teresa’s figure, and it still captured his attention.
He cleared his throat noisily, descending t the stairs and interrupting the moment, prompting Cheryl to unlink her arm from Tereu’s.
Teresa glanced at her watch and her eyes widened at the time. “I have to get going,” she said, her voice tinged with urgency as she thought about her son waiting at home
Hayden looked at Jonathan and let out a sigh. “Make sure Teresa gets home safely. It’s a shame she can’t stay over like she used to
Teresa and Jonathan shared a wordless, strained look, their mouths set in tight lines.
As they departed, Teresa tossed a remark over her shoulder to Hayden, “Thanks for the Thanksgiving gift. Hayden. That was really something
Hayden’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What are you talking about! I didn’t send any gift
Teresa’s eyes widened in shack. “You didn’t have Edward bring the holiday package to my place!”
Hayden shook his head. “No, I didn’t. Edward’s not my errand boy. I wouldn’t have done that,”
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Chapter 19
Jonathan quickly steered the com
conversation away, taking Teresa’s hand. “Let’s hit the road,” he said, guiding her out the door.
Teresa stared to put the pieces together, her expression thoughtful, as she followed Jonathan.
Settled in the car, Teresa inquired. “You’re the one who sent Edward with those gifts, right?”
Jonathan’s hands clenched the steering wheel, and he responded with a brief “Yeah!”
His voice grew nostalgic as he continued, “When we first tied the knot, I didn’t have much to give. I’m just trying to make up for those early times.
Tears welled up in Teresa’s eyes as she looked at Jonathan’s silhouette. “By the way, there isn’t really a fiancée, is there! You were lying, right?”
SEND GIFT
