Chapter 20
A teasing glint in Jonathan’s eyes as he picked up on Teresa’s irritation. “So, are you more upset or… is that jealousy I see!”
Teresa’s features hardened. “Jonathan, I’m serious. At our age, we can’t be messing around with this sort of thing. It’s enough to make anyone mad.”
“What am I supposed to say when your network keeps asking for interviews! Once I’m on TV. I’ll be swarmed by women,” he remarked.
Teresa guzed at him, appreciating how his naturally attractive features had enhanced over the years.
“You’re quite full of yourself, aren’t you?” she said, playfully deflating his confidence. Baffled by his fabricated story of a fianoce meant to deflect attention, she’d expected him to bask in the adoration he received.
Carching the coldness in her eyes, Jonathan let out a sofi sigh. “You’ve had a tough day,” he spoke gently
Teresa’s throat tightened, and she turned her gaze away. “Tm fine,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
She was all too familiar with such drama. Her split from Jonathan had been largely influenced by Irene. She’d learned the hard way that a marriage could struggle without a supportive mother–in–law, Beyond Irene’s impact, there was another major reason for their divorce.
Teresa looked intently at Jonathan, her voice steady as she inquired. “Mind if I ask you something!”
“Go ahead.” he replied.
She paused to gather herself before asking, “What about Yvonne?” She had believed. Yvonne was his fiancée
The memory of Yvonne’s desperate pleas for Jonathan’s attention loomed heavily over Teresa.
Jonathan’s eyes flickered with a deep sadness that Teresa couldn’t miss. “She took her own life last year, he shared, his voice carrying the burden of that truth.
The news struck Teresa with force. She found it difficult to align the Yvonne she knew–self–absorbed and morally deficient–with the concept of taking her own life.
Sining back, her lips parsed, Teresa admitted, “To be honest, I never felt much sympathy for her, her tone resolute, even considering Yvonne’s depression.
To Teresa, depression didn’t excuse butting into someone’s marriage. Yet, Teresa’s doubts lingered. “You’re not lying again, are you” she probed, her voice laced with skepticism
Jonathan’s voice
was dead serious as he spoke. T’m not kidding about this. She threw herself into the river and she’s gone.”
Tere let out a soft “Oh,” and silence ensued. The previous emotional toll seemed to vanish amidst the surprise of the news she’d received
Yvonne had left no stone unturned in her efforts in break up Jonathan’s marriage to Teresa, and her metics had swayed Irene to her side.
Teresa had stepped back from her marriage with Jonathan, believing Yvonne and Irene would get what they wanted. Yvonne’s death had been unexpected, and only now did Teresa see why Irene was on the hunt for a new spouse for Jonathan.
Nating Simona’s attraction to Jonathan. Teresa commented, “Simona’s quite taken with you. She couldn’t take her eyes off you since you arrived. And she’s quite the looker herself.”
“Enough,” Jonathan cut her off, his grip on the steering wheel tightening
Teresa just snorted and went quiet, not pushing the topic any further.
Pulling up at Rosary Estates, Teresa hurriedly headed for the exit without a word of Farewell, Jonathan, remaining in the vehicle, called out to her, “Happy Thanksgiving,” and threw a purse in her direction.
The moment Terest caught the bag, her eyes caught sight of the iconic Hermes Jogo, and memories surged back.
She recalled saying to him, “I really want this bag,” and his casual reply. . “Then get it”
When she pointed out, “It’s 15 grand–that’s your entire month’s salary,” he dismissed her concem with, “If it brings you joy, it’s worth every penny.
I’ll make more.
Coming back to the present, Teresa looked at Jonathan with a mix of surprise and nostalgia. “This is the ultra–rare edition, isn’t it! It costs as much as your annual salary back then, right?”
1/2
Chapter 20
Jonathan just grinned. “Even when I’m making hundreds of thousands a year, I’m always trying to keep up with your shopping sprees”
Teresas brows furrowed as she handed the bag back to Jonathan, her voice firm. “I don’t roll that way,” she stated. Despite her appreciation for the finer things, she had her limits. Tve had plenty today I can’t accept this”
Jonathan brushed off her words with a casual flick of his hand. The bag’s no big deal”
After a moment of silence, Teresa s spoke with a quiet resolve Jonathan, we’re history. Let’s keep it that way!
The air grew thick with unspoken words.
Jonathan’s frown cut deeper. “If you don’t want it, just ditch it, he bit out, winding up the car window and revving the engine. He shot her one last icy look before driving off
Left standing there. Teresa frowned in confusion. “What’s eating at my ex today?” she muttered to herself.
Teresa walked into the house to see her son, his irritation evident. She shot him an apologetic smile, but he just squinted back at her, not buying it.
“Hey. I’m really sorry I’m late, Teresa said, trying to sound cheerful “There’s ravioli in the fridge. I can heat them up real quick for you.”
Michael wasn’t letting it go that easily. He huffed and folded his arms, his voice accusatory. “I save that black car. Again”
Teresa felt her face flush as her son’s unwavering gaze made her feel like she was under a spotlight. Look, I’ve told you, it was just dinner with my boss. It’s not what you think,” she insisted, her voice strained.
Michael’s skepticism was palpable as he blew out his cheeks. “You’re not spreading the love around, are you?” he asked, clearly not convinced by her
Teresa leaned down and pinched his cheek affectionately. “Who’s been teaching you to talk like that?” she asked, trying to shift the conversation
With a casual shrug. Michael pointed to his phone. I learn stuff from the videos I watch, he replied.
A twinge of guilt hit Teresa as she realized she hadn’t spent much quality time with Michael on Thanksgiving, with him often fixated on his phone.
Michael’s eyes were filled with hurt as he accused her. “You said we’d have a break and visit the Candy Castle in Jarisburg. But you lied agam
Words failed Terra as she tried to reply. Her quilt weighed heavily on her. She’d been too cautious with Michael, seldom venturing out with him never taking him on any big trips.
She recalled how she had casually mentioned the plans to visit the Candy Castle, see the sights, and go to the amusement park the night before, unaware of how seriously her son had taken those casual remarks.
Teresa’s eyes sparkled as she turned to Michael with a plan. “Hey, kiddo, how about Miriam and I take you on an adventure to Jarisburg tomorrow! Just us, having a great time together”
Michael’s face lit up, his voice shaky with excitement. “You’re serious, Mommy!”
“I promise” Teresa said, her voice full of conviction. “No work, no boss, just us. It’s going to be awesome.”
The next day, they set off on a train journey, accompanied by Miriam Opting for comfort, they had booked business–class tickets for the entire
Once they got comfortable, Miriam glanced at Michael, who was all dalled up in a black jacket, sunglasses, a hat, and a mask with a cute lamb pattern. He looked like a little star in the making
Miriam chuckled. “You’re not going to cook him in that outh, are you?” she teased, her concern playful but genuine.
Teresa knit her brows, ensuring Michael’s scarf was securely wrapped. “It’s freezing,” she commented.
Miriam noticed Teresa’s discomfort but dismissed it with a wave of her hand. “Don’t worry,” she reassured Teresa. “It’s not like your ex–honey’s going to randomly show up in Jarisburg at the same time we are:
SIND GIFT
