Chapter 11
“Already forgotten, Teresa responded, her tone edged with discomfort.
Jonathan, not picking up on her irritation, leaned in closer, his breath brushing her car as he murmured, “Forgotten? You want me to jog your memory!”
She didn’t hesitate to push him away. “Back off Jonathan, Teresa said firmly.
His eyes lingered on her taking in the new contours of her body that had bloomed since they last mer. He realized how disconnected he’d become. Even though he’d endured two years alone, their married days had been anything but passionless.
Before the moment could escalate, Jonathan retreated, straightening up in his seat
–
As they arrived at Teresa’s place, she couldn’t hide her irritation. After stepping out of the car, she turned and mattered, “What a creep”
Catching the sight of her ears turning red, Jonathan softly laughed.
Teresa had dinner plans at the Lynns‘, so she’d arranged for Miriam to look after Michael in her absence.
Michael wasn’t thrilled with the idea of staying in. Do I really have to hang around the house again!” he groaned, his lower lip poking out in a pout.
Teresa gave Is a reassuring smile. Play nice, and I bring you back something really good to eat,” she said, her voice warm and comforting
With a huff, Michael crossed his arms, nimicking his dad’s signature frown. “You always bribe me with food, he grumbled.
Jonathan had been on a financial roll, carning enough to buy a fancy villa in Narcigh’s northern region for his mom, Irene Lynn.
After his dad’s early passing, it had been trene and a lot of help from his grandfather who’d raised him.
Hayden was looking forward to coming home for his birthday, and Irene was all for it
Upon learning that Teresa was included in the dinner plans, Irene was shocked. Wait, you two are divorced, right? What’s Teresa doing al our family dinner? she questioned, her tone carrying a hint of disapproval
Jonathan spoke matter–of–factly. “We haven’t told Grandpa about the divorce. It’s better for his heart if we keep it that way. celebrate his birthday, Let’s just make sure he enjoys it this year
Plus, he rarely,
ely gets to
Irene, her lips pressed thin, gave him a pointed look. “Promise me you’ll meet with Simona after dinner.”
Jonathan shook his head, a clear ‘no‘ written on his face. “Tim not into her. You can drop it.”
Irene stared at him, puzzled. “You’re only twenty–nine, Jonathan. You should be out there, dating. You’re not planning on being a bachelor for life. are you!!!
He just shrugged, not engaging with her probing.
Irene and Teresa had never seen eye to eye, and the feeling was mutual. When Teresa arrived at the Lynn residence, she kept it formal with a simple, “Hello, Mrs. Lynn and didn’t offer much che.
Irene, not wanting to cause a scene with Hayden around, chose to avoid the family get–together. She turned on her heel and made her way
upstairs, leaving the rest to their evening.
Teresa inched closer to Jonathan, her elbow lightly bumping his side as she spoke softly, I think your mom still doesn’t like me.”
When he didn’t respond, she continued, “You should have brought Yvonne. It would have kept your mom happy. She really adores Yvonne.”
Jonathan gave her a pointed glance, silently urging her to drop the subject.
Hayden’s laughter boomed as he made his way over, his eyes sparkling with joy. “Teresa, sweetheart, come here and let me take a good look at you he called on, his hand waving her closer,
With a gentle pat on Teresa’s hand, Hayden said, “You’re just glowing, Teresa. Jonathan, you’ve got a real gem here.”
The gesture evoked memories of Teresa’s grandparents, a tender reminder of their presence in her life.
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2:00 PM
Chapter 11
Hayden’s face grew solemn as he gestured towards Jonathan. Tve been anxious. Any updates on the family expanding?” There was an eager glint in his eyes, leaving his question lingering.
Jonathan’s face was unreadable, his thoughts tucked away.
Teresa’s heart pounded as she spoke. “Hayden, we’re not there yet with the kit
- kids thing”
Hayden counted on his fingers, a knowing look on his face. “You’ve been married for four years now. It’s time to think about starting a family”
Teresa nodded, her eyes cast down. “We’re aware. We’re working on it.”
Jonathan stepped in, draping an arm around Teresa’s shoulders. Take it easy, Grandpa. Kids are in the cards, just not right now.”
Teresa’s eyes softened as she l looked up at Jonation, touched by his support
From the entrance, a voice announced, “Grandpa, I’m back!”
Donald Lynn, Jonathan’s younger cousin, breezed in, his white tracksuit a sharp contrast to his energetic greeting. “Hey, Jonathan and Teresa, long
time no see
Hayden, with a teasing grin on his face, gave Donald a light up on the head. “Donald, you’re just now showing up? What’s been keeping you!” he inquired.
Donald sighed, a hint of resignation on his fi
face, “Grandpa, I’ve mentioned it before. I’m a doctor. It’s been a crazy day at the hospital,” he explained.
Hayden raised an eyebrow skeptically. “But aren’t you still just an intern?” he questioned.
Donald shook his head, a proud grin emerging “I got my full license this year. Believe me, pediatricians are swamped,” he caid, a note of accomplishment in his valce.
Hayden tusted and gave him a pointed look. “No matter how busy, don’t neglect your love life. Your cousin’s been hitched for years, and you’re still single,” he chided, his tone playful but firm.
Dould just nodded, a little taken aback, without a snappy retort
Cheryl Lynn, Donald’s younger siste
sister, with her wool dress, white shoes, and branded pigtails tramming her cherubic face, spoke up for Donald. “Grandpa, give him a break. His whole department is inale,” she said, her voice gentle and her look sincere.
Cheryl beamed and linked her arms with Teresa’s upon seeing her. Teresa, long time she greeted, her fondness for Teresa clear
Teresa tousled Cheryl’s hair affectionately. “So, how’s the art world treating you!”
Cheryl grinned. “Amazing! I just graduated from Lumina School of Art. Hey, Teresa. If you want. I could paint a portrait of you. It’d be a great
investmentTM
Jonathan quickly interjected. “We’re good, thanks”
Cheryl made a face. “Jonathan, you’re just being overprotective:
Donald playfully pulled Cheryl over. “Cheryl, you’re butting into their couple’s moment. Don’t you think it’s a bit much?”
Jonathan dismissed the concern with a flick of his hand. “No big deal. Cheryl adores Teresa, like a cat loves its owner
Cheryl huffed, cheeks puffed out. “I’m not a pet. Jonathan
- Hayden, with a wide grin, clapped to gather everyone. “Alright, let’s get this feast started“
Irene descended the stairs, offering a hello to Donald and Cheryl’s folks, Werner and Cathy Lynn.
As the family from Jonathan’s side filled the room, Teresa sat next to him, a bit uncasy.
Hayden, with a twinkle in his eye, teased Teresa about her shyness. “Hey, no need to be so shy, Teresa. A hug and a peck on the cheek might be just the thing.” he said, chuckling.
As Teresa coughed, Jonathan was quick to respond, offering her a glass of water and gently putting her back to soothe her.
Hayden continued, reminiscing about the past. “Black when you were newlyweds, you two were always hugging and kissing” he said, I growing wider.
The room filled with laughter, but frene remained quiet, seemingly lost in thought.
his smile
203 PM D
Chapter 11
Jonathan used to make a show of feeding Teresa pancakes, not bothered by the attention they got,
With a hint of embarrassment, Teresa appealed to Hayden. “Hayden, we’re adults now. Could you lay off the teasing?” she asked.
Cheryl, playing along, nudged Teresa Teresa, why not give Jonathan a kiss to make Grandpa happy?” she suggested, adding to the playful banter.
Hayden rubbed his beard, exchanging a meaningful look with Cheryl “Exactly. It’s just a little birthday wish from an old–timer like me humor me on this once, right?” he asked, his tone playful yet sincere.
Teresa felt the intensity of Jonathan’s gaze and quickly looked down, taking a sip from her glass to calm herself.
You could
Jonathan, with a mischievous smile, tugged Teresa toward him and murmured, “Let’s give Grandpa something to smile about, before brushing her forehead with a kiss
He couldn’t help but admire her features up close–the soft flutter of her lashes, the elegant line of her nose.
Teresa’s checks flushed at the unexpected display of affection. The scent of Jonathan was all around her, making her hesitate to pull away,
Hayden chuckled, clapping his hands in delight. “You two are getting more shy with age.” he teased. “It’s quite the show
Jonathan, a touch irritated, retorted. “I’m not that old. Grandpa. I’m just twenty–nine.”
Hayden casually waved off the remark. “My buddy Colin’s a great–grandpa, and his grandson is your age, Four years married, and I’m still waung on that great–grandkid”
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