Chapter 22
Edward shared the news. “He wants me out. He’s booked me into a hotel.”
Teresa was quick to agree. “Great, let’s roll. She hadn’t been looking forward to staying there anyway.
She couldn’t gamble on Jonathan showing up unexpectedly. Given his sharp instincts and piercing scrutiny, she was anxious about his potential suspicion upon encountering Michael.
Meanwhile, Jonathan, after hanging up the phone, complained about Edward’s kick of respect for privacy
His family was still waiting to move into their newly revamped home, but Edward had already made himself at home. Jonathan wasn’t about to let
that stand.
Miriam was determined to inspect the entire house before they took off with Edward equally eager to look around before leaving. They both assumed Jonathan would be okay with it
As they explored the courtyard house, Teresa’s attention was drawn to the master suite and the side rooms, but it was the bathroom’s grand bathtub that stopped her in her tracks.
Teresa was swept away by recollections of her past with Jonathan. She remembered expressing her desire for a luxurious bathtub. “A big, special tub would be a dream, but they’re incredibly pricey
ne day I’ll get you that tub
Jonathan had responded with a promise that chord with determination. Tlearn more, and one day
She had questioned. “Is it too much to hope for? Am I asking too much?”
Jonathan had been candid about his own ambitions. “Tm extremely lucky to have you as my wife. I know your parents have their reservations about
me, but I’m determined to show them in worthy of their trust
Tears filled Teresa’s eyes as she reflected on those memories. Despite their high hopes, their marriage ultimately crumbled, the divorce leaving a painful, irreversible mark of regret and loss for both.
Exting the expansive courtyard house, the group proceeded to the hotel Jonathan had mentioned for the evening.
Finding only two rooms available for their group of three adults and a child. Miriam sighed dramatically. “Guess Eddie and I will have to share a
Trom
Edward, after a brief moment of thought, waved off the idea. “Nah, I’ll room with my little buddy here. You can pair up with “Teresa.”
Teresa, keeping a grip on Michael’s hand, piped up. “You guys enjoy some quiet time. I take the night with the little one. I’ve got it covereil?
Edward let out a frustrated sigh when he realized
hr was on his own
Miriam grabbed lais collar, steering him aside. Could you give me some quace. Miriam Edward requested, striving to maintain his composare
She paid no mind to his request and ushered him into the elevator. “What’s with the distance!” she joked, waving off has unease. I’m not going to devour you, you know.”
Edward felt a lump in his throat. Mariam’s attractiveness, was undeniable, but her gaze was predatory, not friendly, which set his nerves on edge.
In a separate room. Teresa and Michael encountered a different issue. Michael was profusely sweating, and Teresa noticed the tellrate red splotches of a beat rash on his neck.
Ti so sorry, darling. Teresa said, her voice heavy with remorse. She made a silent vow that once she had saved enough, she and Michael would escape Narrigh, far from Jonathan and his family.
Michael, hands planted firmly on his hips, reminded Terex, “Mommy, you promised me something, right?”
Teresa had made a promise by the men’s restroom: Michael would get three wishes when they returned home if he behaved.
With a nod. Teresa reassured him, “I haven’t forgotten, as she guided him to the bathroom
After getting cleaned up. Michael ran a towel through his hair and remarked, “Mouy, you seem really anxious around Edward. I think he’s pretty
cool
Teresa paused before saying, “It’s not Edward that’s bothering me, it’s
Michael, full of curiosity, pressed, “What then?”
Chapter 22
Without finishing. Teresa pulled out a storybook from their luggage. She fucked Michael into bed and began to read to him.
Half–asleep. Michael murmured Mommy, I want to go to the amusement park tomorow
Teresa softly responded, “We’ll do that, I promise
His eyes nearly shut. Michael mumbled, “When can we go to the Candy Casilei”
Teresa ge
gently replied, “We’re not sure yet, but we’ll try to make a reservation for tomorrow”
Michael, still half–asleep, gazed at Teresa with a wistful sigh. “Mommy, will we ever love a place as nice as that big house!” he asked, his voice tinged with a child’s innocence.
Teresa’s throat tightened, and she blinked back the sting of tears, Post–divorce life wasn’t as she’d envisioned, with Jonathan thriving while she juggled their son and a fading career. She was determined not to let this be her final dupier.
Gently, she whispered to the sleeping child, “Absolutely, werthean. We’ll make it happen. A better home and a stronger future, I promise. ITE always be here for you.”
The following mor
but Edward looked wern out, I
Jus rpes shadowed by fatigue.
are full of energy. morning. Terra and Michael were
Frowning with concem, Teresa asked Miriam, “What happened between you and Lelword last night?“.
Miriam couldn’t contain her frustration. You won’t believe this, but he slept on the couch lau night.”
Teresa, however, found the whole situation hilarious. “Why didn’t you juu go for if she asked, laughter bubbling up.
Miriam rolled her eyes, her
her expression serious. “I’m not the type to jump into things. Eddie is special to me.”
ורו
Teresa caught the sincerity in Miriant’s eyes, acknowledging her true feelings for Edward.
Out at the amusement park, Edward fished a small loaf of bread from his bag and held in out to Michael, whin was quick to decline wida shuke of lus head.
Edward glanced at Miriam and proposed, “Why not remove his maste? It’s really hot out today,”
Miriam hesitated, casting a quick look at Teresa, who felt Michael’s sweaty palms. With a resigned breath, Teresa pulled the mask away
face of yours,
Edward sand with a chuckle.
The ban cast a shadow over Michael’s forehead, allowing abart to see only the lower part of his face, which highlighted Michael’s distinct jawline.
“Hey there, young charmer, show the that handsome face of
Remembering what Teresa had said. Michael shook his head and sought comfon by hugging berleg
Spotting a chance to help, Miriam interjected. “Hey Mike, want to join me on the carousel; it’s a blast”
Teresa felt a wave of relief as Minam stepped in her eyes conveying her deep appreciation towards Miniam..
Edward, who was all about the thrill of roller coasters, wasn’t a fan of the more laid–back attractions like the carousel.
Miriani, who had a real fear of heights, was quick to decline. Thanks, but I sit this one ou Hogies aren’t my thing”
Terex stepped in taking charge of the station, “Miriam, how about you keep Michael company? Edward and I are going to check out the
excitement
Miriam, clutching Michael’s arm, was ready to head to the lounge. “We’ll hang out in the lounge. I’m dying for a dinink
Teresa and Edward, still bazing from the thrill of the rides, tackled a series of exhilarating attractions.
As they stepped off the last one, Edward gave Teresa a thumbs up, his eyes twinkling with respect. “You’re quite the adventure–seeker. Teresa! You seemed so delicate around Jonathan,” he complimented, clearly impressed.
On one of the thrill rides, Edward was the one who screamed throughout, while Teresa stayed completely unfazed.
Teresa sighed sofity and gave Edward a slight roll of her eyes. “Can we leave Jonathan behind! I’m done with him now”
Edward seemed ill at ease, nervously rubbing his neck. “Must we steer clear of any mention of hien! He wouldn’t be pleased if he knew?
Chapter
With a nonchalant shrug. Teresa brushed off his concem. “He’s not here to care, she replied, taking out her phone to video call Miriam.
As soon as Miriam answered the call. Teresa swiftly inquired. “Hey, where are you guys atl
“We’re enjoying a buffet Mike’s famished: Miriam told her
Tema’s eyes twinkled with annusensent as she observed Michael on the video, cheerfully eating
ing his fill. As she and Edward set off for their dinner, Edward thoughtfully carmed Teresa’s bag alongside his
Caually, Teresa tumed to Edward. So, what’s up with you and Muriam! She’s a cool person.”
Edward, not in the mood for this chat, gave a dismissive gesture. Teresa, I’m really just focused on school right now,” he replied, steering i conversations away from his personal life,
Teresa tried to reassure him. “You’ll have plenty of time for relationships in college.
But Edward was firm. “Can we not talk about thid he requeded.
Teresa picked up on his signals and didn’t push it further.
the
Navigating the city center in his sleek black Maybach, Jonathan masaged his temples to relieve the stress of a hecne day and jet lag. His mind wa also preoccupied with Teresa, who only ever responded to his calls, never making the first move.
With a sigh, Jonathan turned on the tablet next to him and started browsing Teresa’s online store.
The
rd, pointing-
driver’s alarmed voter broke through Jonathan’s concentration. “Mr. Lan, Mrs. Lynn across the street?” he asked,
Glancing up from his tablet, Jonathan frowned as he noticed Teresa and Edward, deep in lively conversation, following the drivers indication.
His mood turned sour. Till over be commanded surply
COVVINT
