Chapter 23
Jonathan stepped out of the car, his gaze imtensifying as he casually placed a hand in his pocket and covertly followed Teresa and Edward, staying
out of their line of sight.
Edward, his curiosity piqued, turned to Teresa. “Hey, Teresa, can I ask you something?” he inquired.
Without waiting for a reply, he continued. “Why did you and Jonathan call it quits? He’s keeping tight–lipped about it.”
Teresa l let out a light laugh and shook her head. “You youngsters are always so curious, she leased.
Edward grinned back. “I can’t help being curious. You two mere really close before, he said, his tone earnest
“Come on, spill the beans. I won’t breathe a word. be coaxed, his voice hushed.
As Edward’s questions persisted. Teresa answered with a grave tone. “Remember, dating and marriage play by different rules. Jumping into marriage too quickly seldom ends well”
She sighed, then pressed on. “When you’re ready to find someone for keeps, dig deep, Leam everything about them–their character, their roots. their story. It’s what really count
over for
Edbeard listened intently, nodding in reflection. Marriage was the last thing on his mind at his age. “So, with you and Jonathan, is it really over good?” he questioned, his interest sincere.
Teresa’s head shake was a clear no. “That ship has milled, she ateclared, certain that her path with Jonathan was never destined to last.
Edward paused, gathering his courage for his last query. Do you still love him. Teresa?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
At that Jonathon, who had been silently listening in, stopped dead in his tracks.
Erhard made a solemn gesture, his voice sincere Tower, I won’
on’t tell Jonathan a thing” However, the glint in his eyes made Teress suspect that be might reveal what he heard to Jonathan once their talk was done.
Her gaze conveyed a silent resolve. Tin done loving him she stated firmly
Jonathan’s expression witched, a subtle trace of pain flickering across his features, even i
i though he had been bracing for her response.
Edward’s lips tightened, showing he understood. “It’s been two years since you guys broke up. It’s normal to move on.
Teresa lightened the mood with a teasing sinile. Keep an eye out for any good catches, will you!”
Edward pondered for a moment. “You’re quite a catch yourself. Teresa. I’m sure you won’t struggle to find someone. Il consider the guys from my circle”
Jonathan, finally breaking fus silence, slapped Edward’s shoulder. “Why didn’t you ever think of setting me up!” he teased, a subtle challenge lacing his words.
Edward spun around and let out a bugh when he saw Jonathan Jonathan, you’re messing with me, right? You could get a date with a snap of your fingers”
“Whoa Edward suddenly blurted out, his thoughts catching up slowly to the imexpected situation.
Jonathan, unfazed, stood ups with a casual case,
Teresa’s eyes popped open in shock. She didn’t scream, but the look on her face said it all–she w
was as shocked as Edward.
A trace of scorn crossed Jonathan’s face, reflecting his quiet irritation at Teresa’s cautious demeanor around him.
Edward hastened to clarify, speaking rapidly. “It’s not what you think, Jonathan. Teresa and Miriam are just here in Jarisburg for a visit. I ran into them, and we’re about to join Miriam for dinner.
With a composed demeanor, Jonathan looked at the apprehensive Teresa. “I’m up for a meal. Mind if I join you!”
Teresa didn’t mance words. “No way she declared
Jonathan’s brow furrowed, his stare becoming more piercing as he observed Teresa,
Abruptly. Teresa linked arms with Jonathan, taking him aback.
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Chapter 24
Jonathan’s eyes narrowed as she drew near, his frowns growing more pronounced with her close presence.
“How about we grab lunch together while Edward hangs out with Miriam?” Teresa’s voice trembled slightly, yet she was revoliune,
Jonathan remained silent, clearly grasping her underlying intentions.
Edward wasn’t pleased, his tone hondering on a pout, “Teresa, that’s not playing fair”
Teresa swiftly responded, “Why not spend sante time with Mirian Edward? be out of your way
way. We’re leaving”
With that, she steered Jonathan away, determined to keep him from crossing paths with Michael. An encounter would be disastrous, and she couldn’t risk Jonathan seeing his son just vei.
Once they were a safe distance from Kibcard, Teresa let go of Jonathan’s hand and coughed lightly to rase the tension. I’m playing matchmaker for your cousin and Miriam Miriam’s splite taken with Elwand”
Jonathan’s brow lifted in confusion. “How did you guys meet tight.
Teresa busted out. “Outside the men’s restroom.”
Confised, Jonathan repeated, “The men’s room?”
With a straight face. Teresa continued. “Yeal, he was on his
as on his way out wis
mut when we can use each other.
he men’s room or something.”
Jonathan’s face showed both amusement and skepticism. “You make it sound like you’re a regular in the men’s room or
Teresa chose not to respond to the tease.
Glancing at his watch, Jonathan smoothly changed the subject. “What about lunch? Anywhere in rund?”
“I’m good with anything. You decule. Teresa replied, leaving th
the cheer to him
“Let’s go to Crown Plaza” Jonathan suggested.
Upon reaching the mall, Jonathan, reflecting on the help Miami had provided, offered generously. “We don’t frequent this place often. Let’s grabs something before we go. Call Miriam to join in, and I’ll take rate of the est
experiesTM
Teresa shook her head, her tone casual. “No need to interrupt her. She’s probably shopping with Ebeard. I can grab lier a few gifts instead, she said. keeping it simple.
Following their meal. Teresa anticipated returning to the hotel, but Jonathan had different ideas. He led her to his courtyard hope Once out of t car, Jonathan revealed. “This is my new bone. Would you like to see it?”
Tereso was more of a polite response than one of excitement, she’d seen the villa before with Leward and Miriam
They walked through the spacious courtyards, the property’s grandeur evident
Jonathan looked to Teresa, seeking some enthusiasm. Her lack of reaction made him feel a luat let down. “You don’t think the decor is impressive?” he asked, hoping for a positive reaction.
Teresa, pulling herself together, gave a diplomatic compliment. This place is off the charts. It’s huge and totally impressive”
With a flourish, Jonathan led her into a side room, his voice filled with anticipation. “You have to check this out” he said, unveiling a bathroom with an impressive eval tubs. The white, star–like fixture was a standout, spacious enough for nuny.
Having not afforded such luxury during their marriage, he introduced this extravagant element after their separation, expecting her to be wowed by his home’s new centerpiece.
But Teresa, having already taken in the opulence of his house, wasn’t as blown away as he’d hoped. It’s quite the showpiece” she said, her voice lacking the awe he’d anticipated.
Jonathan was visibly disappointed by her muted response
Teresa warned, shaking her head, “You’re spending excessively. A house this costly? That’s half a billion dollars you’re casually tossing around”
Jonathan looked at Teresa, a hint of skepticism in his voice. “What made you mention the 500 million?“
Teresa’s mouth thinned as she answered, “Edward slipped up and told me.”
With a mocking laugh, Jonathan questioned. “Still not impressed, are you? Would a few billion be more to your liking! How about a few trillion?”
Chapter
As Jonathan sinysde off. Teresa remanses her brow furrowed in bewilderment. She had merely intended to caution loan about his escen isperubing.
allowed Teresa to leave without making an effort to hold her back. He had tailored the luxurious hunise to her tastes, keeping atteye on the progress dining his travel
However, her muted response to the reveal was far from what he had hoped for–not even an “Oh, wose” li left him feeling completely dismissed.
Us everyone else, he was a triumphant figure, but with her, it seemed like he didn’t matter at all.
His phone burred, interinging his thoughts, Jonathan answered, “Hey. Tuy in Jaisbury on a businessing. Let’s meet up for drinks when I reisim.
SEND GIFT
