Chapter 4
Teresa was resolute about keeping Michael a secret from Jonathan. If he learned about their son, it would almost certainly lead to a bitter custody fight.
She took a steadying breath, her words measured. “Not necessary,” she stated with a hint of finality.
Jonathan’s grin twisted into something colder. “Got it. It’s been two years since we split and now I’m not even worthy of your airspace.”
As Teresa tried to explain, her brow furrowed in frustration. “What are you getting at? I told Benny that because—”
Tm
not
interested in the details,” Jonathan interjected, his tone slicing through her words.
With a dismissive wave. Teresa put an end to the conversation. “Mr. Lynn. I’m not here to justify myself. I wish you all the success in the world, and let’s just keep our distance, as per usual.“
The words “keep our distance” hit Jonathan like a punch to the gut, resonat
resonating painfully on his first night back in Narrigh following their divorce.
“Loud and clear,” Jonathan grated out, his voice tight with emotion. Then, without another glance back, he peeled out, his car leaving Teresa in a
cloud of dust.
Teresa entered her silent home, the click of the light switch echoing as she discovered Michael wasn’t there. Oddly, relief flooded her
Her phone buzzed, and Miriam’s voice came through the line. “Mike’s out like a light You’re off the hook tonight, he’s crashing at my place.”
Teresa’s voice was edged with suspicion. “Miriam, did you set this up?”
Miriam sounded genuinely affronted. “What? No way! I wasn’t setting you u
up
“But Jonathan was at the party, Teresa accused. “You told me he’d be a no–show, but there he was”
Miriam hesitated, her voice wavering. “Benny said Jonathan might swing by. I didn’t think he’d actually make it
“Benny’s way out of bounds, trying to play matchmaker with me and Jonathan. I don’t get what he’s after.” Teresa grumbled.
Miriam’s forehead creased, her voice tinged with disbelief. “You two can’t work it out! Jonathan’s got the world by the tail now?
Miriam paused, dropping her voice to a whisper. “And get this—Renny mentioned Jonathan’s been flying solo for two years, Sounds to me like he’s still got feelings for you”
The revelation floured Teresa She’d been sure Jonathan would have reconnected with Yvonne. The idea of remarriage brought back the stalemate of their past and the fatigue that dragged them down. Just the thought of being with him again rubbed her the wrong way
After what felt like an age of silence, Teresa finally broke the quiet, her tone resolute yet composed. “We’re not rewriting history. We’ve taken different turns, and we’re not on the same page anymore.”
She continued, “Two years have passed, and that’s the way it’ll remain–we’re like passing ships in the dark, not destined to tie up again.
Miriam let out a slow breath, her tone wrapping around Teresa in a hug of support. “All right, follow your heart. No matter what, I’m in your corner. Those words sparked a flicker of warmth in Teresa’s chest.
Teresa left her son in Miriam’s capable hands, grateful for the friend’s more flexible calendar to cover the childcare while she tackled the demands of her media company gig.
Her role in operations offered some perks, but the pay? It was a tightrope walk to make ends meet
Teresa was now realizing that even the most desirable jobs came with their own set of drawbacks. After two grueling years, Teresa was on the brink.
Managing her unpredictable boss and the constant struggle to make ends meet were wearing her down. Yet, she felt trapped. Quitting wasn’t an option, she needed every cent to provide for her son.
Her parents, embarking on
Once, on a whim, Teresa had said “I do” to Jonathan after a single passionate night–a leap her parents never b
on new family chapters, had made it clear that financial support was a thing of the past.
backed.
When that marriage collapsed and motherhood found her, she kept it all under wraps. Fearful and indecisive, she didn’t see the need to make a public announcement
The quiet grew louder when, scrolling through social media, she discovered that her mother, Evelyn, at 46, had quietly welcomed a new baby girl
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Chapter 4
with her new husband, Charlie Wilson–a month–old surprise that was the talk of the town.
Her ties with her biological father had also faded into the background as they each embarked on new family sagas, leaving Teresa feeling like the odd one out. Yet, in the solitude of night she often found herself aching for the solace that only her mom could offer.
Wayne Kotler, director of the operations team, announced loudly across the office. “Morning meeting. Ops team!” The call was greeted with a series of tired groans from the staff.
Teresa snapped out of her daze, adding her own sigh to the mix. Ever since the sun peeked over the horizon, she’d been on the company’s clock. The badge dangling from her neck felt more like a leash than an ID.
“Rumor has it. Horizonlead Group’s CEO, Mr. Jonathan Lynn, is the slipperiest interview in town. Wayne mentioned.
He waved a folder in the air. “Here’s everything we’ve got on him. Check it out, team”
As the team pored over the documents, he added, “Landing an interview with Jonathan would be a major coup.”
Then, Jonathan’s face flashed on the screen, commanding the room’s focus and drawing a wave of awe
His sharp features and commanding aura shattered the mundane morning atmosphere.
Teresa sat there, speechless. She inwardly rolled her eyes, thinking, Why on earth is Jonathan the highlight of our morning huddle?”
“Teresa Wayne’s voice echoed through the office.
She raised her hand in response. “Here Teresa confirmed.
His bald spot reflected the fluorescent lights as he tossed a folder towards her. “Dig into the Horizontead Croup details in there. After our meeting. I want you to call Jonathan’s secretary and see if we can snag an interview, Wayne commanded.
Teresa’s eyebrows shot up. “Why pick me”
“Your voice is like music to the ears. You’re our secret weapon, Wayne complimented.
A rough cough escaped Teresa, “Mr. Kotler, I’m fighting a cold. My voice is shot–croaky as can be. Can’t someone else take this one? I’m not even. close to a hundred percent, she argued.
“Just a quick call. And if you pull this off, there’s a nice raise waiting for you,” Wayne dangled the carrol, wrapping up the meeting. He then turned on his heel and left, leaving Teresa to weigh her options.
The office was alive with sideways glances at Teresa–a blend of envy for her melodic voice and striking looks, and sympathy for the high–stakes task that could cost her her job if she failed.
Teresa’s stomach was a mess of knots. It had been a silent two years since she last spoke to Jonathan, and she’d been dead set on it being over just last night
Calling him felt like admining defeat, and she wasn’t ready to face Jonathan or est crow.
“Sherry, would you mind making this call for me? I’d be forever grateful,” “Teresa asked, her voice tinged with hope. “Dinner’s on me.”
Sherry Roth offered a comforting pat on Teresa’s shoulder. “Don’t stress. The Horizonlead Group’s CEO is a phantom when it comes to interviews You can’t even get past his secretary.”
Teresa’s brow lifted skeptically. “No way”
Sherry shrugged. “Take my word for it, or give it a shot. His line is always quiet–the CEO is colder than an iceberg”
Teresa’s finger hovered over the dial pad, her brow furrowed with uncertainty as she initiated the call to Horizonlead Group’s secretary’s office from her work phone.
The sound of a busy signal echoed through the phone. Teresa breathed a sigh of relief, the call hadn’t connected after all.
“Hello!” a familiar voice, one that sent a jolt down her spine, responded.
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