21 Chapter 71
71.Chapter 71
“Mommy, please,” Michael pleaded.
Teresa looked at Michael, amused yet exasperated. “Do you like Mr. Lime that much?” She thought, “Have he and Jonathan ever met in person? Why does he like Jonathan so much? Is this the undeniable pull of blood ties?‘
Michael gestured above his head. “Mr. Lime is so tall, handsome, and rich. I won’t be losing out if he becomes my daddy.” Teresa was rendered speechless.
The online buzz was in full swing. Teresa hadn’t expected Hayden to call, offering her comforting words and advice not to pay attention to the discussion online. “Hayden, thanks for thinking of me even from afar.”
“No, I’ve returned to Nareigh and am staying at Jonathan’s place. Come visit me when you’re free,” Hayden said. Teresa agreed as she hadn’t seen Hayden since Thanksgiving Day. She was moved for he’d returned from Lasmegas for her sake.
“Mommy. Mommy.” After dinner, Michael leaped off the couch on the balcony and darted toward Teresa excitedly. “I saw Mr. Lime’s car. He must be here to see you.
With a frown, Teresa walked to the window and took the binoculars from Michael’s
hand. Sure enough, Jonathan was there. Her phone buzzed on the side table. Teresa answered the call while simultaneously covering Michael’s mouth to keep him quiet.
“I’m downstairs at your place. Let’s talk.” Jonathan’s voice was deep and magnetic.
“About what?” Teresa asked.
After a brief pause, Jonathan sighed. “I’m here. Do I have to explain it over the phone?” He wondered if meeting Teresa face–to–face was such a tall order.
“Let’s talk tomorrow. I’m about to go to bed. With that, Teresa hung up the phone.
Michael scowled at Teresa. “It’s only 8 p.m. You’re not going to bed. You’re lying.”
“I don’t feel like going downstairs. It’s a hassle,” Teresa said.
Michael sighed. “Fine. I’ll meet Mr. Lime for you.” He was anxious since Teresa looked indifferent.
Teresa grabbed the back of Michael’s shirt collar as he bolted toward the door. “Where are you going? Wanna get punished?”
“Will you really hit your handsome son?” Michael countered, about to leave.
Teresa decided against bantering with Michael. She squatted down, firmly gripping his shoulders, and said seriously, “Michael, listen to me carefully. It’s impossible between me and Mr. Lime. He’s not your dad. Be good and stop this, okay?”
Michael snorted. “I’m trying to help you. I refuse to see you exhausted, so I’m picking out a suitable husband for you.”
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“Thanks, but we don’t need that,” Teresa insisted. “Trust me–even without a husband, I can take care of you and keep you well–fed.”
Philip didn’t believe in Teresa, and at present, Michael was her only family. If he didn’t trust her, she didn’t know who else would. For her child, Teresa was willing to work hard and earn money, no matter how difficult it would be.
“Okay, I believe you.” Michael hurriedly brought Teresa her lipstick. “But you’d better go meet Mr. Lime now. Don’t keep him waiting.”
Teresa warned, “Don’t come downstairs. I’m serious. If you do, I’ll get mad and unfriend
you.
“Hmph–you’re so petty.” Michael promised he wouldn’t go downstairs. Even so, Teresal felt uneasy. She turned to Sherry and told her to keep an eye on Michael. Without a choice, Sherry agreed to keep watch on Michael.
The November night wind was biting cold. Jonathan wore a thin overcoat, his collar flipped up. His breath puffed in–visible clouds as he spoke, his gaze fixed on Teresa, who was approaching him. “It’s chilly out. Can we talk at your place?”
“Let’s talk in your car,” Teresa said.
Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “Is it that hard to offer me a cup of coffee?”
Teresa explained, “I live with a colleague. She’s home, so it’s inconvenient.“”
‘Which colleague? Male or female?” Jonathan asked.
Teresa kicked Jonathan’s shin lightly. “Why would I live with a male colleague? Are you insane?” Jonathan didn’t say much else.
Once they were inside his car, Jonathan turned on the heater and waited for Teresa to speak. As she remained quiet, he raised a brow and glanced at her in disbelief.
“You’re not going to thank me after all that I’ve done to help you?” Jonathan asked. If it weren’t for him stepping in, who knew how badly those internet trolls would be tearing Teresa apart?
“I didn’t ask for your help,” Teresa said flatly.
“Oh… I must be out of my mind, bored out of my skull, to announce to the world that we were once married. All my wishful thinking, all right?” Jonathan’s furrowed brows, cold demeanor, and tightly pressed lips betrayed his displeasure.
Teresa tilted her head and forced a smile. “Thank you, Mr. Lime. Thanks for helping me out. Happy now, Mr. Lime? Satisfied?”
Jonathan’s furrowed brows eased, and he suddenly laughed. “You’re starting to sound
like that boy.”
Teresa’s heart skipped a beat. Somehow, she had blurted out “Mr. Lime.” She had completely been led astray by Michael. Trying to play it off, Teresa asked casually,”
Who?”
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“You wouldn’t know him even if I told you.” Jonathan steered the conversation back on track. “Have you seen what I told the media?”
Teresa nodded. “More or less.
Jonathan thought, ‘Huh? What does ‘more or less‘ mean?
Teresa asked, “What exactly are you trying to say? Can we get straight to the point? It’s late, and I still have to work on my online store.”
Jonathan parted his lips and enunciated each word. “What if I told you that comment about getting back together wasn’t a joke?” Teresa fell silent. The car was unusually quiet inside. The sound of Jonathan taking a breath could almost be heard.
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