Chapter 1009

The words “I don’t blame you. You’re not the one who should be apologizing” were right on the tip of Teresa’s tongue, but she didn’t even get a chance to say them.

She really wanted to tell him, “You should get some rest, too. You’ve been so tired lately.”

She knew Jonathan was stuck between Irene and her, and it had to be an awkward, powerless place for him.

So when Evelyn told her that Jonathan just wanted to settle the child support and then cut off contact, Teresa still didn’t blame him, not even now. She was just a little sad and a little upset, that’s all.

Just then, Lucas brought a cup of milk for her.

Teresa said, “Thanks, Lucas.”

“Teresa, you must be tired. Mom always said you loved milk since you were little. Drink some and get some rest,” Lucas said.

Teresa said, “Jonathan’s lactose intolerant, so he never liked milk. He kind of rubbed off on me, and now I don’t drink it either. Mike takes after him—he’s never been into milk since he was little.”

After saying it, she froze for a moment. She didn’t even know why those words slipped out; they came straight from the heart.

Lucas sat down beside her and said, “Teresa, honestly, it feels like you and Jonathan are both just sulking tonight. Does it really have to be this way?”

Teresa lowered her head and said, “Didn’t we already talk everything out today? There’s nothing left to say. Maybe this is what he wanted all along. Maybe Jonathan and I were never really on the same path.”

Evelyn’s voice suddenly came from the doorway, saying, “You said it.” She’d overheard the last part and walked right in.

She said to Teresa, “It’s good you’ve finally figured it out. Ever since Jonathan struck it rich, his mother’s been looking down on us. Now they can just pull out 60 million like it’s pocket change. Honestly, we’ve been living in completely different worlds for a long time now.”

“Mom, don’t say that,” Lucas protested.

“Lucas, I’m just telling it like it is. Our family and the Lynn family–we’re not even in the same league anymore,” Evelyn said firmly.

Lucas frowned and said, “I don’t think Jonathan is like that. He only cares about Teresa–he’s not that kind of guy.”

Evelyn snapped, “Lucas, you just don’t understand. What does it matter if he cares or not? If he truly cared, would he let Teresa suffer so much at the hands of his mother? Jonathan’s mom is a total nightmare. I never realized how cruel she was–if I had, I would’ve told Teresa to divorce him ages ago.”

Teresa cut in, “Enough already. Are you done with your lecture? I’m fed up.”

Lucas said, “Mom, let’s just go. Please, stop talking about this. Teresa’s already feeling terrible.”

“She should feel terrible,” Evelyn shot back. Staring at Teresa with tears in her eyes, she said, “Sometimes she needs to feel the pain to really wake up and grow.”

She thought, ‘That’s the only way Teresa will finally cut ties for good. Jonathan’s not hers anymore, and clinging to him will only make her suffer.’

Evelyn didn’t want Teresa to go through that. She just wished Teresa could move on and let go of the past gracefully.

Teresa snapped, “Will you ever let up? You never used to say this stuff, and now you just won’t stop going on at me.”

“You never told me about his mom before. I’m just trying to help you grow up here,” Evelyn retorted.

Teresa shot back, “How much more do you want me to grow? I’m already in my twenties. Do I have to end up like you–all messed up and left with nothing–before you’ll finally be happy?”

Evelyn jabbed a finger at Teresa, furious. She snapped, “Where did you get this attitude from? Don’t you get it? I’m only saying this because I want what’s best for you. If you want to keep letting them walk all over you, then go ahead and get back with Jonathan. Jennifer’s still in prison, and Irene already looks down on us. What, you want Irene to drag you down too, ruin our whole family? Would that finally make you happy?”