Chapter 11

The divorce came about when it dawned on Mathan that Teresa didn't cherish his love as deeply as he had thought she did.

Miriam stared at Jonathan, her brow furrowed with questions. “You’re engaged. I heard, and you’re still hung up on Teresa? What’s the real reason you’re back in Narcight?”

Ignoring her questions, Jonathan handed Miriam a bank card. “I’m depositing thirty thousand for an online store. Include Teresa and split the profits. It could mean about fifteen thousand a month for each of you.”

“I can’t give more without it looking suspicious. But once the store is doing well, I’ll invest another 15 million.”

Miriam’s skepticism was clear as she replied. “We’re both business newbies. Aren’t you worried we’ll screw this up?”

Jonathan took a quick peek at his watch. “He’s still in class, but he’ll be around tomorrow,” he told Miriam, producing three concert tickets from his pocket. “Take Teresa out for a breather.”

With that, Jonathan had to dash; he had a meeting to get to and was buried under work.

Miriam received the VIP tickets to a concert featuring a top singer from Jonathan’s secretary. Giving a thumbs-up, Miriam commented, “Money talks.”

The secretary chimed in. “These are complimentary. Mr. Lynn didn’t spend a penny.”

Miriam quickly revised her statement, “Guess it’s all about having the right influence, right?”

Teresa was hesitant about the concert. She wasn’t thrilled about the prospect of scrambling to find a last-minute babysitter.

Miriam waved off her worries, determined not to let the VIP tickets go to waste. Teresa, her curiosity piqued, inquired about the origin of the tickets.

Miriam deftly sidestepped the question, claiming they were a gift from one of her father’s clients. She then coaxed Teresa with the promise of cola, making the outing more enticing.

Once they were seated, Miriam’s gaze scanned the crowd, diligently on a mission to find someone. When she spotted who she was looking for, she enthusiastically waved and shouted, “Over here!”

Teresa’s surprise was evident as she looked in the direction Miriam was waving. She saw a tall, slim guy with a sharp haircut, clad in a black varsity jacket and crisp sneakers. “Edward?” she blurted, completely taken aback to see him there.

Miriam’s face brightened as she spotted Edward. “Eddie, it’s been ages,” she greeted him with a warm smile.

Edward, taken aback, scanned the area. “Where’s my comm?” he asked, referring to Jonathan. Jonathan had mentioned he’d be the one to handle the tickets today.

With a teasing grin, Miriam winked at him. “Your cousin bailed,” she said.

Edward’s face showed shock. “What?” he uttered.

Miriam, already pulling on Edward’s sleeve as she stood, encouraged him. “Don’t be shy.”

Edward felt like he wanted to flee but found himself rooted to the spot.

Teresa let out a slightly helpless smile and interjected. “Guys, could you please take your seats! You’re obstructing the view for the people in the back.”

Edward reluctantly took a seat, his expression one of disappointment. “It’s been so long, Teresa,” he said to Teresa. “How’s it going with you and my cousin?”

Teresa offered a gentle smile in reply. “We’re each on our own paths now, and we’re both managing well.”

Edward’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What are you talking about?” he asked.

Miriam looked equally shocked. “You didn’t know they got divorced?” she blurted out, surprise evident in her voice.

Edward’s eyes widened as he gaped at Teresa. “You guys broke up? I had no clue. What happened? I always thought you and Jonathan were made for each other.”

With a soft sigh, Teresa offered a bittersweet smile. “It’s been two years since we called it quits.”

Edward looked genuinely puzzled. “Wait, really? He never mentioned it to me.”

Meanwhile, Miriam was taken with Edward’s youthful charm – his clean features, radiant skin, and striking profile that was undeniably appealing.

On a whim, Miriam leaned over and planted a quick kiss on Edward’s cheek.

Edward jolted, his hand instinctively reaching for his cheek as he tried to process what had just happened. “Why’d you kiss me?” he asked, his voice a mix of surprise and confusion.

Miriam chuckled, a playful smile spreading across her face. “I couldn’t help myself,” she admitted, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Feeling a jolt of surprise, Edward quickly traded places with Teresa. Miriam was left without words as Teresa seemed to be fighting back laughter.

With the concert over, they all started to pack up to head out. Teresa, who always seemed to sense these things, announced, “I have a few things to do, so I’ll just catch a cab. You two should go enjoy some shopping or something.” Then she gave Miriam a look that spoke volumes.

Miriam picked up on it instantly and linked arms with Edward, suggesting they walk back to school together. Teresa figured she’d take the subway, which was conveniently just a few miles away.

“Teresa!” A stylishly dressed man, with a chic woman at his side, strode up to Teresa, calling out her name.