Chapter 131

Jonathan opened the report and read it from beginning to end, his eyebrows slowly furrowing. He then crumpled the report into a ball and tossed it onto the floor. He thought, "As I suspected, he's not my child! What was I even expecting? I feel like an idiot!"

He'd secretly taken another DNA test, lying to Donald, claiming it was for a friend. He'd even driven to the hospital alone instead of using his driver. Despite all that, the child wasn't his. Everyone said the child looked like him, but the evidence was irrefutable.

Feeling frustrated, Jonathan grabbed his suit jacket and left.

On New Year's Eve, fireworks exploded across the city, and every household bustled with activity. Jennifer sat alone in her office, gazing at the fireworks outside. She reached into her drawer, retrieved a photograph, and examined it.

A knock echoed in the room.

"Come in," she said, casually returning the photo to the drawer.

Donald entered, carrying a cup of hot coffee. He wore only a white shirt and gray pants, looking remarkably fresh.

Jennifer stared at him, confused. "Why aren't you home for New Year's Eve dinner?"

Donald glanced at his watch. "It's only six-thirty. No rush. I thought you might still be here, so I came by to check on you!"

A strange feeling rose in Jennifer's heart. She looked away, towards the window. "The days are getting shorter," she said casually. "It's already dark."

"Yes," he said. "Are you hungry? How about I take you out to a restaurant?"

"It's New Year's Eve," she replied. "I doubt any restaurants are open."

Donald placed the coffee on her desk. "There's a gnocchi restaurant across from the hospital, run by a foreigner. They're not going home for New Year's Day this year, and I just saw it's still open."

The aroma of coffee filled the air. Jennifer looked at his warm expression, pressed her lips together, and slowly nodded.

They went downstairs and ordered gnocchi and several side dishes, enjoying a satisfying meal. Donald cleaned his fork and handed it to Jennifer.

Steam from the gnocchi enveloped Jennifer's face. She looked down and said, "I'm sorry."

Donald raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

Jennifer was silent for a moment, then shook her head.

Donald smiled. "If you feel bad about not reciprocating my feelings, there's no need to apologize. I won't guilt-trip you. Just because I like you doesn't mean you have to, too."

Jennifer licked her lips. "Why do you even like me?"

Donald was taken aback. "What?"

"What do you mean? Are you saying you're not good enough?" Donald pressed, "You're a beautiful and exceptional doctor, Dr. Nelson. You have no idea how many at the hospital secretly admire you."

Jennifer's lips curved slightly. "You're flattering me."

He added, "I'm not just buttering you up. In my heart, you truly are an amazing woman."

It had been a long time since anyone had called Jennifer an exceptional woman. Even though she was a few years older than Donald, his gaze felt like he was doting on a little girl.

She thought, 'He is younger than me, but his gaze is clear, pure, and warm. No. What am I even thinking?'

Jennifer quickly snapped out of it, suppressing the faint flutter in her heart. "I'm full. Let's head back."

"I'll drive you," Donald offered.

At the Lynn residence, dinner was ready, and the New Year's Eve ball drop was on TV. Cheryl was home to celebrate with Hayden. Cheryl and Donald's parents were out of town and unable to return. They might come home tomorrow or the day after.

Shortly after dropping Jennifer off, Donald drove home. It was freezing outside; it had even snowed that morning, though it had stopped by noon.

Only Jonathan hadn't returned yet. Irene called him, but he didn't answer.

Donald said, "I called Jonathan, but he didn't answer. Maybe he's busy."

Hayden frowned. "What's the point of being so busy on New Year's Eve? He's always working and can't even give me a great-grandchild."

Beside him, Cheryl coughed and remained silent, keeping her head down.