Chapter 139

She had so little; everything would slip away if she loosened her grip, even just a bit. It seemed the child she had worked so hard to raise for nearly three years might leave her tomorrow, or the day after. Teresa lay in bed, her tears soaking the pillow. She felt lost, unsure of what to do. She wanted to call Evelyn and ask how to be a good mother, but she had no one to turn to. Her own mother hadn't even responded to her New Year's greetings—how could that woman possibly guide her? The path ahead was shrouded in mist, with no clear way forward and no chance of turning back.

“Mommy, I’m sorry.” A small hand reached over and awkwardly wiped her tears. Teresa didn't know when Michael had entered her room. She looked up with teary eyes and saw the little boy, pouting with red eyes.

“I won’t look for Daddy anymore. I also won’t call Mr. Lime ‘Daddy.’ I’ll be good and listen to you. Please don’t cry,” Michael begged.

“It’s not your fault,” Teresa reassured him, stroking his cheek. “I’m crying because I thought of some sad things, not because of you.”

“Then let me tell you a joke.” Michael held Teresa’s hand. “Do you know why the scarecrow won an award?” he asked.

Teresa thought about it and shook her head. “Why?”

Michael replied, “Because he was outstanding in his field!”

Teresa smiled. Michael chuckled, “You’re smiling! That means you’re not sad anymore. I don’t want you to cry again.”

“Okay, I won’t cry again. I’ll go wash my face,” Teresa said.

In the bathroom, she washed her face and wiped away her tears. 'One step at a time. If there’s no perfect choice, then the best choice is simply the one I make right now,' she thought.

Meanwhile, Simona stormed off to complain to Irene. “A divorced couple went to watch a movie together! What kind of nonsense is that?”

“Simona, it’s not that I don’t want to help you. I’ve tried to find ways for you two to meet, but Jonathan just doesn’t want to see you,” Irene replied.

Simona was upset. “It’s all a misunderstanding! I saw that he was drunk and wanted to take care of him. I noticed his door was open, so I went in. But I didn’t do anything to him!”

“Come on, Mrs. Lynn! Even if something happened, it’s the girl who’d lose out! And yet he hates me because of this. How’s that fair?”

Irene said, “If he doesn’t appreciate it, there’s nothing I can do. These days, I can’t even say much to him. I’m afraid he’d be annoyed.”

“Then go talk to Teresa and ask her to stop bothering Jonathan. What kind of person sticks to their ex-husband like that?” Simona kept urging Irene to confront Teresa. In fact, Irene had gone to see Teresa because she was swayed by Simona.

Irene frowned. “It’s useless! The last time I did, she immediately called Jonathan and complained, making it seem like my fault. If I try again and Jonathan finds out, he might cut ties with me!”

Simona was near tears. She crouched in front of Irene, practically begging her. “Mrs. Lynn, what should I do? Please advise me! I truly like him. At least let me see him. He won’t even meet with me now.”

Irene sighed, “I know you’re very devoted to Jonathan. Today’s January 3rd, so he’ll be home. Why don’t you come over tonight? I’ll go out before you do.” She planned to create a moment and space for the two to talk privately.

A calculating glint flashed in Simona’s eyes. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Lynn!”

After leaving Irene’s house, Simona quickly called her subordinate. “Get me some medicine, the kind that stimulates men. I need it delivered to me today.”