Chapter 160

Jennifer’s smile faded, and her tone turned serious. “Mike, if you had to choose between your mom and Mr. Lime, who would you pick?” she asked.

Without hesitation, Michael answered, “Of course, Mommy! Mommy only has me. I can’t leave her.”

Jennifer reached out and gently pinched his cheek. “That’s the right answer. You’re such a good boy. Be there for your mom. She works so hard to take care of you. If you ever left her, it would break her heart. And as for Mr. Lime…” She paused, her voice soft but firm. “Forget about him. He’s not part of our family. You’ve got your mom, and you’ve got me. The three of us will take care of each other.”

Michael nodded, but a hint of sadness crossed his face. Jennifer noticed it and sighed inwardly. It was better to rip off the band-aid now. She was doing it for Teresa and Michael’s sake.

Jennifer said gently, “Mike, you should tell your mom that you want to move to another city. Let her know you want us to start fresh somewhere else.”

“Why?” Michael tilted his head, confused. “But I really like it here.”

Jennifer gave him a thoughtful look. “What’s so great about this place? The winters are freezing, and the summers are unbearably hot. Wouldn’t it be nice to live somewhere warmer?”

Michael’s eyes lit up with understanding. He said, “Oh, I get it! Like birds flying south for the winter and coming back in the spring.”

Jennifer ruffled his hair and shook her head. “Not exactly. We’re not like birds. Once we leave, we’re not coming back.”