Chapter 168

Suddenly remembering something, Teresa left the room and went to her car. She retrieved a shopping bag containing a gray men’s scarf she had bought after work. Returning to Jonathan’s bedroom, she placed it on the table.

Noticing Jonathan appeared to be asleep, Teresa watched him for a while before preparing to leave. Just as she turned, his hand grabbed her wrist. Jonathan opened his eyes, saying, “Don’t go. It’s late.”

Just as Teresa was about to respond, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced at the caller ID, then showed it to Jonathan. “It’s my sister. I need to go back, or she’ll worry. You should get some rest.” With that, she turned and left.

As Teresa left, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had forgotten something important. By the time she returned to Rosary Estates, it was already past two in the morning.

Jennifer was still awake, watching as Teresa walked in and removed her coat. Without warning, she asked, “Did you use protection?”

Teresa frowned. “What?”

“You slept with Jonathan, right? Did you not use protection? Are you planning on having another child with him?” Jennifer said.

Teresa replied, “I’m not pregnant. My period just started a few days ago.”

“Oh, that’s good,” Jennifer nodded.

“Hannah, we need to talk,” Teresa couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“Okay,” Jennifer responded.

It had been two weeks since they reunited. It should have been cause for celebration, but Teresa hadn’t been happy lately.

She expressed her feelings clearly. “Hannah, I know you’ve been through a lot all these years, and I feel for you more than anyone. That’s why I did my best to offer you as many material comforts as possible.”

Teresa continued, “I know you care about me, but I’m an adult now, not a child. I value my freedom and privacy, and I don’t like when people interfere in my life and force me to do things, even if they’re family.”

She concluded, “I hope we can maintain the space and distance we had before the reunion; it’s been really tiring and uncomfortable for me lately.”

Jennifer remained silent for a while. Noticing the fatigue in Teresa’s eyes, she sighed. “I was wrong today. I got anxious and spoke too loudly, scaring Mike. After you left, I comforted him for a long time before he finally fell asleep.”

She continued, “In the future, I’ll approach things calmly and discuss them with you. I’m also sorry for looking at your messages and replying on your behalf; I shouldn’t have done that. But…”

“I want you to know that I meant well. I don’t want you getting caught up with your ex-husband.” She paused, frowning. “You’re an adult now. If you want to keep Michael a secret, then leaving is the only way.”

“I understand,” Teresa responded. It was late, and they were both exhausted, so she returned to her room.

Meanwhile, Jennifer lay awake, unable to sleep as memories of her childhood resurfaced. She vividly recalled the nights when Philip and Evelyn fought. A young Teresa had clung to her arm, seeking comfort, as Evelyn’s voice rang out, “Hannah, Teresa, to your rooms! It’s bedtime.”

As the door closed behind them, the muffled voices quickly escalated into shouts, followed by the deafening crash of glass shattering on the floor. “Hannah, I’m scared!” Teresa had cried.

“Don’t be scared, Teresa. I’ll protect you,” Hannah reassured Teresa. The two small figures huddled together, seeking solace in each other’s warmth.

“I don’t want to stay here anymore, Hannah. I hate this place…” Teresa whispered.

Hannah cooed, “Then let’s make a pinky promise. When we grow up, we’ll leave Nareigh and move to a faraway city. We’ll build a happy life together.”

“Hannah, will we really be happy?” asked Teresa.

“Of course. When we grow up, we’ll be happy.”

Her recollection ended abruptly. Jennifer’s unwavering resolve remained.