Chapter 178

Jonathan simply said, “Got it. As long as she’s okay.”

Meanwhile, when Jennifer received Teresa’s call, Michael overheard. Noticing Jennifer quickly driving off, Michael decided to follow her. He was highly alert, wearing a SpongeBob SquarePants mask and black sunglasses—the same pair Edward had bought for him to wear while dancing.

When he reached the hospital, he handed the driver his thirty-three dollars in pocket money. “No change needed, sir,” he said. Michael hopped out of the car, clad in Teresa’s short down jacket that reached his legs, looking like an adorable penguin.

The hospital bustled with activity, and Michael anxiously scanned the crowd. “Where on earth are Mommy and Aunt Hannah?” he wondered. He collided with someone while running around. Benny had just finished the task Jonathan assigned and was preparing to leave the hospital. After a quick trip to the restroom, he was heading downstairs when he unexpectedly bumped into the small child.

Benny helped Michael to his feet, observing the little guy bundled up like a tiny burrito. Michael recognized Benny from his previous visit to Rosary Estates. He had spotted Benny through binoculars before and knew exactly who he was.

“Oh my gosh, Bunny! I’ve got to run!” Michael suddenly shouted, then sprinted off. Benny looked around, puzzled, but saw no bunny in sight.

“Hey! Kid, wait up!” Benny quickly followed. Though he wasn’t one to meddle, Michael was so young, and Benny couldn’t help but feel concerned. “Where are his parents? And those eyes… I’ve seen him somewhere before. Is he lost? I need to help him,” he thought.

“Hey kid, don’t run!” Benny shouted.

“Bunny, don’t chase me!” Michael darted into the elevator just before the doors slid shut.

Benny was a moment too late, watching the doors close. He stood there for a second, then couldn’t help but laugh. “Why am I getting involved? This isn’t my child,” he mused.

In the elevator, Michael heaved a sigh of relief, thinking, I almost got caught by Bunny! It was only then that he noticed someone else standing next to him. The man was tall, wearing sunglasses and a mask like Michael’s, with a scarf wrapped tightly around his face, concealing much of his features. The man glanced down at Michael, who was dressed just like him, but thought nothing of it.

“Oh my gosh,” Michael exclaimed, immediately recognizing Jonathan despite the disguise. He quickly removed his sunglasses and lowered his mask. “Mr. Lime! What are you doing here?”

At first, Jonathan hadn’t given much thought to the boy beside him. But when he heard Michael call him “Mr. Lime,” he recognized him.

The elevator doors slid open, and Jonathan stepped out, carrying Michael. He set him down before asking, “How did you end up at the hospital?”

Michael shook his head, then wrapped his arms around Jonathan’s leg. “Mr. Lime, protect me! A bunny was chasing me, and I’m so scared!”

“Bunny? Why would a bunny be here? Could he be imagining things?” Jonathan thought, glancing around, but there was no sign of any bunny.

Feeling Michael tremble, Jonathan patted the boy’s head. “Don’t worry, I’m here. I’ve got you.”

Michael nestled closer to Jonathan’s leg. “I feel safe with you around.”

Jonathan smiled. “You still haven’t answered me. How did you get out? And why did you come to the hospital?”

Michael blurted out, “Mommy’s not home, and I’m scared.”

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you staying at…?”

Michael nodded in response.

Jonathan didn’t give it much thought. Normally, he might have dwelled on the matter, but the memory of seeing Teresa’s resolute face as she took those birth control pills, making it clear she didn’t want to have his child, told him that Michael couldn’t possibly be hers.