Chapter 195

Michael’s eyes lit up as Teresa nodded.

“Really? Really? Really?” he pressed, bouncing slightly in her arms. She confirmed, “Yes.”

“Yay!” Michael cheered, snuggling closer. “It means I can see Mr. Lime every day, right?” His eyes crinkled in delight.

“Oh, and you’ll buy me new clothes, won’t you?” he added.

Teresa chuckled at his enthusiasm. With dreams of Jonathan filling his head, Michael happily drifted to sleep in Teresa’s arms. Teresa, however, found little rest. By the time the first light of dawn crept in, Jennifer was already up for work and caught Teresa’s eye.

“Oh, good, Jennifer, you’re up. I need to talk to you about something,” Teresa said.

“I was just about to say something, too,” Jennifer added, adjusting her bag strap. “This five-person apartment is too cramped. The hospital’s been hectic, so I’m planning to stay in the dorms for a few days.”

“You don’t have to, Jennifer. Stay here. I’m heading out of Nareigh for a few days anyway. Plus, Mike seems scared of his grandma, so I’m taking him with me,” Teresa replied.

Jennifer frowned. “So, you’re moving out too? What are we even doing? Just handing the place over to Evelyn and her…”

Teresa sighed. “What choice do I have? I can’t just kick her out. She’s already in a bad spot—tricked by some guy, broke, and homeless. Do you really want her and her baby on the streets?”

Jennifer scoffed. “Fine, let her figure it out herself. She says she loves us, but does she really? She’s just good at putting on a show.”

“Come on, Jennifer, that’s enough. She’s almost fifty. What more can you expect from her?” Teresa said, shaking her head.

Jennifer didn’t push further. As she left, she sent a quick text to Cheryl: [Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on Benny]. Cheryl replied.

Unaware of Jennifer’s secret plan with Cheryl, Teresa packed up and left with Michael. Before leaving, she left a note on the table, confident Evelyn would see it in the morning. Teresa drove through the soft morning light, glancing at her early-rising little one.

“How about we stay at another villa for a few days? I’ll find a nice one and take you there. What do you think?”

“You’re tricking me again. You promised we’d go live with Mr. Lime,” Michael pouted, crossing his arms.

“I was just thinking, if you want to stay in a big villa, there are other options too, not just his,” Teresa replied.

“I want a big villa, and I want to live with Mr. Lime. I want both, Mommy, both!” Michael puffed up his cheeks and arms in a cute protest.

Teresa sighed in defeat. I guess I should call Jonathan first, she thought. But she hadn’t called him yet. It’s still early—is he even awake?

For now, Teresa dropped Michael off at her company. But Michael, ever the little planner, was already thinking about the new clothes Teresa promised him. “After work, I’ll take you shopping for new clothes, okay?”

“Mommy, it’s already noon. Why haven’t you called Mr. Lime yet? Does he even know we’re planning to stay with him? Do you think his reaction will be?” Michael asked, his curiosity bubbling over.

“I haven’t contacted him yet,” Teresa admitted. “I need to think about how to bring it up.”

“Mommy, can I call Mr. Daddy Lime? Please? I bet he’d love it.” Michael’s eyes sparkled, making it impossible for Teresa to ignore him.

“You can’t call me Mommy if you do that. Otherwise, we won’t go see him,” Teresa countered.

“Yes, Miss Beautiful,” Michael saluted playfully, his cheerful expression tugging at Teresa’s heartstrings.

When Teresa was about to call Jonathan, his call came in: Successfully unlocked!

“I’ll pick you up at two. We’ll head to Chicoham, then we’ll get your appointment first thing in the morning,” he said.

“Well,” Teresa hesitated before stepping into the bathroom to take the call. “I wanted to ask you something.”

“How much is the monthly rent for the villas in Forlisle Rose Estates? My mom’s out of the hospital now, and she’s staying with me along with her younger sister. It’s getting a bit crowded, so I was thinking of moving out,” she explained.

Jonathan was silent for a few moments. “You’re moving out alone?”

“And a coworker’s kid,” she added lightly. “The little guy’s been dreaming of living in a big villa. I thought I’d ask. I’ve never lived in one either, so I’m curious.”

Jonathan let out a small huff, his tone carrying a hint of irony. “I gave you the keys last time, but you wouldn’t take them.” Teresa was momentarily at a loss for words. What choice did I have back then? Your son insisted on staying with you. Otherwise, we’d have managed just fine, she wondered.

Jonathan didn’t respond immediately. The villa in Forlisle Rose Estates had been newly renovated, and he’d originally planned for Teresa to move in after they reconciled. He’d envisioned her living there, raising their children, and building a life together.

He was happy Teresa wanted to move in, but the thought of that boy, someone else’s child, made things complicated. It wasn’t that Jonathan disliked Michael. On the contrary, he was quite fond of the boy. But the villa, freshly renovated, was meant to be a home for his closest family. This sudden change disrupted his plans.

“If it’s too much trouble, just forget it. We’ll figure something else out,” Teresa said, not hearing a response.