Chapter 2: Two Years Since Their Divorce

Two and a half years later, Nareigh buzzed with news. "Jonathan Lynn, CEO of the Horizonlead Group, is back in town for a board meeting," a reporter's voice crackled over Teresa's radio. The reporter detailed his impressive achievements at 29, but Teresa barely listened, lost in memories.

A breaking news alert on the television startled her; a perfectly ripe apple tumbled from her grasp. On screen, Jonathan Lynn, his jawline sharp, his gaze intense, dominated the frame. He remained stoic, dismissing the media's questions with a curt "No comments" before departing in his sleek car.

A wave of emotion washed over Teresa. Over two years had passed since their divorce, and this was their first encounter since. Time, it seemed, had only amplified his allure. He had built a business empire, a recent IPO making billions annually.

"Mommy, that man on TV is so handsome!" her son, Michael, exclaimed, lollipop stick in hand.

Still captivated by the image of Jonathan, Teresa blurted, "Mr. Lynn!"

Back in their small apartment, Michael, a miniature version of Jonathan, endearingly mimicked her, saying, "Mr. Lime!"

Teresa cleared her throat. "Come on, little man," she said, switching off the television. "Time to clean up. Dinner awaits."

Michael's lip curled. "More gruel?"

Teresa gave him a playful glare. "You have plenty, more than some get."

"But other moms make yummy meals…" Michael countered.

Teresa grinned. "Well, maybe you should find one of those moms, because this one's serving gruel tonight."

Michael dramatically prodded at his gruel. Teresa's life had taken an unexpected turn after the divorce—she was pregnant, several months along. With Jonathan gone, she faced this new adventure alone, supported by her best friend, Miriam.

She welcomed her son, a mini-Jonathan, inheriting his father's good looks and fastidious nature. He shunned strong smells. Teresa's gumbo, for example, elicited a look of utter disgust from him.

"Live a little, just one bite," she coaxed.

"No way, that stuff is gross!" Michael retorted.

Teresa chuckled. "You're your father's son through and through."

Michael leaned closer, whispering, "So, what happened to my dad?"

Teresa dabbed her mouth with a napkin. "Didn't we cover this? Your dad's history. Not my type." Her eyes, however, twinkled with mischief.

"Then find me a new dad, pronto. One who can cook and is as handsome as that guy we saw on TV," Michael quipped.

Teresa's surprise choked her. Jonathan was a decent cook, but she wouldn't admit it.

A phone call from Miriam interrupted her thoughts. Benny Simpson, a college friend, was having a birthday party in two days, and both Teresa and Miriam were invited.

"I'll skip this one," Teresa murmured. The memory of her first meeting with Jonathan at Benny's BBQ—a meeting facilitated by Benny himself—was fading. The possibility of Jonathan's presence at the party loomed.

Miriam pressed, "Benny's been calling non-stop. He'd be devastated if you weren't there, especially after you missed last year."

"I'll make it up with a great gift," Teresa countered.

Michael, pointing at the invitation, asked, "Mommy, how do you say this name? It looks like Bunny."

Teresa smiled. "That's 'Benny', sweetheart." Michael was a linguistic prodigy, a talent Teresa secretly attributed to a family trait.

Miriam's voice boomed through the phone, "Mike's with me. And don't even think about Jonathan. He's too big-time for our little gatherings. Benny can wish all he wants, but Jonathan's not crashing the party."

Teresa's heart sank. Motherhood was a budgeting crash course. New clothes were a luxury. They'd sold everything in the garage except their Porsche Cayenne, a relic of a past life.

That evening, Teresa, dressed for a rare night out, drove her Porsche to the luxurious hotel where the party was being held. She spotted Benny's car.

*

Teresa entered "Rose Hall," escorted by a waiter. Benny greeted her with a laugh. "Hey, look who's here! You made it just in time."

Teresa embraced him, apologizing for the traffic and handing him the gifts. She scanned the room, relieved to see no sign of Jonathan. Familiar faces filled the room.

A new guest attracted everyone's attention. "Benny, who's the stunning newcomer?" someone called out.

Benny smirked. "That's Teresa, the star of Nareigh University. But don't even think about it—she's taken."

Teresa spluttered into her drink. 'Taken? Since when?' she thought.

Benny checked his watch, impatience etched on his brow. "We're missing one more. What's the delay? I hope he's not standing us up."

Before Teresa could inquire, a voice echoed from the entrance.

"Apologies, everyone. The traffic was brutal," a smooth, deep voice announced, capturing everyone's attention.