“Why not?” Jonathan’s frustration was evident. She was driving him mad. He wondered what on earth was going through her mind.

Teresa replied firmly, “Let’s stop this back-and-forth. No more seeing each other. And for the record, I’m not pregnant. I’m absolutely sure.”

Jonathan was stunned. “Pregnant or not, we’ll deal with it when we’re back in Nareigh.”

“I’m telling you now. I’m not getting checked when we’re back. There’s no need. I’m sure I’m not pregnant. I took two contraceptive pills,” Teresa said, her words sharp and deliberate.

Jonathan’s head snapped up, his gaze piercing. His eyes carried a mix of disbelief and reproach. Teresa had lied, clinging to her story out of fear. She’d taken two contraceptive pills, desperate to avoid the possibility of pregnancy.

‘Two contraceptive pills?’ Jonathan pondered.

Teresa felt like her thoughts were spiraling, leaving her drained and gloomy. “Let’s just go,” she muttered, her voice low and heavy.

Jonathan sighed deeply and took her hand. “Whether there’s a baby or not, we’ll figure it out when we’re back in Nareigh. For now, I don’t want you to spend these few days with me feeling miserable. Just take a break, let go of all that stress, and enjoy yourself for a couple of days. Then we can head back with lighter hearts.”

Holding her hand more tightly, Jonathan added, “Let’s go see the ocean. It might help clear your mind. I’ll go get the car.”

Teresa suddenly found herself speechless.

By the time they reached the beach, it was already past two in the afternoon. The ocean shimmered under the sunlight. The deep blue waves were mesmerizingly beautiful.

Nearby, an elderly man offered instant photos for $3 apiece, or higher-resolution versions for $7. Jonathan pulled out $30 from his wallet and handed it to the man, asking him to take several shots.

“Look this way, you two,” the old man said cheerfully. “Oh, what a perfect match. You two look amazing together,” he added, handing the printed photos to Jonathan and Teresa.

Teresa picked one up and smiled. “This one makes me look good. I’m going to show it off to Miriam when I get back,” she said, slipping the photo into her wallet.

Jonathan chuckled softly. “How about a boat ride?” he suggested.

Teresa shook her head. “Just soaking up the sun and watching the waves is nice enough,” she replied.

Jonathan nodded and followed her lead, gently holding her hand and tucking it into the pocket of his coat.

At that moment, they seemed like a couple deeply in love, or perhaps like a pair of long-married partners who had weathered life’s storms together. The atmosphere between them was harmonious, free of arguments, as if past conflicts had been swept away by the sea breeze. However, conflicts wouldn’t simply vanish.

Teresa cherished this fleeting tranquility, fully aware that once they returned to Nareigh, such peace would be impossible. Estrangement might be the best outcome for them.

As they strolled, Jonathan noticed a woman selling roses by the roadside. He paused briefly before leading Teresa over. Taking out his phone, he scanned the payment code and bought the entire box of roses.

Teresa tried to carry as many roses as she could, but there were far too many. Jonathan said, “Take what you can. Leave the rest here.”

Confused, Teresa asked, “If we can’t carry them all, why did you buy so many?”

Jonathan glanced in the direction the woman had gone, his eyes filled with sympathy. “Didn’t you notice? She had a child with her. Life must be tough for them.”

Teresa froze, following his gaze. She finally spotted the woman pushing a cart away, accompanied by a boy who looked about seven or eight, helping her with the load.

Jonathan sighed. “Scenes like this always tug at my heart.”

Teresa stood there, stunned and silent.

“I…” Teresa suddenly began to speak.

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “Hmm? What is it?” he asked.