Teresa asked Jonathan about his flight time, and he sent her the details. Teresa replied, "[I’ll pick you up.]" Jonathan, surprised by her offer, sent a rose emoji.

Teresa arrived at the airport well before his flight. While waiting, she watched an arguing couple. The girl angrily started to leave, but the boy playfully wrapped his arms around her, begging her to stay. She turned back and hugged him. Finally, they walked away hand-in-hand.

Snapping out of her reverie, Teresa called Irene. "I've taken care of everything," she said. "Your son will be fine. I'll leave Nareigh by the end of the month. I won't bother him anymore, and I hope he won't bother me."

Irene replied, "You can rest assured. As long as I'm here, I won't let the two of you be together."

Teresa's grip tightened on the phone. "Alright. Then find him a good woman, someone decent, who won't try to manipulate him." She hung up.

She should have realized sooner: with Irene around, a reconciliation with Jonathan was impossible. She had been too conflicted lately. She thought, 'Mom and Jennifer were right. If I want to keep the child a secret, I need to leave as far away as possible.' Teresa solidified her resolve.

Footsteps echoed. She looked up and saw Jonathan approaching, tall and striking in his sharp black suit, exuding confidence and energy. His deep-set eyes met hers, a faint smile playing on his lips. He set down his suitcase and briefly hugged her.

Teresa felt the familiar warmth of his embrace, but it no longer comforted her. Without hesitation, she pushed him away.

Jonathan didn't seem to mind. He gently touched her face. "You look better. That herbal medicine must work. Have you kept taking it?"

"Yes," Teresa murmured. In truth, it was her skillful makeup that masked any changes.

Jonathan asked, "Has your period started yet? I didn't dare stay abroad long, I've been worried."

Teresa didn't respond. Once in the car, she produced a medical report and handed it to him. "I got checked. I'm not pregnant, so you don't have to worry anymore," she said.

Jonathan read the words: "Teresa, 27 years old. No significant abnormalities detected via ultrasound." He frowned. "Who's your attending doctor? The handwriting is a mess."

"That's how doctors sign," Teresa replied flatly.

"Let's eat something," Jonathan said, crumpling the report slightly. The doubt in his eyes lingered.

Suddenly, Teresa's phone rang. She answered casually, pretending it was nothing. It was Cheryl. While chatting, Teresa glanced at Jonathan, seemingly without noticing.

"Cheryl's at Ceadi Port. She wants lunch. I'd better go keep her company," she said lightly.

Jonathan paused, then reached for the phone. "I'll talk to her."

After a brief conversation, Jonathan agreed to pick Cheryl up, jokingly suggesting she carry the bags. After the call, he didn't notice Teresa slip a tampon into her pocket. When they met, Cheryl offered Teresa ice cream. "No, thanks," Teresa said. "It's that time of the month. No cold stuff for me."

She said it loud enough for Jonathan to hear. She knew he wouldn't trust the test results easily, but with Cheryl's corroboration, he might believe her. Jonathan told Cheryl to finish her ice cream before getting in the car.

During lunch, Teresa said, "I'm heading to the restroom."

Jonathan's gaze followed her. His brows furrowed. He turned to Cheryl. "Go check if Teresa is really on her period."

"Seriously? You want me to check that?" Cheryl asked.

"Just do it," Jonathan said. "I'll get you a bag later."

"Deal!" Cheryl chirped, heading to the restroom.

When Cheryl returned, Jonathan was tapping his fingers on the table. Cheryl gave a small nod.

Disappointment flickered in Jonathan's eyes. The faint hope he'd clung to vanished, leaving a hollow ache.