Teresa took a sip of her drink. Jonathan’s sorrowful expression pierced her heart, but she feigned indifference, concealing her feelings.

“I’ll take you both back,” Jonathan offered.

Teresa shook her head. “Thanks, but no need.”

Jonathan’s tone softened. “How about we stop by the mall? Pick out whatever catches your eye. It’s on me.”

“Great. Don’t blame me if I go all out,” Cheryl said with a carefree grin.

Teresa, however, couldn’t muster a smile. “No, really. I’m feeling a bit tired. I just want to go home and rest,” she said.

Jonathan took out a card and handed it to Cheryl. “Go buy whatever you like. I’ll take Teresa home.”

Teresa’s tone grew colder. “There’s really no need.”

“What’s wrong? You seem preoccupied. Did anything happen while I was away?” Jonathan asked.

Teresa replied, “No.”

“You’re doing this again. Did something happen to your family? Just tell me,” Jonathan pressed.

“No.” Teresa finally looked at him. Her eyes were filled with pain. “I’m leaving Nareigh.”

Jonathan fell silent. After a moment, he asked, “You’re leaving Nareigh? Where are you planning to go?”

Teresa answered, “I’ll go wherever I want. Just promise me you won’t come after me, okay? Let’s go our separate ways. This is how it should have been all along.”

After countless arguments and heartbreak, Teresa realized it was time to let go. They had been divorced; they should have parted ways long ago.

The traffic light turned red, and Teresa noticed Jonathan’s gesture. She knew he was about to turn toward Luviston Estates. He probably wanted to talk to her alone, but she didn’t want to. There was nothing left to say, and what scared her most was him seeing through her act.

“I’m thirsty. Can you get me a bottle of water?” Teresa said.

Hearing this, Jonathan had no choice but to pull over. As soon as he stepped into a nearby convenience store, Teresa seized the opportunity, got out of the car, hailed a taxi, and left. By the time Jonathan returned, she was gone.

Teresa sent Jonathan a message: [Let’s end this. Delete my number. We shouldn’t keep dragging this out.]

Jonathan stared at the screen, speechless.

Teresa arrived back at Rosary Estates. She was alone that night because Jennifer was working the night shift, and Michael was still at Miriam’s place.

Outside, a drizzle began to fall. The March rain carried a lingering chill.

Jonathan’s car pulled into the parking lot below her building and stopped. He tried calling Teresa, but she didn’t answer. He sent her messages, but there was no reply.

Jonathan: [Why will you leave? Is it because you’re not pregnant and feel there’s nothing holding you back?] Jonathan: [I’m downstairs.] Jonathan: [I’ll wait for you.] Jonathan: [I hope you can give me a reasonable explanation.]

Jonathan had been standing there for what felt like forever, but Teresa still hadn’t come out. The lights inside her house were on, though.

Teresa kept turning her phone on and off, stealing glances at him through the window more times than she could count. As the rain grew heavier and she saw droplets on his hair, she couldn’t resist any longer. She grabbed a jacket and rushed outside.

When Jonathan saw her running out, he immediately opened the car door. “Get in before you catch a cold,” he urged.

Teresa climbed in, scowling. “Why are you standing out here in the rain?”

“I’m fine. A little rain won’t hurt me,” he replied.

The warm air from the car’s heater filled the space. Teresa shoved the coat she had brought into his hands. Her annoyance was evident.

Jonathan chuckled. “Your jacket doesn’t fit me.”

“Then drape it over yourself. At least it’ll keep you a bit warmer,” she snapped.

Seeing the concern in Teresa’s eyes, Jonathan gripped her shoulders tightly, leaned down, and kissed her. His emotions overwhelmed him. Every day apart felt like an eternity. He missed her terribly during his business trip.

But this time, Teresa resisted fiercely. The cool sensation of his lips stirred something deep within her, yet she knew she couldn’t let herself fall again.

“Jonathan, there’s nothing left for us to talk about. Jennifer and I are leaving Nareigh,” Teresa said. She added, “I’d hoped I might be pregnant. At least then, I’d have a reason to stay tangled up with you. But I’m not.”

“So there’s no reason for us to get back together. Let’s just go our separate ways and live our lives. That’s it.”

Without waiting for a response, Teresa opened the car door and stepped out into the rain. When Jonathan came to his senses, he quickly followed her. Seeing her hair drenched by the rain, he pulled her under a shelter, telling her not to be impulsive.

Suddenly, someone grabbed Teresa’s other arm. Jonathan’s gaze darkened as he stared at the man who had appeared out of nowhere.