Chapter 230

Only one day remained before Teresa's departure. As she packed, Miriam entered, asking, "Isn't Jennifer home?"

"She's busy with the hospital transfer. She won't be back for a few days," Teresa replied.

"She's pretty intense, you know? Honestly, she kind of scares me," Miriam admitted.

"Yeah, that's just how she is," Teresa said.

Miriam began helping Teresa pack, but noticed the exhaustion in her friend's eyes. She asked, "Teresa, Jennifer said leaving is what you want. Is it really?"

Teresa chuckled, relieved. "If I didn't want to leave, why would I be packing?"

Miriam fell silent, her thoughts returning to a previous conversation. Teresa had planned to leave Nareigh with Michael once she saved enough money. Now that the Teresouth Group was thriving, bringing in millions annually, the time had finally come. With Michael turning three and about to start preschool, Teresa felt it was time to leave Nareigh for his future. She couldn't let him grow up there—not with the risk of Jonathan discovering his existence and causing trouble.

"Teresa, I can tell you're not happy. I'm your best friend. You can tell me anything. Don't keep it all bottled up," Miriam said.

Teresa nodded. Her decision was made. She didn't want Miriam worrying, nor did she want a debate about right or wrong.

"By the way, when Mike stayed at my place, he mentioned he'd been to Jonathan's villa before. How did Jonathan not discover him?" Miriam asked.

"It was only for a few days," Teresa replied, explaining, "After Mom left the hospital, she and Isabel lived with me. The three-bedroom unit at Rosary Estates is too small, and Muffin wanted a big villa, so I gave in and took him to Jonathan's."

Many times Teresa had wanted to tell Jonathan that Michael was their son, out of softheartedness. Luckily, Jonathan never found out. But now, Teresa felt she couldn't let her emotions control her anymore.

"Teresa, don't stop being softhearted," Miriam said. "Honestly, Jonathan's a good guy, or Benny and I wouldn't have tried so hard to bring you two together. He cares about you, and you care about him. If you got back together, Mike would have his dad, and everyone would be happy."

Teresa fell silent until her phone buzzed, displaying "Irene." Reality hit her like a cold splash of water.

Chapter 230 (Continued)

Too many obstacles stood between Teresa and Jonathan—his family, her family, everything, especially Jennifer. Even though they'd patched things up, Teresa had chosen distance. Living under the same roof again would only stir old conflicts.

After a moment, Teresa pocketed her phone and sighed, "Jonathan and I have talked it through. We're both starting over."

Miriam doubted it. "Really?"

"Yes. We're each moving on with our lives," Teresa replied.

"Well, take care of yourself." Miriam's voice held regret.

"Oh, come on," Teresa said, patting Miriam's shoulder. "I'm not leaving forever. Don't make it so sad."

"I'm just worried you might never come back. Promise me, if you ever need help, you'll let me know. No matter what, okay?" Miriam said.

Teresa's heart softened. "I promise."

After Miriam left, Teresa returned Irene's call. Before Teresa could speak, Irene's sharp voice cut through, "Did you lodge a complaint against me with Jonathan? Or why did he call and ask if I—"

Teresa's expression turned icy. "I didn't tell him anything about you. I'm leaving Nareigh, so stop calling me. We have no relationship anymore. I handled the photo incident, so it won't affect Jonathan in the slightest. Jonathan and I will go our separate ways. That's all."

With that, Teresa ended the call. She then contacted Simona, sending details of her departure flight and reminding her to keep her promise—to let Jonathan and the rapist's photo fade away. Simona's pursuit of Jonathan didn't concern Teresa. Whether Simona could win him over was entirely up to her.

"I heard from Truman that he helped you play a show, and now Jonathan has completely given up on you," Simona remarked.

Teresa hadn't expected Truman to tell Simona so quickly. Well, those two are really in cahoots, she thought, especially after Simona miscarried his child.

"Don't make things harder for us, Teresa. Anyway, Jonathan and I wish you nothing but happiness," Simona added.

Teresa chuckled mockingly. Fine. Once I leave, everyone can finally breathe easily, she thought, including me.

"Mommy!" Michael called out.

Teresa softly responded and carefully dressed Michael in his coat, hat, mask, and gloves. For Michael, and for the baby growing inside her, Teresa was certain leaving was the right decision. With a gentle smile, she patted Michael's shoulder and said warmly, "Sweetheart, say goodbye to Rosary Estates."

"Mommy, does this mean we're never coming back?" Michael sensed something.