Hearing Donald’s words, Jennifer thought, ‘Then Donald must hold Jonathan in high regard. He deeply respects him.’
If Donald ever discovered she’d swapped the DNA test results, keeping Jonathan from his blood relative all this time, what would he think? He’d likely see her as cruel, selfish, and immoral. How could he not?
‘Maybe it’s better to leave him with the best memories,’ she mused. ‘That way, even future regret or longing won’t tarnish them.’
Seeing his complexion improve after sobering up, Jennifer lightly wiped her mouth and said, “I need to go.”
“Where are you going?” Donald asked, grabbing her arm tightly, as if fearing she’d leave Nareigh permanently.
Jennifer brushed off his grip. “Tomorrow is Memorial Day. I need to prepare offerings to visit my grandparents’ graves.”
Donald sighed in relief. “Then I’ll go with you. I don’t want you to feel uneasy or lonely.”
Jennifer was touched by his thoughtfulness, but kept her face cold. “No need. I’m fine on my own.”
Donald insisted, “I’ll still go with you. I’m worried about you.”
Jennifer thought, ‘Is this what it feels like to be someone’s unwavering choice?’ For a moment, she found herself unable to refuse.
On Memorial Day, Teresa still hadn’t appeared. Jonathan had been constantly thinking of her, sleeping little and attending to the family’s ancestral worship. He couldn't leave, even if he wanted to; as the Lynn family heir, he had responsibilities. While relatives chatted and prepared to head to the cemetery at nine, Jonathan sat on a single-seater sofa, texting.
Irene walked past, noticing his activity. She snatched his phone, frowning at the unsent message: “[How are you adjusting to Fernlandia?]”
“You still haven’t told me about that red light,” she said. “Who were you rushing to see? And who are you texting?”
Jonathan’s expression darkened. “I’ll go get the offerings ready,” he said, rising. “What time are we leaving? I’ll let everyone know.”
“Don’t walk away!” Irene retorted. “Are you messaging Teresa? She told me she’s in Fernlandia. It’s her, isn’t it?” Jonathan’s gaze sharpened. “She told you that? So, while I was gone, you saw her again?”
Realizing a slip, Irene stammered, “I didn’t go looking for her. She contacted me. She said she’s leaving for good and won’t contact anyone again.”
Jonathan’s voice grew urgent. “What else did she say?”
Irene said, “Look at you! Every time her name comes up, you lose your composure. You two are divorced, Jonathan. Wake up! With everything you have, why are you still stuck on her?”
Jonathan replied firmly, “Give me back my phone. I just want to ask her a few things.”
“What more is there to ask? She’s the one who left,” Irene said.
Rubbing his temples, Jonathan said, “She’s only ever had a home in Nareigh. Am I supposed to let her become homeless?”
Irene pounded his arm. “Even if she’s struggling, it’s not your problem anymore—husband! You’re just like your father, easily swayed by emotions. That’s your one flaw.” She worried endlessly: ‘If Jonathan stays soft, he’ll never let go of Teresa; if he hardens, he’ll turn cold and neglect his family.’ Either way, it felt like a lose-lose situation.
Just then, Heidi arrived. “Irene, what’s with all the bickering? It’s time to go to the cemetery.”
Irene remained silent, deciding to proceed to the cemetery. Jonathan didn’t argue, focusing instead on the family ritual.
The relatives scrambled for seats in the family Royce, but Jonathan avoided it, knowing he’d be bombarded with questions and requests. He opted for the solitude of his Audi A8.
The family paid respects to Jonathan’s father, grandmother, and other ancestors. Jonathan’s uncle and Donald handled his paternal grandmother’s side.
After the family tomb sweeping, Jonathan checked the time and prepared to leave. When Irene questioned him, he didn’t explain and drove off without looking back.
He drove for hours, finally reaching Chesburg and Teresa’s grandparents’ grave. To his surprise, Donald was there.
Jonathan prepared to call out to Donald, but then noticed Jennifer standing beside him. He thought, Donald is accompanying Jennifer for her tomb sweeping. ‘Interestingly,’ he mused, ‘two men from the Lynn family have come to pay respects at someone else’s ancestral gravesite!’ He searched the cemetery, but Teresa was nowhere to be seen. Disappointed, he got in his car.
After visiting her grandparents’ graves, Jennifer was ready to leave. She’d driven her own car, with Donald in the passenger seat. Donald reached for her hand, but Jennifer’s mind was racing, emotions running high.
“Take your hand back. I’m driving,” Jennifer said sharply.
“I’m serious, Jennifer. If you’re leaving Nareigh, I’ll go with you,” Donald said.
Jennifer’s thoughts were scattered. ‘He has a better life in Nareigh, yet he insists on following me.’ Distracted, she drove through the city streets.
Jennifer glanced at Donald, about to tell him to calm down, when an elderly man shuffled from around a corner, his frail figure catching her off guard. Panic set in. Her heart raced.
She slammed her foot down, hitting the accelerator instead of the brake. Disaster loomed.
“Jennifer!” Donald shouted, grabbing her hand and yanking the steering wheel hard to the side.
A loud crash echoed.