Chapter 251
Teresa smiled softly and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes. “Thanks for always saying such sweet things about me. But you know what? You’re the real star here. You’re so handsome. You’re the most charming muffin in the whole universe!”
Michael quickly grabbed a small mirror from the drawer and checked himself out. “Really? Am I that cool?”
Seeing his attention shift, Teresa ruffled his hair and said with a grin, “Of course! You’ve got my amazing genes, so don’t you dare doubt yourself. You’re the coolest and most handsome kid ever.”
Michael, now comforted, wrapped his arms around her waist. “You’re not lying to me, right? You really don’t think I’m embarrassing?”
Teresa lowered her head, kissed his forehead, and shook her head. “I took you away because I’m under a curse. If I tell anyone you’re my son, the curse will separate us. That’s why I keep it a secret.”
Michael looked up at her with wide, innocent eyes. “Mom, so as long as you don’t say I’m your son, we’ll never be apart, right?”
“That’s right. We’ll always be together, just like now. I’ll love you and protect you forever, my sweet boy.”
Snuggled in Teresa’s arms, Michael quickly drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Teresa carefully pieced Jonathan’s autograph back together. After more than an hour, she finally finished. Even though the pieces were glued back together, the torn words could never be the same. Her fingers gently traced over Jonathan’s name, as if trying to hold onto something already lost. She flipped to the previous page and found another autograph from Jonathan.
Seeing the word “Handsome,” Teresa couldn’t help but smile. She remembered how casually Jonathan had added the word when she asked for his autograph. Back then, before reconnecting with Jennifer and moving in with Evelyn, it was just her and Michael. Life was simple, but happy. She longed to return to that happiness, a thought that had lingered in her mind for days.
The next morning, Teresa woke to find Evelyn had already prepared breakfast. Keeping her tone calm, Teresa told Evelyn she was going to buy groceries. She asked Evelyn to wake Michael later and help look after him.
“Are you still upset about the notebook from yesterday? Do you really have to talk to me like this?” Evelyn asked.
“I’ll check if there are any nice notebooks and buy a few more,” Teresa replied before heading out.
Before leaving, she placed the repaired autograph book on Michael’s bedside table, hoping that when he woke up, he’d see it and feel a little happier.
Teresa bought groceries at the supermarket. She bought Michael’s favorite beef, Evelyn’s caviar, and diapers for Isabel. Most of it was for her family; she barely bought anything for herself.
Jonathan’s words echoed in her mind: “If I spend more on myself, there’ll be less for you. I’ve gotten used to putting you first.” The memory of them laughing together, arm in arm, pushing a cart filled with groceries, resurfaced.
Teresa snapped out of her thoughts, catching her reflection in the yogurt section’s glass. Her face looked tired, and the space beside her was empty.
When Teresa returned home, Evelyn’s sharp voice greeted her from the other room. “Mike, you need to watch your words. Isabel is just starting to learn how to talk, and she’s very impressionable. Don’t teach her bad habits.”
“Grandma, I promise I won’t mess up Isabel’s learning,” Mike replied timidly.
At that moment, Teresa saw her son standing there, so small and cautious, as if afraid to breathe. Her heart clenched, a sharp pain stabbing through her chest. “Mike,” she called softly.
Hearing her voice, Michael bolted toward her, throwing himself into her arms. “Mom, you’re back,” he said, his voice filled with relief, though hesitant. Teresa set down the shopping bags and gently ruffled his hair, sensing the fear lingering in him. She took a deep breath and asked, “What happened?” But Mike just shook his head, refusing to speak. Teresa shot Evelyn a cold look.
“Have you noticed that Mike speaks with a bit of an accent? He’s almost three. Sometimes he mixes up ‘dat’ and ‘that.’ Isabel is learning to talk, and I don’t want her picking up bad habits from him.”
Teresa clenched her fists, then released them. Her voice was firm and unwavering as she declared, “Fine. We’ll pack up and leave right now. That way, he won’t mislead your daughter.”
This time, Teresa was serious. There was no hesitation, no second-guessing, and certainly no concern for Evelyn’s feelings. She was done. She had already started packing their belongings at lightning speed.
“I’m only saying this for Mike’s own good. You have to start teaching kids early,” Evelyn tried to reason.
“Our parenting philosophies are completely different. He’s not even three yet, so why are you being so harsh on him? And even if he needs discipline, you don’t get to criticize or scold him.”
“I’m his grandmother, and I’m your mother. Everything I do is for your benefit. I cook for you, don’t I? And yet, you always twist my good intentions into something bad.”
Teresa let out a cold laugh. “Oh, really? The meals you cook are always what you and Isabel like. Have you ever asked what Mike or I want to eat? And who changes Isabel’s diapers most of the time?”
As she spoke, Teresa angrily dumped the groceries onto the table. The items scattered everywhere. “Take a good look at them yourself,” she said coldly.
Evelyn protested, “You’re all my treasures—you, your sister, and Isabel. I love all of you. Why do you insist on seeing me as heartless? If I didn’t care, would I have spent so much money on you in the past?”
“That’s all in the past,” Teresa replied, her tone icy. “I’ve already said I’ll continue giving you money from the company dividends in the future. You and Isabel can stay here. If there’s anything work-related, just contact me online.”