Chapter 263
“Jonathan, your career is thriving. From the bottom of my heart, I think you’re amazing. I’m not mocking your success; seeing you succeed truly moves me. I know how much effort you’ve invested and the struggles you’ve overcome. Without your parents’ or grandparents’ support, you’ve fought your way to where you are today. I’m truly happy for you. As your ex-wife, all I can offer is my best wishes. You’ve worked hard, and you’ve made it.”
Jonathan’s eyes glistened, as if time had rewound. “There was someone who once said she wanted to stand with me at the top of Nareigh Tower, sipping red wine and looking down at the world.”
His thoughts drifted. “Honey, keep going. I believe in you. You’ll climb from manager to boss. And when that day comes, we’ll stand at the top of Nareigh Tower, sipping red wine and living the dream together.”
“Alright, just give me some time.”
“How long?”
“Five years, maybe.”
“I’ll be twenty-seven by then.”
“Yeah, I’ll do my best to make sure you get to live the dream before I turn thirty.”
Those words echoed in Teresa’s ears, the sweet memory playing vividly in her mind. Now, Teresa was twenty-seven, and Jonathan had fulfilled that playful promise. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but reality weighed heavily—she couldn’t afford to dwell on those memories anymore.
Before leaving Fernlandia, Sherry had called, pleading with Teresa to keep Michael’s situation secret. “Teresa, if Mr. Lynn finds out about Mike, he’ll definitely hold Christian accountable. Christian and I are getting married this year, and I can’t let anything go wrong.”
“Don’t worry, Sherry. I won’t turn my back on you and Christian. You both helped me hide the truth about Mike—I owe you that much.”
“I’m so sorry, Teresa. Once Christian and I are married, you can do whatever you want.”
“It’s fine. I won’t tell Jonathan. I just want to start over, somewhere no one knows me. That’s all.”
Teresa’s mind drifted to her twenty-two-year-old self, brimming with happiness and hope. She had rushed into marriage with Jonathan after barely knowing him, and for a while, it had been sweet. But now, she felt stuck, unable to move forward or look back.
All she could do now was hold onto the resolve she’d made long ago. No more hesitation, no more second-guessing. Thinking of Michael waiting for her at home, she ended the call. “I wish you happiness.”
The busy tone echoed in Jonathan’s ears. It took him three full minutes to realize she had hung up. His tall figure exuded desolation, his long shadow stretching across the ground. Silently, he handed the phone back to Miriam.
“What did Teresa say?” Miriam asked.
“She said… she’s doing well now,” Jonathan replied. His cold, stern face hinted at loss, making it impossible for Miriam to discern his true thoughts.
Miriam couldn’t call Teresa back. Teresa had hidden her number, and the call had come from a randomly assigned virtual number, making it untraceable.
Jennifer walked over. “Can’t we at least trace the call’s IP address? I have a friend back in Shaville who’s skilled in this area. He could—”
“Are you out of your mind?” Miriam cut her off sharply. “No wonder Teresa doesn’t want to come back. It’s because of people like you. She’s already said not to disturb her, yet here you are, trying to track her IP. What are you planning to do?”
“I’m just worried about her,” Jennifer retorted. Only she knew Teresa was still carrying a child. She was deeply concerned that Teresa might not be able to care for herself, let alone Michael. Besides, Teresa couldn’t even cook. Back in Fernlandia, at least Evelyn had been there to prepare meals for her. That was why Jennifer had initially agreed to let Teresa leave with Evelyn.
Miriam looked at Jennifer as if she were a lunatic. Despite Jennifer’s calm exterior, Miriam couldn’t fathom her thoughts. To Miriam, it was clear Jennifer still didn’t understand her mistakes.
“Your so-called concern, your overbearing love, your obsessive care and constant supervision suffocate her. Let it go. If you keep this up, she’ll never come back.” Miriam’s words were sharp and unyielding.
“I—” Jennifer tried to argue.
“Teresa said,” Jonathan, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.
Both Jennifer and Miriam turned to him. His dark eyes were clouded with a complexity that was hard to decipher. Jennifer thought Jonathan would insist on continuing the search for Teresa—if he truly loved her.