Chapter 264

“She’s doing fine now and doesn’t want to be disturbed,” Jonathan finished.

Jennifer’s eyes, filled with disappointment, fixed on Jonathan. With a mocking smile, she said, “So you’re just giving up on Teresa? Is that all your so-called love amounts to?” She turned and walked away.

Miriam told Jonathan to ignore Jennifer, saying, “That woman has some issues.” Jonathan replied indifferently, “There’s no need to look for Teresa.” He turned and left. Miriam let out a helpless sigh.

Benny, having heard Miriam mention Teresa’s phone calls, felt frustrated. “Everyone’s talked to Teresa except me? If I’d known, I wouldn’t have left that day. What a mistake,” he muttered. “Why hasn’t Teresa come back?” he asked Miriam.

“Because of Jennifer,” Miriam snorted. “I always knew Jennifer was bossy, but I didn’t think she’d go this far. She’s practically running Teresa’s life. Ever since Teresa moved in with her, I haven’t seen her smile. She never complains about Jennifer, though. Jennifer even brainwashed me, saying everything was what Teresa wanted. Ugh, I can’t believe I actually fell for her act.” Miriam scoffed.

Benny raised an eyebrow. He’d met Jennifer a couple of times and found her difficult, but he didn’t share Miriam’s deep hostility. “By the way, what about your cousin?” he asked.

“Which cousin?” Miriam asked, feigning confusion.

“The one named Sherry,” Benny clarified.

Miriam’s eyes flickered. “Oh… She’s doing fine. Why do you ask?”

Benny stared at Miriam. “I thought I saw her in Nareigh a few days ago. Didn’t she leave? And what about her kid—the one who looks just like Jonathan?”

Miriam laughed nervously. “You must’ve been mistaken. You’re terrible with faces, remember?”

Even so, Benny couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. Raising an eyebrow, he steered the conversation back to Teresa. “So, Teresa’s not coming back just because Jennifer is too controlling?”

Miriam nodded. “Teresa didn’t say anything about Jennifer’s behavior. I bet she’s always scolding and lecturing her.”

Benny frowned, still puzzled. “That doesn’t sound like Teresa. She’s not the type to hold grudges. I remember back in school, she’d always oversleep and be late. When the teacher scolded her, she’d just laugh it off and move on.”

“If someone were living in your house, constantly bossing you around, controlling everything you do, setting rules and demands, and you couldn’t just kick them out because they’re family—how would you feel?” Miriam said.

“Really? Her sister’s that bad? But isn’t her sister dating Jonathan’s cousin now? She seems pretty happy with Edward,” Benny replied.

Miriam snapped, “Jonathan’s cousin is Donald. Stop dragging Edward into this.”

Benny chuckled apologetically. “My bad. So, what’s the deal then? Are we really not looking for Teresa anymore? I even asked Jonathan, and he said there’s no need to look for her.”

Miriam shook her head. “I don’t know what Teresa said to Jonathan, but she made it clear that she’s doing fine and just wants to live on her own. She told us not to worry about her.”

“Something’s off, though. It still feels off,” Benny muttered, stroking his chin as he paced. Suddenly, he stopped, snapping his fingers, his face lighting up. “Don’t tell me Teresa’s found herself a new boyfriend?”

‘Damn it,’ Miriam cursed inwardly. Benny was too sharp for his own good. This was exactly why she’d been so on edge around him. Back when she and Sherry staged that lie about Michael being Sherry’s kid, she’d been terrified Benny wouldn’t buy it. Benny was no fool. Miriam couldn’t let him start suspecting Michael again or find out Teresa had a son. Now that Teresa was no longer in Nareigh, Miriam could only feign ignorance. “Seriously, stop with the wild guesses. Teresa doesn’t have anyone else. She still has feelings for Jonathan,” she said, trying to sound convincing.

Benny patted Miriam’s shoulder. “Miriam, we’re close, right? Don’t keep secrets from me.”

Miriam nodded and returned the gesture. “Benny, come on, we’re tight. You know that.”

Benny slung his arm over Miriam’s shoulder. “Just tell me—did Teresa get involved with another guy? I promise I won’t tell Jonathan.”

Miriam smirked coldly. “How would I know? If you’re so curious, go find Teresa and ask her yourself.”

Benny gritted his teeth. “Fine. If Jonathan won’t look for her, then the two of us will keep an eye out. We have to find her.”

Miriam was speechless, but inwardly, she was panicking.

Chapter 264

The night was deep, and even at this hour, Nareigh General Hospital—the city’s largest—was bustling. Jennifer sat in her office, immersed in work. Having recently transferred and taken on the role of associate chief physician, her workload had increased.

Suddenly, a black jacket draped over her shoulders. A familiar scent lingered. Jennifer turned to meet Donald’s concerned gaze. She sighed softly, her exhaustion evident. “I thought you were off work,” she said.

“You’re my girlfriend. How could I leave knowing you’re still here?” Donald replied, his tone warm and steady.

“Thank you,” Jennifer murmured, holding his hand. She felt a wave of gratitude. ‘This is what love is,’ she thought. ‘Someone who stays by your side, not someone who just walks away.’

“Take a break,” Donald said gently. He brewed her coffee and then moved behind her, skillfully massaging her shoulders and temples, easing the tension.

Jennifer closed her eyes, her body relaxing. Yet, her mind wandered to Teresa. A sigh escaped her lips. “I wonder how Teresa’s doing. Is she eating properly? That girl can’t even cook. I used to make her meals, or we’d just order—” Jennifer stopped herself. “Takeout just doesn’t compare to home-cooked food.”

She turned to Donald, who gazed at her with affection. He seemed oblivious to her hesitation and simply stroked her cheek, kissing her brow.

“Don’t worry so much,” Donald said softly. “Teresa’s an adult, not a child. She’s just taking some time for herself. When she’s ready, she’ll come back.”

“Mmm,” Jennifer leaned back, resting her head against his chest. “Thank you, Donald. Having you by my side makes me believe in love.”

“Jennifer,” Donald kissed her forehead, his voice tender and full of emotion. “I love you.” His lips moved down, brushing against her nose before capturing her lips in a sweet, breath-stealing kiss.

Jennifer closed her eyes, savoring the warmth, but a growing unease stirred within her. She wondered if Donald truly loved her and if he would leave her someday.