Jennifer looked at Donald, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions. “You’re not going to leave me, are you?” she asked softly.

Donald knew Jennifer’s insecurities stemmed from her childhood. His heart ached for her as he held her hand firmly. “I’ll always be here for you,” he reassured her.

“Don’t leave me. You’re all I have now,” Jennifer said, her voice trembling as she wrapped her arms tightly around him, clinging as if her life depended on it.

Irene had always been troubled by Jonathan’s declaration; it was something she couldn't let go of. For the past few days, she hadn’t been able to see him. Finally, she managed to catch him during a visit to his company. Many people had been showering her with gifts, hoping she would introduce their daughters to Jonathan.

“Your father passed away early, and I’ve raised you through thick and thin. When you said you wanted to come back to Nareigh, I agreed. But you shouldn’t tangle with Teresa. Just pull yourself together and meet other women.”

Jonathan, who had been reviewing documents, suddenly stood up. “If it weren’t for wanting to remarry her, I wouldn’t have come back to Nareigh at all.”

Irene froze, her expression stiffening. “What did you just say?”

Jonathan replied firmly, “I’ve been working hard to make more money so I can feel more confident with her. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have pushed my career forward so quickly. It’s all for remarrying her as soon as possible.”

Irene stared at him, astonished. “Jonathan, you’re being ridiculous. For a woman like her? What’s so special about her?”

Jonathan frowned, clearly puzzled. “You’re a woman too, Mom. Why would you say something like that about her?”

Irene grabbed his arm, her voice full of concern. “I’m saying this because I care about you! I’ve always had high hopes for you. I pulled strings to get you into the best school and guided you to make all the right choices. And then, out of nowhere, you rushed into marrying some pampered rich girl who doesn’t know how to do anything. You come home from work and still have to do her laundry and cook for her. I just want what’s best for you.”

Jonathan sighed, gently removing her hand from his arm. “She’s my wife, my responsibility, and my everything. I’ll only ever spoil her.”

“I just don’t understand you young people. Isn’t life the same no matter who you’re with?”

“Then why haven’t you found someone else all these years since Dad passed away?”

Irene’s voice trailed off, her gaze flickering with a mix of hesitation and unspoken feelings.

Jonathan fixed his eyes on her. “Because love is what really matters.”

“Your father was the best man I’ve ever known. He treated me so well, but it’s always the good ones who go too soon,” Irene sighed, her voice tinged with sorrow as she reflected on the twists and turns of her life.

Jonathan didn’t say much more. He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze before letting go. “Mom, just stay out of my love life, okay? I’m leaving now.”

Irene hesitated, then called after him, “Where are you going?”

While putting on his coat, Jonathan replied, “I’m planning to set up a branch office in Everport. I won’t be coming back to Nareigh as often for now.”

“Why Everport? Isn’t it quite cold over there?” Irene asked, her tone laced with concern.

“It’s the decision the board came to.”

“Alright then,” Irene said, though all she really knew about Everport was its famous scenic area. She reached up to straighten his collar. As long as Jonathan wasn’t thinking about Teresa, she didn’t care. He went. "Take care of yourself. If you meet a nice girl, just give it a shot."