Chapter 27
Jonathan chuckled. “He’s switched to Malbec recently, and don’t even mention cigars—he’s quit smoking.”
With a casual “Hm,” she recalled Hayden’s cigar at their wedding, and it dawned on her that his not smoking at their recent gathering meant he’d actually given up the habit.
Switching topics, Teresa inquired, “Any thoughts on a gift for your mom?”
“Get her something you think she’d adore,” Jonathan replied, the buzz of a meeting filling the background. “I’m in the thick of things here, so I’ve got to wrap this up.” And just like that, he was off, leaving Teresa to make the final call on the gifts.
Teresa came back from her shopping trip with shopping bags, gifting Irene with high-end skincare products and fashionable handbags, along with pastries and specialty coffee beans as additional presents. Jonathan had generously provided her with a substantial sum of sixty thousand dollars, more than enough to cover her purchases.
As dinner time neared, Jonathan’s driver arrived to pick her up. As Teresa settled into the car, the driver informed her, “Mrs. Lynn, Mr. Lynn instructed that I should take you home after dinner.”
Teresa nodded in understanding and corrected him, “Please, just call me Teresa. I’m not Mrs. Lynn anymore.” The driver gave a gentle smile, tactfully keeping his opinions to himself.
Arriving at the Lynn residence, Teresa emerged from the car, laden with shopping bags. As Irene opened the door, her smile vanished at the sight of Teresa. Her tone turned chilly as she questioned, “What brings you here?” She didn’t pause for Teresa to say hello before asking.
Teresa spoke bluntly, holding Irene’s gaze firmly, “Jonathan informed me Hayden’s returned and requested I bring these and join him for dinner.”
Irene’s sneer was sharp. “You and my son divorced years ago. Why are you still circling my son? He deserves better than you.” Her voice dripped with disdain.
Teresa didn’t back down. “I’m not circling anyone. Jonathan invited me, and believe me, I’d rather not be here,” she retorted, arms folded in defiance.
A gentle, curious voice broke the tension. “Who is it, Mrs. Lynn? Is it Jonathan?” The question lingered, prompting Teresa to fall silent.
Irene’s features gentled when she spoke to Simona. “No, sweetheart, just someone who doesn’t belong here,” she said affectionately, dismissing Teresa as she pulled Simona closer.
Turning to Teresa with a smug smile, Irene made the introduction. “Meet Jonathan’s fiancée, Simona Larkin.”
Teresa was shocked. She had believed Jonathan was engaged to Yvonne, but instead, she found herself facing a tall, stylish stranger in her late twenties, adorned with diamond earrings and a sleek hairstyle. As Teresa took her in, Simona was just as intently studying Teresa, a twinge of envy flickering in her eyes at the sight of Teresa’s striking looks.
The tension was broken by a car horn. Hayden emerged from a minivan, with Cheryl by his side. Cheryl, in a crisp white dress and beret, greeted Teresa warmly before casting a curious and puzzled look at Simona.
“Irene, who is this?” Cheryl asked, her voice filled with a light-hearted curiosity.
Simona, not missing a beat, squared her shoulders and raised her chin. “I’m Jonathan’s fiancée,” she stated with a confidence that rang out clearly.
Cheryl’s jaw dropped as she stared at the newcomer. “Whoa, wait a minute,” she exclaimed, pointing at Teresa. “Jonathan’s wife is right here, and you’re saying you’re his fiancée? Irene, what’s the deal with this?”
Simona, her teeth biting down on her lower lip, directed a piercing gaze at Irene. “Mrs. Lyam, you told me Jonathan was single. That’s why I’m here for this family dinner, isn’t it?”
Chapter 27
Hayden’s confusion was palpable as he looked around the room. “What’s the story? I’m lost. Who’s this stranger causing a scene at our Thanksgiving… here?” His voice was heavy with concern. “Fiancée?”
Simona’s frustration boiled over, and she slammed her foot on the ground for emphasis. “Mrs. Lynn, I’m not leaving until I get some clarity!”
Irene, massaging her temple as a headache loomed, suggested, “Let’s go inside and resolve this,” guiding everyone indoors.
Once they were settled, Irene turned to Hayden. “I wasn’t trying to hide anything, but we need to stop the drama every time you’re around.”
“Drama!!” Hayden and Cheryl shouted in unison, their surprise palpable.
Teresa kept her mouth shut, anxiety visible as she watched Hayden closely, biting her lip.
Irene spoke gently to Simona, “Simona, Jonathan’s divorce has been final for some time now. There were no children involved, so it was a clean break. I’ll fill you in later.”
As Simona’s anxiety subsided, Irene addressed Hayden, “Hayden, Jonathan’s been single for over two years since his divorce. And Simona is soon to become part of our family.”
Hayden nearly stumbled, his face a picture of disbelief. Teresa quickly moved to his side, supporting him.
Hayden assured everyone he was fine and clutched Teresa’s hand firmly, his voice trembling. “Teresa, don’t fret. I don’t want Irene’s side of the story. I need to hear it from you. What’s the truth?”
The air in the room thickened with tension as Teresa, her voice cracking, broke the news to Hayden. “Hayden, Jonathan and I… we’re divorced,” she said, barely audible.
Evan’s shock was palpable. “No way,” he blurted out.
With a heavy heart, Teresa apologized, her eyes avoiding his. “I’m sorry for not telling you. We just didn’t want to let you down.”
Hayden, every one of his eighty years etched on his face, couldn’t hide his fury. His lips quivered, and his temples throbbed with visible veins.
Irene stepped in, trying to calm the storm. “Hayden, please, stay calm,” she pleaded, her hand gently touching his arm.
But Hayden was beyond reason. “Don’t touch me!” he barked, swiping Irene’s hand away so hard that she lost her footing and fell back. The chaos was escalating, and the butler, Lance, slipped away to make a call.
The phone barely rang before it was answered. “Mr. Lynn, there’s been a serious incident at the Lynn residence,” Lance’s voice was tense with urgency.