Chapter 3: Meet Again

At the sound of that voice, Teresa's heart leaped. It was a voice from her past, unheard for what felt like an eternity. Over two years had passed, and now, its owner stood before her.

Teresa took a deep breath, her glass clinking softly as she set it down. With a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, she met Jonathan's gaze. Her expression was a carefully constructed mask of composure, mirroring the polite smiles around her.

Jonathan dominated the room, his long black coat a cloak of authority. His sharp features radiated confidence, drawing every eye.

While Teresa watched, Jonathan exchanged birthday greetings with Benny. Once the pleasantries concluded, his gaze flickered to Teresa, a hint of recognition in his eyes.

"Didn't expect you to come," he said, his voice casual, as if their last meeting had been yesterday.

Teresa mirrored his casualness with a shrug. "Been a while," she replied, glossing over the vast gulf of time.

Teresa found herself stealing glances at Jonathan, struck by how his appearance had sharpened—he was even more dashing. She chuckled softly and sipped her drink to hide her surprise.

Benny, the perfect host, gestured for Jonathan to sit.

Teresa's stomach lurched when she saw Benny had placed Jonathan beside her. Her heart pounded with unsettling anticipation.

"I'll just give us a bit more room," Teresa muttered, almost to herself, as she moved her chair away.

Benny, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, joked, "You guys are still so formal, even as a couple."

Teresa shot him a look that was both warning and plea.

Ignoring her, Benny announced to the group, "This beautiful lady is with Jonathan Lynn, CEO of Horizonlead Group!"

A murmur of surprise rippled through the room. "Wow, this is Jonathan?" someone whispered in awe. Exclamations of surprise and admiration followed. Several guests rushed to offer Jonathan drinks. Teresa received similar compliments, addressed as "Mrs. Lynn."

Jonathan quickly interjected, "She's a lightweight and prefers soft drinks."

Benny chuckled, patting Jonathan's shoulder. "Just being a good husband," he said, raising his glass. "Let's get this party started!"

Feeling overwhelmed, Teresa excused herself to the restroom. As she carefully maneuvered around Jonathan, her stockings brushed against his trousers, creating a static shock that made her face flush.

Jonathan, still feeling the electric tingle, took a gulp of water. Even after all this time, Teresa's presence was as captivating as he remembered.

Finding refuge in the restroom, Teresa sighed. 'Stockings were a bad idea,' she thought, her heart pounding at the thought of her ex-husband.

She texted Benny: [Got a sudden errand. Gotta bounce.]

Benny replied instantly, his confusion evident: [Wait, what? Your coat's right here.]

Teresa replied: [Yeah, I know. Could you grab my coat? I’m by the elevator, face-to-face with going back.]

Teresa lingered at the doorway, her initial enthusiasm gone. She hadn't anticipated seeing her ex-husband.

Benny appeared with her coat. As she took it, she vented her frustration with a kick to his shin.

"Ouch! That's got some bite, Teresa—trying to take down the birthday boy?" Benny joked.

"You deserved it," Teresa retorted. "You knew about the divorce, yet you still invited him. You've been dropping hints all night. You did this on purpose."

Benny grinned, wincing slightly. "He's my buddy, and you're my friend—I was just trying to play matchmaker."

"Save it, Benny. Jonathan and I are done," Teresa declared. "We're not getting back together, not even if you tried to marry me off to the town mascot."

Unbeknownst to her, Jonathan overheard. Only when she turned to leave did she see his cold stare. He'd heard everything.

The tension was palpable. Benny excused himself, leaving them alone.

Jonathan fixed his gaze on Teresa. "Wanted to make it clear, I'm not here for you," he stated firmly.

Teresa nodded calmly. "Loud and clear. Benny's playing matchmaker, but he's way off."

Jonathan offered a curt acknowledgment. "He's got no business butting in."

A playful smile touched Teresa's lips. "Heard about your new venture. Congrats. I suppose I should be buttering you up a bit, shouldn't I, Mr. Lynn?"

Jonathan's reply was a clipped "Thanks."

Teresa was about to leave in her trusty Porsche when a sleek black Rolls-Royce Phantom arrived. Jonathan, in the back seat, lowered the window. "Get in. I'll see you home."

The Rolls-Royce stopped Teresa. A memory of Jonathan's vow—"One day, I’ll get you a Rolls-Royce. You’re my wife, and you deserve the best"—flooded back.

She shook it off. "I've got my own wheels, but thanks."

Jonathan's forehead creased. "We need to talk about the house. Get in."

Teresa hesitated, then entered the opulent car. "So, what's this about the house?"

Once the partition was raised, Jonathan stated, "The house in Luviston Estates—I transferred it to your name. It's been two years, and you've never been there."

Teresa's eyes widened. "How did you know that?"

Jonathan's brow furrowed. "I've been paying the bills, but the manager said it's empty."

Teresa explained, "I have my own place now, and—"

He interrupted, "And what?"

"And we're history," she said crisply. "I'm not living in our old house." She'd moved into her family's apartment in Rosary Estates.

Disappointment flickered in Jonathan's eyes. "That house is leagues above those in Rosary Estates. I figured you'd stay there."

Teresa shook her head firmly. "We settled it in the divorce. Yours is yours. I'm not living in my ex-husband's house."

A sardonic smile touched Jonathan's lips. "Well then, no sweat selling the place."

Teresa nodded. "Do as you like."

To break the tension, Teresa asked, "So, how's your mother been?"

He replied with a clipped "Fine."

Teresa tried again. "What about your ex? I gave you space. Is she doing okay?"

Jonathan's piercing gaze silenced her.

Teresa relaxed her shoulders. "Just curious. We've moved on, so your love life is your business."

Jonathan curtly dismissed her, opening a magazine.

As the car stopped at Rosary Estates, Teresa thanked him, hoping he'd leave.

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "No invite to come in?"

Teresa hesitated, unsure if Miriam had brought Michael home yet.