Chapter 34

Edward shared the news. He wants me out. He’s booked me into a hotel.

Teresa was quick to agree. “Great, let’s roll.” She hadn’t been looking forward to staying there anyway. She couldn’t gamble on Jonathan showing up unexpectedly. Given his sharp instincts and piercing scrutiny, she was anxious about his potential suspicion upon encountering Michael.

Meanwhile, Jonathan, after hanging up the phone, complained about Edward’s lack of respect for privacy. His family was still waiting to move into their newly revamped home, but Edward had already made himself at home. Jonathan wasn’t about to let that stand.

Miriam was determined to inspect the entire house before they took off, with Edward equally eager to look around before leaving. They both assumed Jonathan would be okay with it.

As they explored the courtyard house, Teresa’s attention was drawn to the master suite and the side rooms, but it was the bathroom’s grand bathtub that stopped her in her tracks. Teresa was swept away by recollections of her past with Jonathan. She remembered expressing her desire for a luxurious bathtub. “A big, special tub would be a dream, but they’re incredibly pricey.”

Jonathan had responded with a promise that echoed with determination. “Til I earn more, and one day I’ll get you that tub.”

She had questioned, “Is it too much to hope for? Am I asking too much?”

Jonathan had been candid about his own ambitions. “I’m extremely lucky to have you as my wife. I know your reservations about me, but I’m determined to show them I’m worthy of their trust.”

Tears filled Teresa’s eyes as she reflected on those memories. Despite their high hopes, their marriage ultimately crumbled, the divorce leaving a painful, irreversible mark of regret and loss for both.

Exiting the expansive courtyard house, the group proceeded to the hotel Jonathan had mentioned for the evening. Finding only two rooms available for their group of three adults and a child, Miriam sighed dramatically, “Guess Eddie and I will have to share a room.”

Edward, after a brief moment of thought, waved off the idea. “Nah, I’ll room with my little buddy here. You can pair up with Teresa.” Teresa, keeping a grip on Michael’s hand, piped up, “You guys enjoy some quiet time. I’ll take the night with the little one. I’ve got it covered.”

Edward let out a frustrated sigh when he realized he was on his own. Miriam grabbed his collar, steering him aside. “Could you give me some space?” Edward requested, striving to maintain his composure.

She paid no mind to his request and ushered him into the elevator. “What’s with the distance?” she joked, waving off his unease. “I’m not going to devour you, you know.”

Edward felt a lump in his throat. Miriam’s attractiveness was undeniable, but her gaze was predatory, not friendly, which set his nerves on edge.

In a separate room, Teresa and Michael encountered a different issue. Michael was profusely sweating, and Teresa noticed the telltale red splotches of a heat rash on his neck. “I’m so sorry, darling,” Teresa said, her voice heavy with remorse. She made a silent vow that once she had saved enough, she and Michael would escape Nareigh, far from Jonathan and his family.

Michael, hands planted firmly on his hips, reminded Teresa, “Mommy, you promised me something, right?”

Teresa had made a promise by the men’s restroom: Michael would get three wishes when they returned home if he behaved. With a nod, Teresa reassured him, “I haven’t forgotten,” as she guided him to the bathroom.

After getting cleaned up, Michael ran a towel through his hair and remarked, “Mommy, you seem really anxious around Edward. I think he’s pretty cool.”

Teresa paused before saying, “It’s not Edward that’s bothering me, it’s…”

Michael, full of curiosity, pressed, “What then?”

Without finishing, Teresa pulled out a storybook from their luggage. She tucked Michael into bed and began to read to him.

Half-asleep, Michael murmured, “Mommy, I want to go to the amusement park tomorrow.”

Teresa softly responded, “We’ll do that, I promise.”

His eyes nearly shut, Michael mumbled, “When can we go to the Candy Castle?”

Teresa gently replied, “We’re not sure yet, but we’ll try to make a reservation for tomorrow.”

Michael, still half-asleep, gazed at Teresa with a wistful sigh. “Mommy, will we ever have a place as nice as that big house?” he asked, his voice tinged with a child’s innocence.