Chapter 423

Early the next morning, Teresa packed Michael’s things and brought them to Miriam’s place. “Sorry to trouble you again, Miriam,” she said. Miriam pulled Teresa aside. “How many days will you be gone this time? And you’re not taking Mike with you?”

Teresa glanced at Michael on the couch, who looked a bit lost, and said, “I told him I’ll be back before his birthday.”

Miriam sighed and whispered in Teresa’s ear, “Honestly, I think you should tell Jonathan about Mike. He should take responsibility. Mike’s getting older, and it’s just too much for you to handle alone.”

Teresa understood Miriam’s point, but she shook her head. “I’ll take Michael out today. I’ll leave tomorrow.” Miriam didn’t push further. She knew how stubborn Teresa could be.

“Mom, where are we going?” Michael asked.

“I need to stop by the hospital first, then I’ll take you to the park, okay?” Teresa asked.

“Are you sick?” Michael looked up at her, squeezing her hand a little tighter.

Teresa replied softly, “It’s just a little cold, nothing serious.” Teresa was actually there for a prenatal checkup. But instead of going to Nareigh General Hospital, where Jennifer worked, she chose an older hospital.

The doctor doing her checkup gave Teresa a couple of extra glances. Teresa took off her sunglasses and sat down.

The doctor said, “If I hadn’t seen your test results, I wouldn’t have guessed you’re over four months pregnant. You need to be careful, especially on the bus or subway. Watch out so no one bumps into you.”

Teresa had wide hips, and the doctor could tell she was pregnant, but she didn’t expect Teresa to be this far along.

“Okay,” Teresa replied. She usually drove herself anyway. What she was really worried about was whether her baby was getting enough nutrition, especially since she’d been under a lot of stress lately.

“Don’t worry. Some women just don’t show as early because their abdominal cavity is bigger. Your baby looks perfectly healthy,” the doctor reassured her.

“Thank you,” Teresa said, finally feeling at ease.

“You’re not a celebrity, are you?” The doctor gave Teresa’s delicate features another look.

“What do you mean?” Teresa asked.

The doctor smiled. “We once had a celebrity come in for a checkup—she was five months pregnant and had no idea. She was still doing those crazy wire stunts for her show.”

“You’re tall and slim, and you came in wearing sunglasses. I almost thought you were a star, too.”

“Just an office worker,” Teresa replied, taking the report and slipping it into her bag. The sunglasses were just her way of dodging anyone she might know.

“Pregnant women should really take maternity leave. Don’t overwork yourself, and let your husband help out more at home. Take care of yourself,” the doctor advised warmly.

Teresa hummed in response, her eyes flickering. Then she headed downstairs to pick up Michael from the play area. Michael held her hand tightly. “Mom, are you really going away?”

“I’m fine, sweetheart. How about we play for a bit, then I’ll take you to Miriam’s place? I have to go back before your birthday.”

“And I promise, Mr. Lime will celebrate with you too,” Teresa said. As for how to talk to Jonathan, she’d have to think about it.

“Okay,” Michael tilted his head. “Dad never comes to me, but at least I have Mr. Lime.”

Teresa gently patted his head.

On the way back, Jennifer called Teresa. She was still hung up on their earlier argument—she just didn’t want Teresa getting mixed up with Jonathan anymore, and she figured it really was for Teresa’s own good.

“I had Donald give Jonathan a fake pregnancy report. Jonathan won’t suspect a thing. Once he leaves Nareigh, just cut him off, okay?” Jennifer asked.