Chapter 629

Gary added, “I think Jonathan would also love the name you picked for Mike. He’d absolutely adore him. I’m sure he’ll make a wonderful father—caring, giving him the best love, and truly kind and understanding.”

Teresa said, “You’ve really changed lately. What happened between you and Jonathan?”

Gary grew a bit more serious. “After spending so much time with Jonathan, I can say he’s a truly reliable and responsible man. I’m sure he’ll make you happy. Maybe there were some misunderstandings, but I think you two should clear things up.”

Teresa felt incredibly conflicted.

She was lost in thought, and her prolonged silence made Gary heave a sigh. “You should come clean to Jonathan about Mike as soon as possible. I'll head back to Nareigh and keep helping you and Jennifer.”

Teresa was just about to turn him down when there was a knock at the door. The doctor said, “Rounds. How are you feeling today?”

Hearing this, Gary asked Teresa in confusion, “Wait, are you in the hospital?”

Teresa said, “Oh, it’s just a little cold. I’ll be fine soon.” She didn’t say anything more and quickly hung up the phone.

Jonathan had just landed and arrived at the Nareigh International Airport terminal. So much had happened in just this past week. With his parents‘ affairs settled and Sanford having changed his name, Jonathan’s life was ready to get back on track.

In his office, Jonathan received a call from Irene. He knew she had been emotionally distressed because of what happened with Liora. Even though Liora was gone, Irene was still far from happy.

Irene said she wanted to go out for a walk and clear her mind. Jonathan agreed. He secretly hoped Irene would stay out a bit longer. At least that way, he’d finally get some peace and quiet. He asked Irene what she wanted.

“I’m still worried about your future, aren’t I? When you decide to remarry, just call me, and I’ll come back to Nareigh,” Irene said, her tone both concerned and a little insistent. Before Jonathan could respond, she added, “Teresa is out of the plan!”

Jonathan’s expression darkened. “Enough already. I know exactly what I’m doing.”

Irene said, “How can you be so foolish? Are you really determined to end up just like your father? Our family can’t bear to see such a tragedy repeat itself.”

Jonathan retorted, “She’s nothing like Liora. Why would I turn out like my father?”

However, Irene stubbornly clung to her opinion. She insisted that Teresa was just like Liora—no decent woman at all, and she definitely had ulterior motives.

Jonathan said, “Just go and clear your head, Mom. Don’t worry about things that don’t concern you.” He hung up abruptly. And then he opened a drawer in his office, pulled out his wedding ring, and gazed at it.

This was the very same wedding ring from his marriage. He’d thought it was lost, but Teresa had found it. The day she returned it was as vivid as yesterday. He thought bitterly, ‘If she doesn’t love me anymore, why keep this ring?’

Yet, he kept it after all. This ring symbolized those beautiful times.

“Mr. Lynn, you have a meeting this afternoon.”

“Got it,” Jonathan said, carefully putting the ring away.

After work, he took the opportunity to check on the Horizontead Plaza project and then drove to the entrance of Teresa’s apartment complex.

Jonathan looked up at Teresa’s building. Her floor was already dark. He checked the time: 9:30 p.m. ‘Could she already be asleep at this hour?’ he wondered, a faint pang of disappointment tugging at him.

Jonathan sat in his car, lost in thought. It had been almost a decade since he first met Teresa. His phone rang. Seeing Donald’s name on the screen, he frowned slightly.

Donald had no choice but to seek out Jonathan.

Jonathan had already returned to Forlisle Rose Estates when Donald drove over. “Jonathan, I’m really sorry for dropping by so late. I know you’re busy during the day. I actually came out without telling Jennifer.”

Jonathan’s heart ached at the sight of Donald’s bloodshot eyes and unshaven face. “You found out?”

“Yeah…” Donald replied softly.

“Accept reality,” Jonathan simply said.

Donald’s eyes instantly turned an even deeper red. His voice was hoarse and strained as Donald managed to respond.

“Jonathan, when you found out Sanford was your brother, didn’t you lose it? I was looking at my wedding photos. He was right there, even singing for her. And there I was, standing like a total idiot, completely unaware we shared the same father.”

Donald lowered his head with a bitter laugh, tears streaming down his face.

Jonathan knew Donald would be utterly devastated.

Donald and Jonathan had very different upbringings. Unlike Jonathan, Donald had an easy ride. He landed a decent job straight out of college without ever facing real adversity.

This was likely the greatest blow of Donald’s life, especially now that Cathy and Werner had divorced.

Jonathan reached out and gave Donald’s shoulder a reassuring pat. He said softly, “This too shall pass.”

“Thanks, Jonathan. Actually, I came to see you today because I want to…!”

“Hmm?”

Donald took a shaky breath, his voice trembling. “I… I want to…”

Donald took a deep, shaky breath and choked back a sob as he was about to kneel before Jonathan. Jonathan quickly pulled him up, thinking, “Why does everyone keep doing this? Let’s talk this through properly. You’re a family man now.”

Donald choked up, his voice trembling. “I have to apologize to you. You’ve always been so good to my dad, and to Cheryl and me, but he treated you so badly, and did the same to your father. I can’t believe Sanford was his son.

“Instead of admitting it, he even framed your father. I don’t know how to face you or your late father. I know my dad never apologized to you, so let me apologize on his behalf!”

Jonathan’s eyes softened. “All those years of looking out for you weren’t in vain. Alright, have a seat.”

Jonathan activated the coffee maker and began making coffee on the long, solid wood table in the lounge.

Donald slowly sank into the seat across from him, burying his face in his hands helplessly. “Jonathan, I’m truly sorry, and so grateful to you. Thank you for being so understanding and forgiving.”

“Forgiving, am I?” Jonathan’s lips quirked into a faint, wry smile. “I’m not that magnanimous.”

Donald fell silent for a few moments. And then he stood up and gave Jonathan a deep, formal bow.

“I can’t ask you for anything else. You’ve already helped me so much—with Jennifer’s job, my car, everything with our family. Even Cheryl’s career is thriving now. And you even handled that whole hospital incident with Jennifer. Jonathan, you’ve always been good to us, but—”

“Alright, enough.” Jonathan cut Donald off. “Stop with all that. If you’ve got something to say, just say it. Don’t beat around the bush.”