Chapter 83

Jonathan had long planned to marry Teresa and believed he had given his all during their two years together. However, all he received was, "Jonathan, I don't love you. I'm only touched by you." At that moment, he saw deep exhaustion in her eyes. Perhaps it was because his $30,000 annual salary wasn't enough for her.

So, he let her go and they divorced. He left for two years to give them time to sort things out. When he returned to Nareigh two years later, he was a billionaire. He asked Benny to arrange a meeting disguised as a birthday party so he could see her again.

"I'd rather remarry a dog than remarry Jonathan," was his greeting upon returning to Nareigh. Thereafter, as long as he didn't contact her, she wouldn't contact him.

Teresa turned away, avoiding his deep, penetrating gaze. "Jonathan, my answer's still the same. Let's just move on." She had come to terms with everything: past conflicts, Yvonne's threats of depression, Irene's disdain, and Philip's betrayal for money. It was better to rely on herself. She simply wanted to provide a good life for herself and Michael; she didn't want to deal with the difficulties of marriage anymore.

"I want to go back. I'm a little tired," she said, clenching then weakly releasing her palms. She didn't want him to see the tears welling in her eyes. Jonathan said, "I'll have the driver take you home. Thank you for taking care of me these days."

He didn't see her off. After all that, she still rejected him. Being in a car together would only be awkward. The feeling of rejection, a second time around, was unbearable.

Back at Rosary Estates, Sherry was cooking when Teresa returned; Michael was at the table, working on math problems.

Sherry quickly said, "Michael's been really good. He stayed home and didn't go anywhere."

Teresa took off her coat and rubbed Michael's cheeks. "Did you miss me?" she asked.

Michael snorted. "I don't have time to miss you. I'm really busy."

Teresa replied blankly, "What could a little kid like you be busy with?"

Michael smiled cheekily. "Mommy, we'll live in a big mansion soon, and I'll have lots and lots of toys."

Teresa chuckled. "How did you know I bought you a new toy?" She had bought him a giant toy car on the way back. As for the mansion, she was determined to make it happen. Teresouth Group was generating good revenue. She aimed to buy a large mansion in a good school district before she turned thirty and before Michael started elementary school.

"I'll work hard to make money and not mistreat you, Michael," she said.

"You don't have to work so hard," Michael tilted his head. "Someone will work hard for us anyway."

Teresa was amused. Who would work hard for them? That's nothing but fantasy, she thought. Michael said no more, keeping it a secret for now. Sherry admitted she didn't know what Michael was up to either. Teresa bought Sherry a bracelet—a Van Cleef & Arpels piece.

"You're too kind. This bracelet's expensive, almost tens of thousands of dollars," Sherry exclaimed.

Teresa said, "Thank you for taking care of Mike while I wasn't home. I feel like Mike's speech has improved thanks to you."

Sherry blushed, feeling she hadn't done much. "Teresa, I'm the one who should be thanking you. Thank you for giving me a place to live and a good job. If there's anything you need help with, just let me know."

Teresa didn't really need anything. She had only one request: Jonathan must not find out about Michael under any circumstances.

Sherry laughed. "Don't worry. Although I like Christian, I'd never betray my friend over a guy."

That put Teresa's mind at ease. Sherry still asked, "But are you really not considering remarrying Mr. Lynn? Christian and I talk about you two sometimes, and we both hope you'll get back together."

Putting aside everything else, based on appearances alone, having more children wouldn't be so bad. Teresa didn't say anything; she was changing in the dressing room, so Sherry couldn't see her expression. Sherry wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but she saw Teresa's eyes were a little red when she returned.

Chapter 113

"Teresa, I'm not trying to guilt-trip you," Sherry said. "It's just that you'll eventually run into each other in Nareigh. Mike's secret won't stay hidden for long."

"I know," Teresa replied, buttoning her shirt. "I've already planned everything. I'll earn more money over the next two years and leave Nareigh with Michael."

"You're still planning to leave?" Sherry asked.

"Yeah," Teresa replied with certainty.

As a mother, she wanted to give Michael the best—education and healthcare. Now that he was almost three, she hoped to provide the best when he started preschool and elementary school. Michael shouldn't suffer the hardships she experienced in her childhood.

Sherry insisted, "I think Nareigh has top-notch education and healthcare."

Teresa smiled faintly. "Nareigh isn't the only city in this country. We could even move abroad. I'm sure we'll find a place. I won't let Jonathan know about Mike no matter what."

Sherry nodded understandingly. "All right, I understand and respect your decision."

"Thank you, Sherry," Teresa said.

Teresa continued changing while Sherry sighed. It seemed like these two just weren't destined to be together.