Chapter 116

From that day on, Teresa never saw Jonathan again. Another week flew by. It was her birthday, January 16th, but she'd forgotten. Miriam reminded her the day before.

She didn't particularly care about her birthday, but Miriam insisted on a celebration, given all that had happened that year. She ordered a cake and dishes from various restaurants. Miriam planned to invite Benny and asked Teresa's opinion.

“Don’t invite him. Mike is here,” Teresa said.

“That’s true. So, we’re not inviting Benny. How about Jonathan then?” Miriam asked.

“Definitely not,” Teresa replied firmly.

Miriam bought Teresa her favorite strawberry mousse cake, placing candles numbered two and seven atop it before Teresa blew them out.

It was six in the evening when fireworks suddenly illuminated the sky. Michael pressed his hands against the window, exclaiming, “Mommy, the fireworks are so beautiful!”

Teresa agreed; they were gorgeous, seemingly originating from Nareigh's direction, visible as if bursting right before them. “Michael, come have some cake,” she said.

Michael came over, saying, “Mommy, I saw your name in the fireworks! They went boom, and there it was.”

Teresa looked again, but her name had vanished. She caressed Michael's head. “You must have imagined it.”

Michael insisted, “I didn’t. It was really your name.”

The fireworks continued for nearly an hour, lasting from dinner until they finished.

Miriam raised her glass. “Maybe they’re celebrating your birthday.”

Teresa tapped her beer can on the table. “Thank you, Miriam. Thanks for all your help and for often looking after Michael for me. On the occasion of my birthday, I wish we all have a better new year.”

“You’re welcome,” Miriam replied as Michael sipped his drink.

Michael had been well-behaved lately. He hadn't been sneaking out or seeing Jonathan alone, having promised Teresa he wouldn't. Disobedience might mean she wouldn't want him anymore.

After dinner, Teresa's phone rang. It was Truman, inviting her for a drink. Teresa had completely forgotten she'd promised to treat him to a meal.

Kyle was near Nareigh, a five-minute walk away. Teresa planned to go alone, but Michael insisted on joining her. “It’s not Mr. Lime,” Teresa told him.

Michael huffed. “I know. Mr. Lime wouldn’t invite you out at this hour.”

Teresa fell silent.

By the time they arrived at the café, Truman had already ordered coffee. Teresa felt bad, having just had dinner. After ordering Michael juice, Truman produced a beautifully wrapped box from his bag and gave it to Teresa. “Happy birthday!”

Teresa was flattered. “Thank you! I didn’t expect you to remember my birthday.”

“January 16th is actually pretty easy to remember,” Truman smiled. He then looked at Michael and tried to ruffle his hair, but Michael dodged.

“Mr. Garcia, are you trying to date my mom? Do you want to be my dad?” Michael asked.

Teresa tapped him on the head. “Be quiet.”

Michael chuckled. “It’s okay. Let’s not take offense at a child’s babbles. Mike, can’t I date your mom? I promise I’ll treat you and her well.”

Teresa was nonplussed. “Stop joking about that, or he might take it seriously.”

Michael furrowed his brows. “I’ve already got the perfect dad in mind, so Mr. Garcia, maybe you should look for someone else.”

Truman grinned. “Let me guess. Does your perfect dad have the last name Lynn?”

Michael’s mouth dropped open. “Wow! Do you know Mr. Lime, too? Are you good friends with him? Is he the coolest of all of you?”

“Michael, are you still going on? I’m leaving then,” Teresa threatened.

“Please don’t leave me!” Michael clung tightly to Teresa's coat.

Meanwhile, a black Maybach was parked by the roadside. Jonathan couldn't see Michael, as the table obscured his head. Seeing Teresa chatting happily with Truman, he thought, ‘It’s her birthday. With all the fireworks, I don’t even get the chance to meet her!’

The car drove off, and Jonathan instructed the driver to head to Rosary Night. He didn't return to Luviston Estates until early morning. Benny offered to drive him home, but Jonathan refused, calling a designated driver instead.

When Jonathan got home, the house was dark. Without changing his shoes, he turned on the light. “Sorry, Honey. I went for a drink and came home late.”

However, no one was on the couch or in the living room. Jonathan took off his coat and staggered to the bedroom, failing to close the door properly. At the same time, he heard the sound of high heels approaching.

It was Simona’s first time at Jonathan’s place, and she didn’t expect him to live alone. After taking a few pictures of the decor, she opened the door and entered Jonathan’s master bedroom, where she found him lying alone on the bed.

Simona sat at the bedside and reached out to touch Jonathan’s face.

Suddenly, a carefree voice rang out. “Isn’t this Ms. Larkin?”

Simona quickly withdrew her hand and turned around. Benny was leaning against the wall, casually playing with his Lamborghini key.

“Who are you?” Simona demanded.

“I’m his friend. I’ve seen men followed home by pretty women, but it’s my first time seeing a woman tail a man home. Does he have some kind of perfume that attracts you so much?” Benny sneered.

Simona blushed. “I saw Jonathan at Rosary Night. I was worried he’d get drunk, and no one would be there to take care of him, so I came over.”

Benny said, “No need for that. I’m his best friend. I’ll take care of him.”

Simona bit her lip and left, embarrassed and frustrated. Benny looked at the drunk Jonathan on the bed and shook his head. He knew Jonathan didn’t like Simona, but she somehow managed to get into his room.

In the morning, Jonathan woke to find Benny sitting by his bedside. He frowned, confused. Benny yawned. “You’re awake? You better be more careful. You almost got into a really bad situation last night.”

Jonathan was puzzled.

Benny continued, “Luckily, I didn’t let you get home alone. I came by to check on you, and guess what? I saw Simona sneaking into your place while you were too drunk to close the door. She was snapping photos of your place like a weirdo, smiling like a creep.”

Chapter 117

Jonathan sat up in bed, feeling uneasy. “And then?”