Chapter 12

Teresa’s steps faltered as she took in the familiar face. It was Jason Hunter, her ex-boyfriend from before Jonathan. He’d pursued her relentlessly, and for a moment, she’d believed he could be the one. That dream had quickly turned sour. Once they were together, she caught him flirting with other women and overheard him belittling her to his friends, labeling her a snob, a tease, and a fake bombshell.

Recalling the rage that had coursed through her, she could almost feel her hands shaking again as she’d smashed his phone and ended things on the spot.

The woman with Jason, her lips painted a striking red, looked at Teresa with a hint of suspicion. “Jason, who is she?” she questioned, a tinge of envy in her voice.

Jason scanned Teresa from head to toe, a smug smile on his face. “Just my ex,” he dismissed, his voice dripping with self-importance.

Teresa snorted dismissively, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “I’m not the type to be an ex, especially not with my high standards.” Turning to the girl with a smirk, she asked, “Are you just someone Jason’s been flirting with?”

Jason’s face twisted into a scowl at Teresa’s remark. The girl, indignant, retorted, “What? We met at a club, and it was love at first sight. Our relationship is rock-solid!”

Teresa responded with a slow, sarcastic clap. “Love at first sight in a club, huh? That’s the stuff of fairy tales. Good luck with that. Just watch out he doesn’t wander off.” With a final, cutting remark, she began to walk away.

Jason, his tone dripping with scorn, called after her. “Heading to the subway, Teresa? I saw your Porsche in the junkyard. What’s the deal! Did Jonathan leave you, or did you two break up? I haven’t seen you showing off your relationship for a while.”

The tension in Teresa was palpable when a set of headlights pierced the night, and a gleaming Maybach rolled to a stop. Its impeccable condition looked like it had just left the dealership. The driver opened the door and got out, revealing a tall, fit man in a well-tailored suit, his good looks and confident presence unmistakable.

Teresa’s eyes widened in surprise as Jonathan emerged, wearing a striking purple suit that was new to her—a daring fashion statement. As Jonathan approached Teresa, he gently placed his hand on her waist and planted a tender kiss on her cheek. “Sorry I’m late, babe,” he said, a tinge of remorse in his voice.

Teresa’s brow creased with concern. “What held you up?” she queried, a tinge of awkwardness lacing her words.

Jonathan shrugged it off with a grin. “Closed a billion-dollar deal, and then traffic was a nightmare. Sorry about that,” he said, acknowledging his tardiness. Teresa, catching Jonathan’s protective move, mumbled awkwardly, “Got it.”

With his arm around Teresa, Jonathan confronted Jason and the woman. “I saw you pointing at Teresa. Did she say something that bothered you?”

The woman, picking up on the tension, pulled at Jason’s sleeve and whispered, “Let’s get out of here. This guy’s loaded. We shouldn’t mess with him.”

Jason muttered under his breath, “He wasn’t that wealthy before. I doubt he made it big on his own.”

Jonathan’s voice was calm but firm as he questioned, “What did you say, Jason?” His gaze was piercing.

Quick to defuse the situation, the woman said, “He didn’t mean anything by it. Sorry, it’s our fault. We’re leaving now.”

As Teresa watched them leave, she felt both shocked and relieved. It was hard to believe she had ever been with someone like that. Teresa, lips slightly parted, murmured her gratitude as they cruised down the street. “I appreciate you backing me up back there.”

Curious, Jonathan shot her a sidelong glance. “Still thinking about your ex?”

Teresa responded with a wave of her hand, as if brushing away the thought. “That jerk is not even on my radar. Why would I give him a second thought?”

Jonathan’s lips curved into a full smile. “You seem pretty ticked off. There’s always a little force in the must when there’s this much anger.” Though they’d been married for two years, Teresa often seemed emotionally removed from him.

Teresa just gave Jonathan a measured look. As they were approaching the corner, Jonathan spoke up again. “Grandpa’s rolled back into town.”

Teresa’s eyes popped. “Really?”

As Jonathan checked the rearview mirror, he raised an eyebrow. “Grandpa’s birthday is coming up tomorrow. Did you forget?”

Teresa smacked her forehead lightly. Jonathan’s grandpa, Hayden Lynn, had always been incredibly warm to her. She realized it had been ages since their last visit.

Teresa spoke solemnly, her concern evident as she asked, “How’s Hayden’s health these days?”

Jonathan’s demeanor was cool. “He’s managing.”

Teresa stopped for a moment, lost in memories of the past. She recalled how eager Hayden had been for them to start a family immediately after their marriage, stating that such opportunities were rare.

Jonathan lowered his voice. “He’s still unaware that we’ve divorced.”

Nodding in agreement, Teresa replied, “And with Hayden’s heart condition, it’s best we keep it from him. It’s too risky to tell him the…”

Jonathan shifted the topic quickly. “His birthday is tomorrow. I need you to act like we’re still married, just for that day. There’ll be a generous bonus for you if it’s done.”

Upon hearing about the bonus, Teresa clapped her hands playfully, teasing, “Mr. Lynn, you’re really showing off your wealth these days?”

Jonathan casually crossed his legs, a teasing grin on his face. “You know, there’s more I can show off, like my talents between the sheets.”