Chapter 128

“Mommy, let’s talk later. I’m going to thank Mr. Lime by giving him a drawing. He has been so nice to me,” Michael announced.

“Okay,” came Teresa’s response. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t jealous. Why hasn’t he drawn anything for me? I’ve always been nice to him too! she wondered. After a brief pause, Teresa said, “Go ahead then. Also, I bought tickets for the latest holiday movie—Paddington. Let’s watch it together when you’re back!”

“Okay!” Michael nodded eagerly, his head bobbing back and forth like a bobblehead. After hanging up, Michael continued to draw.

When Jonathan finished work two hours later and returned to the hotel, Michael had fallen asleep at the desk with a crayon still clutched in his hand. Gently, Jonathan picked up the drawing. It depicted a man in a suit standing next to a lime tree.

For a child just over two years old, the drawing was impressively vivid. The figure stood before a vast sky, looking like he was strong enough to hold it up. Carefully, Jonathan carried the sleeping Michael to his bed, tucking him in gently. The following days were filled with exploration as Jonathan toured the city with Michael. Many passersby mistook them for father and son.

The day before New Year’s Eve, the two returned to Nareigh. Miriam, playing her usual role as mediator, went to the airport to pick Michael up. The child was fast asleep in Jonathan’s arms.

“He’s exhausted from the trip and slept through the entire journey back,” Jonathan explained as he handed Michael to Miriam. “Also, I heard from Edward—”

Miriam, impulsive as ever, cut him off before he could finish. “What? What did Edward say about me? Has he taken a liking to me?”

Jonathan shook his head. “He mentioned that Mike is your nephew. Why did you lie to him?”

Miriam swallowed nervously. “I just used Mike as an excuse to meet him,” she admitted sheepishly.

Jonathan pressed further. “On that weekend, you and Teresa took Mike to Jarisburg, didn’t you? It’s impressive his mom has so much trust in you both to take such a young child on trips.”

Miriam’s heart raced. What exactly did Jonathan unlock? If only Teresa were here to help! She’d know how to handle this, she noted. But Teresa wasn’t there, and Miriam wasn’t as quick on her feet. She decided to confront Jonathan instead. “So what if Teresa and I took Mike out? His mom trusts us to take care of him. Besides, Mike isn’t your kid. We can take him wherever we want! Who are you to be asking so many questions?”

Jonathan’s tone turned sharp. “He’s not my child, but it’s funny how everyone keeps saying he looks like me.” With that, he walked away.

Miriam anxiously chewed on her fingernails, then immediately called Teresa to relay the encounter. Although flustered, Teresa quickly composed herself. Even if Jonathan suspects something, he doesn’t have proof, she reasoned. The medical records from her childbirth were strictly confidential. No matter how resourceful Jonathan was, he couldn’t access them. And he doesn’t even know which hospital I delivered in, she reassured herself.

“What if Jonathan decides to get another DNA test?” Miriam asked nervously.

“That’s impossible. Cheryl already did a test that proved Mike isn’t his son. Jonathan is too proud to risk embarrassing himself by going through that again,” Teresa replied with certainty. She knew Jonathan better than anyone.

Miriam finally relaxed at Teresa’s assurance. Besides, even if the truth comes out, it’s not my problem, Miriam thought.