Chapter 133

Michael asked, “But what about your mommy and daddy? I’ve never seen them before.”

“They—” A tear fell into the ravioli as Teresa choked up. She quickly wiped her tears. “They’re busy.”

Since severing ties with Philip, she’d lost all contact. She knew he’d gone abroad but wasn’t sure where. As for Evelyn, Teresa figured she was likely celebrating New Year’s Eve dinner with her new husband and daughter, giving Teresa no second thought. Year after year, day after day, Teresa felt she had no family.

Teresa lowered her head. “I’m sorry, Michael.”

Michael blinked, confused. “What for?”

Teresa said, “Sorry for putting you through this.”

Michael continued eating his ravioli. “This isn’t bitter,” he said between bites. “It actually has kind of a sweet aftertaste.”

Teresa felt warmth spread through her heart and gently patted Michael’s head.

Michael asked, “Have you bought tickets for the Paddington movie?”

Teresa nodded and said, rather flatteringly, “I’ve made plans. I’ll be going back to work on January 4th, so I can spend a few more days with you. We can go watch movies or visit an amusement park. I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”

If Jonathan could do those things with Michael, then so could she. She would live a simple and peaceful life with her son—just the two of them.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

Michael jumped up excitedly. “Could it be Mr. Lime? I’ll get it!”

Teresa advised him not to open the door immediately and to check who the visitor was first. However, the door was already open. Michael looked up, and a trace of disappointment flickered in his eyes. “Mommy, it’s Ms. Doctor.”

Jennifer was carrying candies, nuts, and other New Year’s gifts. She smiled. “I’m celebrating with you guys!”

Teresa was taken aback. Jennifer rubbed her hands together. “So cold outside! Hardly anyone’s out on the streets!”

Teresa handed her a cup of warm water. “Did you drive here?”

“Yeah,” Jennifer replied. “I was feeling really lonely at home. I thought you and Michael might be here, so I decided to drop by.”

Teresa handed her a fork. “You haven’t eaten yet, right? We still have some ravioli left from the last time we made them together. Michael and I cooked them today.”

Jennifer asked, “You’re only having ravioli?”

Michael snorted. “Because Mommy doesn’t know how to cook.”

Teresa glared at him as if saying, “You talk too much.”

Jennifer said, “This is so sad. Let me cook a few dishes.”

Teresa didn’t want to trouble Jennifer, but the latter said it wasn’t any trouble and it would be quick. Otherwise, just having ravioli with walnuts would be sad.

“By the way, didn’t you say you have a sister? Aren’t you going to invite her over for the holidays?” asked Teresa.

Jennifer paused while cooking, a slight smile appearing on her face. “She just texted me today wishing me a happy new year.”

Teresa smiled. “Really? You managed to get in touch with her? That’s great.”

Jennifer stopped talking. She cooked four dishes and set them on the table. Michael took a potato wedge, chewed it, and said, “It’s tasty, but not quite as good as Mr. Lime’s.”

Teresa scolded, “She is nice enough to cook for us. How could you be so picky?”

Michael snorted. “I’m not. I’m really grateful.”

Jennifer watched the pair bicker and couldn’t help but laugh. “Mike, what do you want to eat next time? I’ll make you something else. How about braised short ribs or fried chicken wings?”

“Yes, please.” Michael clapped his hands. “I really love meat.”

Michael fell asleep soon after dinner. Jennifer and Teresa sat and chatted, accompanied by some wine. Seeing Teresa scrolling through her phone, Jennifer joked, “Who are you texting? Your ex-husband?”

Teresa replied, “No. I wished my mom a happy new year, but she didn’t reply. I’m kind of regretting it now. I shouldn’t have disturbed her. She probably thinks I mass-texted or something.”

Jennifer was annoyed. “Don’t bother sending her anything next time. She’s remarried and has a child. She doesn’t care about you anymore.”

Teresa was surprised. “How do you know about my mom?”

Jennifer’s eyes flickered. “You told me before. You probably forgot.”

Teresa didn’t think much of it. “Even though she’s remarried, it hasn’t been easy for her. She’s been working hard all these years, waiting for the right person. No matter what, she’s still my mom, and I want her to be happy.”