Chapter 146

The light turned red, and Teresa slammed on the brakes. They say a man truly desires a child around 30, especially after achieving success and no longer needing anything. "Find someone else to have your kid, because I'm not giving birth to one for you," Teresa declared.

She gripped the steering wheel, still puzzling over Michael's absence from Jonathan's paternity test results at Donald's hospital. If she told Jonathan Michael was his son, would he believe her?

"Where am I supposed to find someone else? Can't you be a little kinder?" Jonathan sighed.

Hearing his unhappy, helpless voice, Teresa regained her composure. "Didn't your mother introduce you to a lot of women? Make them have your baby."

"Why are you dragging my mom into this again?" Jonathan had no idea what went through her mind daily.

Teresa glanced at his handsome profile. "Didn't you say Simona drugged you? Didn't your mother react to that?"

Jonathan replied, "Her opinion of Simona is completely ruined now. My mother won't try to set her up with me again."

Teresa chuckled inwardly. "Your mother doesn't have a good opinion of anyone. In her eyes, few people are worthy of her son."

Soon, they reached the airport. The parking lot was crowded and dark. Teresa wasn't skilled at parallel parking, yet, of course, the only available space required it. She drove forward and backward repeatedly, but couldn't manage it.

"This car's the problem. It's tricky to park," she muttered.

Jonathan, quietly observing her struggle, was amused by her excuse. He finally assisted her, guiding her in reverse, gently holding her hand, turning the steering wheel, and watching the rearview mirror. Within two minutes, the car was perfectly parked.

At that moment, Teresa thought Jonathan looked even more handsome. Why had she felt nothing for anyone else since her divorce? Only now did she admit it was because her ex-husband was exceptional: handsome, intelligent, calm, a doctorate from the Alorian Institute of Technology, possessing strong life skills, and even a capable cook. He surpassed her in every way, and she felt blessed to have known him. Had Benny not introduced them, Teresa doubted she would have met Jonathan through her own social circles.

With half an hour until the flight, Jonathan bought two coffees, handing one to Teresa. "Two creams and a sugar, just how you like it."

"Thanks," Teresa accepted it.

Jonathan sat beside her, glancing at her. "Do you think you can back the car up by yourself later?"

Teresa replied, "If I can't, I'll find a cute guy to help."

Jonathan's face darkened; he flicked her forehead. "You're really trying to annoy me, huh? I'm about to get on a plane, and you're still riling me up."

Teresa retorted, "I can handle it myself, don't worry."

"Mm, let me know when you're home." Jonathan pursed his lips, then added, "Text me when you're bored. I'll reply if I see it. If I don't, it means I'm working."

"Okay," Teresa responded.

Jonathan gazed at Teresa, silent. It was rare for them to sit together so quietly without arguing. The plane was about to depart. Jonathan stood, gently patted Teresa's head, and hugged her. His warmth and broad chest reached Teresa's heart.

"I'll be off. Remember to text me." He waved goodbye and boarded his flight. Teresa's heart pounded wildly. It almost felt like they were dating, though they'd had a whirlwind wedding, never seriously courting.

Teresa returned home. "Mommy!" Michael ran toward her, bursting with energy. "I saw through binoculars that Mr. Lime gave you flowers. Are things moving that fast between you two?"

Hearing this, Teresa remembered leaving the flowers in the back seat. She went downstairs and brought the flowers, medicine, and gifts upstairs. The large bouquet of roses was heavy; despite taking the elevator, she was out of breath.

"Such pretty flowers! As expected of my Mr. Lime, he has great taste," Michael admired.

Teresa checked the time. "It's half-past nine. You should go to bed."

"I'm not sleepy. Let me count how many there are," Michael said excitedly, sitting on the couch. "1, 2, 3... 10, 11, 12... 98, 99. Mommy, there are 99 roses in total!"

"Oh, I see. Thanks for helping me count them," Teresa chuckled.

Michael asked, "Mommy, why did Mr. Lime give you 99 roses? Does he want to spend that many nights with you?" He puckered his lips and made kissing sounds. "So many nights. Mr. Lime wants to spend his nights with you forever."

Teresa spat out her water. How did he know so much at such a young age?

A message alert sounded on her phone. Hoping it was Jonathan, a hint of disappointment crossed her face as it proved to be a notification from the hospital: [Friendly reminder to bring your one- to six-year-olds for regular examinations. If you haven’t done so, please don’t delay it. From, Nareigh Maternal and Child Health Hospital]

Teresa remembered Michael's upcoming physical examination. The hospital had provided a Health Record Folder for Children Aged Zero to Six Years Old. The last checkup was six months ago; so much had happened she'd completely forgotten.

The next morning, Teresa held Michael's hand and his document folder as they went to the hospital. He was dressed in creamy white clothes, a small scarf, fluffy hat, and a cute lamb mask.

"Mommy, it's too stuffy under the mask," he said.

Teresa advised, "Be good and keep it on."

"Okay..." he replied.

Many parents were there for their children's physicals. The text reminder had prompted many busy parents to bring their children in on the same day. A few people were ahead in the queue. As Teresa stood on tiptoe to gauge the wait, she saw a familiar face—Donald. Wearing a white coat, he was cheerfully weighing and measuring children.

Teresa's grip on Michael's hand tightened; he whimpered. "Mommy, you're squeezing my hand too hard."

"I'm sorry." Teresa quickly released his hand and started walking away. "We'll come back another day for the checkup. Let's not do it today."