Chapter 183

“You don’t have to please me. My only wish is for Terena to leave Harrigh with me as soon as possible. I only want to experience the happiness we had in our childhood; I don’t need anything else from you.” Jennifer left afterward.

Terena napped in Jonathan’s car on the way back. Jennifer disliked Jonathan, so she would be furious if she knew Terena had slept in his car.

“Where’s Mike?” Teresa asked.

“He’s in my break room, probably still asleep,” Jennifer replied.

Teresa went to see Michael. He woke when she gently tousled his hair. He rubbed his eyes and mumbled for her to hold him.

“Mommy, are you okay?” he asked.

“How could I not be? Why did you run off again? Do you want to be punished?” Teresa scolded.

“I heard you were in the hospital when you called Aunt Jennifer. You were crying so much, I was afraid you might die. I quietly followed her out because I was worried,” Michael sobbed.

Teresa was stunned, feeling warmth in her heart. She gently patted his head and said, “I’m sorry for making you worry.”

“Mommy, please stay safe,” Michael sniffled in Teresa’s embrace. He hugged her tighter.

“You’re so silly. It’s not me who’s sick, but someone else. I only went to visit her. I didn’t expect you to worry so much. I’m sorry for misunderstanding you,” Teresa said, a hint of guilt flashing in her eyes.

“Mom, I also saw Mr. Lime! I forgot to ask him why he was at the hospital. Is he sick?” Michael mumbled worriedly.

“He’s not sick, so don’t worry,” Teresa replied.

“I like you guys, so I hope you guys can be healthy and not get sick,” Michael urged.

“Okay. Everyone you like will be healthy.” Teresa paused. Jonathan had once told her that the people she loved wouldn’t die. Now, she was telling her son that everyone he liked would stay healthy. This caused her to feel something indescribable. She could protect her child with her embrace, and Jonathan could shield her and Michael with his broad shoulders. It was just that he didn’t know Michael was his son.

If only they hadn’t gotten drunk that day, and he hadn’t misheard—would he know the truth? If Jonathan knew Michael was his biological child, would he stop hating her?

Michael fell asleep again in his mother’s arms. Teresa placed him on the bed in Jennifer’s break room. Then, she asked Jennifer, “How’s Mom? Is she awake?”

“Yup,” Jennifer replied.

Teresa blinked, noticing Jennifer’s calm demeanor. She wasn’t as composed when she asked, “When did she wake up? I’ll go visit her.”

“What’s the big deal? It’s not serious. She’s awake, so it’s probably not life-threatening,” Jennifer shrugged.

Teresa sighed. She moved her lips, but nothing came out. Instead, she turned and went to visit Evelyn. Although Jennifer seemed indifferent towards Evelyn, she followed Teresa. She hoped Evelyn would persuade Teresa to leave Harrigh soon.

“Mom,” Teresa called.

“Teresa, you’re here,” Evelyn sat up.

Teresa put a pillow behind Evelyn’s back and asked if something had happened. Otherwise, there was no way Evelyn would have fainted. Someone must have upset her.

Evelyn looked blank before smiling in relief. “He ran away.”

“Who ran away?” Teresa asked.

“Charlie. I trusted him and agreed to invest in his company before we married. I didn’t expect him to secretly take all my money after we got married and run off with his mistress. I was too naive and thought I had found true love. I thought that after Philip hurt me so much, the man who had pursued me for many years could give me the love and happiness I wanted. He said he didn’t mind my past and promised to take care of me for the rest of my life. That’s why I mustered the courage to marry another man, but I was deceived again. I guess that’s my fate,” Evelyn said.

What exactly was love? Evelyn had gone through a failed marriage, started her own business, and vowed never to fall in love again. However, a man had persistently pursued her for a long time. Although he was average-looking, he was sincere. She chose to believe in love once more, only to be tricked again. Having experienced life and death, Evelyn, pulled back from the brink, had an indifferent and resigned look in her eyes. She had completely lost her trust in men.

Teresa was furious with Charlie. She thought, “Why did he hurt Mom? They could have had a great life together, but he didn’t appreciate it.”

“How about Isabel? What’s going to happen to her?” Teresa questioned.

Evelyn explained, “I asked Melanie to help me take care of her for a few days. Charlie sold the house where Isabel and I lived. He really went all out. I was planning to borrow some money and leave Harrigh with Isabel. However, I never expected to suddenly pass out and end up in the ER. I thought I wouldn’t make it, and at that point, I figured maybe it’s better to just die. When I heard you saying your sister was still alive, though, it gave me strength.”