Chapter 185

Teresa roared, “Why is it always about Jennifer? What about me? Teresouth Group is my hard work! I’ve been working my tail off all year to keep it running!”

“Have you ever once cared about me? And now you want me to sell it? No way. Whether I stay or go, that’s my decision. Quit trying to make me do things I don’t want to. You know how stubborn I am.” Teresa’s eyes burned with resentment, the frustration she’d bottled up finally spilling out. All she wanted was her mother’s concern.

When Evelyn was rushed to the hospital, Teresa received the call and stayed by her side. But now, every word Evelyn spoke seemed to be for Hannah’s sake, as if Teresa’s feelings didn’t matter.

Evelyn pounded her chest, her voice trembling with anger. “You’re all trying to kill me. Just let me die, and don’t even bother saving me.”

Teresa pressed her lips together, her face tight with suppressed emotion, and turned to leave. The hospital had sent a notice about Evelyn’s fees, and Teresa quietly paid them. Evelyn was always complaining that Teresa didn’t earn enough—now these hospital bills were steadily draining Teresa’s savings. Money seemed to vanish before she even realized it. And now, just like Jennifer, her mother was pushing her to leave immediately.

“Hi, Teresa?” a familiar voice called out as she finished paying the fees. She turned to see Donald walking toward her. Feeling a headache, Teresa rubbed her brow and greeted him softly. Donald held out a lunchbox. “Jonathan asked me to drop this off for you. He said to make sure you’re eating right. He’s already gone back to the office, but he’d come by tomorrow to check on you.” Teresa’s nose tingled, and she forced a bitter smile. “Tell him there’s no need. We are divorced.”

Donald sighed deeply. “Actually, he just feels bad seeing you go through all this. It’s like how I feel about Jennifer. I care about her so much, but she still won’t let me in.”

Teresa shook her head lightly. “Jennifer is very stubborn. If you’re serious about chasing her, you’d better be ready for the long game. She’s not going to make it easy.” After all, Jennifer had already lost faith in love and marriage, especially after witnessing Evelyn’s messy second marriage and divorce. Now, she probably trusted them even less.

Donald’s gaze was unwavering, filled with sincerity. “I’ll wait for her, however long it takes.” With that, he turned and walked away.

That evening, Jennifer noticed how tired Teresa looked. “Why don’t you take Michael home and get some rest? I’ll stay here and keep an eye on Evelyn.”

Teresa nodded. “Tomorrow, I’ll go to Melanie’s and bring Isabel back. I’ll take care of her for now.”

Jennifer frowned. “So, you’re bringing Isabel here, and with Evelyn already here, that’s two kids to look after. And Mike? Are you sure you want to tell Evelyn? What if your ex finds out?”

Teresa shrugged. “I have to tell her. She might be surprised, but she won’t spill to my ex’s family. Mom’s not the type to gossip.”

Jennifer paused before asking, “Has she said anything about leaving? I mean, all of us leaving Nareigh together, so we don’t have to keep living on edge here.”

“Where would we go? Shaville? I already told Mom. I don’t have enough cash to buy a house there,” said Teresa.

“We could rent a place instead,” Jennifer offered.

Teresa thought for a moment. “I have a house in Lonisburg. I’ve made it a sort of second home.”

Jennifer, curious, pressed further. “How much did it cost? When did you buy it?”

“About 500 thousand dollars. I bought it when Teresouth Group was just starting out. I made some money and decided to invest in a property right away. Along with Rosary Estates, those are the only two houses I own,” Teresa replied honestly. Jennifer mulled it over and eventually said, “Maybe Lonisburg is the best option. Your plan does make sense.”

“Jennifer, can you stop insisting we all move to the same place? If you want to go to Shaville, then go. You don’t have to drag me along. You’ve got your own life, and I’ve got mine. Why can’t we just do things our own way?” Teresa said firmly.

“I just want to be with you and Mike. I’m worried that if I’m not around, I won’t be able to help you if something goes wrong,” Jennifer admitted.

“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me,” Teresa replied. “I’ve been doing fine raising my kid alone and managed just fine,” she explained.

Jennifer sighed, shaking her head. “You’re so stubborn. Fine, if you’re staying, we’re—until Evelyn’s out of the hospital…”

“Maybe we can split up. Let her and Isabel stay at Rosary Estates, while the three of—” Teresa’s eyes flashed with irritation, but she held back, not wanting to argue in front of Jennifer. She decided to drop the subject.

Teresa took Michael home first. Jennifer had a shift today and a meeting to attend afterward. During the meeting, she felt her hair loosen as the hair tie snapped and fell to the floor. Her long hair cascaded down. Jennifer bent down to pick up the broken hair tie, brushing herself absentmindedly.

After the meeting, Jennifer returned to her office. A knock on the door interrupted her. Donald stepped inside, his gaze lingering on her loose hair. A faint blush crept up his face. “I saw you get a strand loose. I said hi, but you didn’t seem to notice. Lost in thought again?”

“Oh, sorry. I was distracted. What’s up?” she asked.

“Your hair’s down. Why didn’t you tie it back?” he teased.

“The hair tie broke,” she replied, holding up the snapped band.

Donald grinned and pulled something from his pocket. “I figured as much. I brought you a new one. How about I tie it for you?”

Jennifer wanted to refuse, but before she could say anything, Donald was already behind her, his hands gently resting on her shoulders. “Come on, Jennifer. I will help you. I used to tie my sister’s hair all the time. You’re in good hands,” he said.

“No, that’s not necessary,” she started to protest, but Donald had already begun brushing her long hair, the comb running from the top of her head, soft and smooth, carrying a faint, fresh scent. He quickly suppressed the warmth rising within him and carefully gathered her hair, tying it. As Donald’s fingers worked through her hair with gentle precision, Jennifer felt a flutter in her heart.