Chapter 238

She tried to suppress the flutter in her heart, determined not to get involved. But his tenderness was irresistible. The candies he gave her were sweet; she kept them in her drawer, savoring one each day as a guilty pleasure.

Jennifer snapped out of her thoughts and shook her head. “You have your parents, your sister, and your friends here. I can’t let you throw all that away for me. You have a good life here in Nareigh, one that I don’t want to ruin.”

Donald’s voice was firm. “It’s simple. Either I leave, or you stay. If you’re set on leaving Nareigh, then I’ll leave instead.”

His determination was like a flame, melting the walls around Jennifer’s heart. She couldn’t ignore the warmth he brought. But memories of Teresa’s failed marriage and Evelyn’s disasters rushed back, reminding her of love’s pain. No, she couldn’t let herself fall any deeper. She had to remind herself that it was wrong, no matter how comforting his presence felt.

Jennifer took a deep breath and said, “You’re probably still drunk and talking nonsense. I’ll take care of you for two days, and once you’re better, I’ll leave. Let’s just leave it at that, okay?”

Donald stayed silent for a moment and then nodded slowly. “Alright. Just seeing you now is enough for me.”

After dinner, Jennifer glanced at her phone. A message popped up: Teresa had made it to Fernlandia. She was relieved; her sister was finally out of this painful city. “I’ve got a few things to take care of here, but I’ll be leaving Nareigh in a few days too,” she replied.

After sending the message, Jennifer started tidying up the kitchen. Spotting a bottle of dish soap, she decided to wash the dishes herself. Donald rushed over, grabbing her wrist gently but firmly. “No way. How could I let you do the dishes? I’ll take care of it.”

“It’s fine. I can handle it,” Jennifer said calmly.

“Absolutely not. In the Lynn family, men don’t let women wash dishes. If my mom saw this, she’d scold me for sure. How could I let my future wife do the dishes?”

To raise someone as warm and thoughtful as Donald, Cathy must be an incredible woman.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Jennifer retorted, “Are you out of your mind? I’m not your future wife, and I’m never going to be.”

Donald chuckled, completely unfazed. “My parents are great. They’d love anyone I love.”

Jennifer scoffed. “I’m your cousin’s ex-wife’s sister. Don’t you think that would be super awkward for our families? There’s no way they’d accept me into your family.”

Donald frowned slightly but didn’t back down. “That’s a separate issue. You’re an amazing person, beautiful, smart, and independent. They wouldn’t have anything to complain about.”

“You’re giving me way too much credit. I’ve told you, I’m not as good as you think. In fact, I’m a terrible person,” said Jennifer.

Donald, still washing the dishes, glanced at her with a playful smile. “Oh yeah? Then tell me. What makes you so terrible?” He almost wished the sink would magically fill with more dishes, just so he could keep talking to her.

Jennifer didn’t know how to respond. She averted her gaze and changed the subject.

“What if I hurt your family? Would you still think I’m a good person?” she asked quietly.

Donald paused for a moment, her question catching him off guard. Then he said, “I don’t get it. Why would you even think about hurting my family? They’ve got nothing to do with this.”

Jennifer countered, “You’re close with Jonathan, aren’t you?”

At first, Jonathan came to Donald at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital for a DNA test, which showed how much Jonathan trusted him.

Donald sighed, his voice gentler. “Jonathan’s dad died when he was young. My dad raised him like his own son. He’s always been grateful and kind to Cheryl and me. Once he became a CEO, he’d give us younger ones pocket money.”