Chapter 262

Teresa felt a slight stir in her heart. It had been so long since she last heard Jonathan’s voice. Since their final conversation before she left Nareigh, they hadn’t spoken.

His voice was deep and magnetic. She steadied her slightly unsettled emotions and spoke calmly, “So, Jennifer and Miriam are at your company now?”

Jonathan frowned slightly. Her overly calm tone stung him. “They are both really worried about you,” he said, his sharp features reflected in the glass window. “And… so am I.”

Teresa paused. “So, did you go to Lonisburg to look for me?”

Jonathan let out a soft, “Mm.”

Teresa’s tone sharpened. “Why? I thought I made it clear that we should live our own lives. Besides, I’m not in Lonisburg anymore. I sold that apartment.”

Jonathan waited for her to finish before explaining, “I just found out that my mother used a photo of us to try to reach you. I’ve already taken care of it, so please don’t blame yourself.”

“I know. I saw your message,” Teresa replied.

Jonathan’s gaze darkened. “Then why didn’t you reply?”

Teresa took a deep breath. “I didn’t know what to say.”

Jonathan’s throat tightened, his voice low and strained. “Come back, Teresa. You’ve lived in Nareigh your whole life. You know it better than I do. If you really don’t want to see me, I’ll leave Nareigh.”

Teresa pulled the brim of her cap lower. “No, it’s not that I don’t want to see you. I just won’t be going back to Nareigh. I’m in a new city now, and I’m doing fine.”

“Where are you?”

“I don’t want to tell you. Please don’t look for me. And… I’m sorry.”

Jonathan frowned even more deeply, confusion etched on his face. “What are you sorry for?”

Teresa sighed softly, “For a lot of things, I guess. But there’s one thing I need to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“Honestly, my mental health wasn’t as bad as Truman made it out to be. The main reason I struggled back then was my parents’ sudden passing. But it’s been years, and I’ve gotten through it. Stop blaming yourself and start fresh.”

“Would you dare say that to my face?” Jonathan’s voice dropped, carrying a hint of challenge.

Teresa stayed silent for a long time before finally saying, “Let’s just leave it at that.”

Jonathan pressed further, “Leave what at that?” Seeing her silence again and fearing she’d hang up, he softened his tone. “Do you have enough money? You had Benny return all the money I sent you.”

“Don’t worry about me. I sold a few bags. Honestly, life’s been pretty good lately,” Teresa replied.

“Is this really necessary?” Jonathan frowned deeply. He knew how much Teresa loved her bags—each one worth tens of thousands—and they were practically her treasures.

“I kept a few of my favorite ones. Carrying them is enough. Besides, I rarely use the others, so I sold some,” she explained.

Jonathan’s chest tightened. It seemed she no longer cared about appearances as much. “Please, come back,” he said softly, still hoping she’d return to Nareigh. “Truman’s medical skills aren’t reliable. I’ve consulted several top psychologists. They can help you.”

“There’s no need,” Teresa sniffled, “If you keep this up, I’ll feel even worse.”

Jonathan’s brows furrowed. “I’m the one who should feel bad. You married me, and I failed to give you the life you deserved. I’m truly sorry.”

Ever since Truman told him that Teresa had suffered greatly during their marriage, Jonathan had spent sleepless nights reflecting on whether he had caused her pain. He thought about being too consumed by work, storming out after fights, and brushing off what mattered to her. If he could turn back time, he’d argue less and hold her more, especially on the day her grandparents passed away.

“Don’t be like this,” Teresa said. “I owe you a lot too. Back then, I thought I had no regrets about our relationship, but looking back now, I realize it was full of mistakes.”

“Now, I’m living in a place where no one knows me. Life is genuinely easier. There aren’t so many messy, stressful things to deal with, and I don’t have to worry about being judged for making mistakes.”

“So, Jonathan. I’ll say it again. Let’s forget the past and move on. I hope you find someone who truly suits you.”

“Teresa,” Jonathan called her name, his voice slightly hoarse, filled with complex emotions.

“I know what you’re waiting for me to say,” Teresa said with a faint smile.