It was said that couples shouldn't do it in the first three months, but Teresa forgot last night. She gently stroked her belly. “Baby, forgive me. It’s all your dad’s fault.”

“I don’t care how busy you are, Jonathan. You need to come home for the holiday,” Irene nagged over the phone. “You’re the eldest grandson—you can’t keep skipping these gatherings.”

Cathy had called Jennifer twice, treating her like a future daughter-in-law. She even took Jennifer shopping and bought her $6,000 worth of jewelry, which Jennifer accepted. If Jennifer skipped another dinner, even Cathy’s patience would run out.

At the hospital, Jennifer pushed the jewelry back toward Donald. “I don’t want this, and I’m not going to your house.”

Donald ran a hand through his hair, looking helpless. “Please, just come. If not for them, then for me.”

Jennifer shook her head firmly. “No, I’m not going. I’m your brother’s ex-wife’s sister. If I go, your relatives will ask all kinds of questions, and I’ll feel out of place.”

“They won’t ask you anything, I promise. It’s just a meal—don’t overthink it.”

“Forget it. With your cousin and that old hag Irene there, I have even less reason to go.” Jennifer’s tone was sharp, making it clear that if Donald pushed her further, she might end things.

Seeing her resolve, Donald sighed, “Alright, I’ll tell my mom you’re busy with work. After dinner, I’ll come find you.”

Donald’s understanding made Jennifer feel a pang of guilt. “Thanks,” she murmured.

Donald leaned in and kissed her. “Jennifer, oh Jennifer. What am I going to do with you?”

Jennifer straightened Donald’s collar and gave him a quick kiss in return. But a kiss was as far as it went. Donald cared deeply for Jennifer, and while he wanted more, he didn’t want to risk scaring her off.

Jennifer noticed his growing desire and blushed. “Go home, Donald. Your family’s waiting.”

“Alright, I’ll call you later,” Donald said before leaving.

Cathy’s expression darkened. A flicker of displeasure and unease crossed her face. She felt disappointed—Donald was genuinely looking forward to marriage, but Jennifer didn’t seem to share the same enthusiasm.

Irene strolled over, letting out a scoff. “I’ve been saying all along that woman’s no good. Acting all high and mighty just to have dinner with us. Anyone who didn’t know better might think the Lynn family was begging her to come.”

“Irene, Jennifer and I have only been dating for a short time. Things are still a bit uncertain,” Donald said, trying to smooth things over.

“Uncertain? Still?” Irene sneered, her tone sharp. “Donald, it’s been nearly two months since your car accident, hasn’t it? Your mom keeps praising this girlfriend of yours, but honestly, I don’t see what’s so great about her.”

“Irene, that’s enough. Hayden will be here soon,” Cathy said with a sigh, cutting her off. Irene pressed her lips together and didn’t say anything more.

Just as Cathy finished speaking, Hayden arrived. Donald’s father, Werner, helped Hayden into the room. Hayden leaned on his cane, which tapped against the floor with each step. “It’s been ages since I last saw Cheryl. And Jonathan, that rascal, still hasn’t come home,” Hayden muttered, shaking his head.

Turning to Donald, Hayden’s gaze sharpened. “Donald, where’s your girlfriend? Didn’t I tell you to bring her along for dinner?”

“Grandpa, she’s a gynecologist and also the deputy director at her hospital. It’s a busy time of year—lots of babies being born around May,” Donald explained apologetically.

“I see,” Hayden said, disappointment flickering in his eyes. He didn’t press further.

Donald quickly shifted the topic. “Grandpa, I’ll go order—”

“No need, Donald. Let Jonathan handle the ordering later,” Irene interjected.

Cathy frowned. “Irene, we can’t always let Jonathan pay. This time, Donald will treat us. Donald, go ahead and order the dishes.”

As Donald headed downstairs, Irene immediately pulled out her phone to call Jonathan. He had clearly said he’d be back in Nareigh today, yet he hadn’t shown up yet.