Chapter 292

Cheryl fell asleep in Benny's car. Upon arriving at her lodgings, Benny gently woke her, calling her name. He found himself gazing at her profile, a strange flutter in his chest. Almost unconsciously, he reached out, his fingertips brushing her cheek.

Cheryl rubbed her eyes, waking, and glanced out the window. "Are we there?"

Benny quickly retracted his hand, frowning. He thought, What was I doing? There's at least a five-year age gap between us. He snapped back to reality. "We are. When you get out, check for cars, okay? Stay safe."

"Thanks for the ride," Cheryl said softly.

Seeing she was lightly dressed, Benny grabbed his jacket. "Put this on. If you catch a cold, your brother will blame me for not taking care of you. Just give it back next time we meet."

"Okay." Since her apartment was a short walk inside the complex, Cheryl slipped on Benny's jacket and left.

Benny drove away.

Donald and Jennifer were giving each other the cold shoulder following a dinner at the Lynn residence. Jennifer complained about Irene, blaming Donald for not defending her, and even criticizing him for taking her to dinner. This angered Donald in return. He couldn't rebuke his aunt; at family dinners, Jonathan usually paid, so Donald remained silent toward Irene.

Jonathan was unaware the dinner had been so unpleasant. He'd been in Everport. Knowing Jennifer would be there and anticipating awkwardness, he'd skipped it. He checked in with Donald, asking how dinner went. Donald, wanting to avoid worry, texted: "[It was all good. Grandpa was there, and everyone got along.]"

Jonathan thought, Yeah, with Grandpa around, dinner probably went fine.

Their text exchange continued:

Donald: "[When you and Teresa fight, do you ever apologize first?]" Jonathan: "[There's nothing wrong... Successfully unlocked! ...sorry first.]" Donald: "[So every time you guys fight, you're the one to give in?]" Jonathan: "[Wait, did you two have a fight? What happened?]" Donald: "[Nah, just asking. I won't bother you while you're out of town. Take care.]" Jonathan: "[Just say sorry and move on. Don't sulk. Take it from someone who's been there.]"

Jonathan didn't reply further.

Cathy also messaged Donald. He frowned, freed a hand to reply, then pocketed his phone and headed to the hospital.

Jennifer was working at the hospital but couldn't concentrate. Donald's words echoed in her ears. He'd said he was tired and feeling down, and that he wanted them to take a break. They hadn't spoken in over two days.

Her distraction at work was manageable since she was seeing patients, not performing surgery. Spacing out in the OR would have been a serious mistake. Even during meetings, she repeatedly checked her phone, hoping for a message from Donald. The department head called her out several times, further annoying her.

Back in the break room, she paced, nervously biting her fingers—a childhood habit she hadn't exhibited in years. She had a prestigious job and a loving boyfriend; she shouldn't be worried or insecure. She'd been through a lot, yet she was upset over a man. She cared for him, thought about him constantly, and even wondered if she'd said too much.

She thought, Should I just say sorry? What if he breaks up with me? I've given him everything. Why is he still so cold, not even sending me a single message?

She typed, "[Are you mad at me? Was I too harsh?]" but deleted it in frustration before sending.

She thought, Why should I be the one to apologize? Donald was the one who pursued me. I stayed in Nareigh for him; otherwise, I would have gone to Shaville ages ago.