Chapter 298 (92%)

Jonathan frowned and entered "Jadeleaf Apartment" into the GPS. He didn't know the place, but it was far from his hotel. No wonder he'd never run into Teresa.

"Just drop me anywhere," Teresa said.

They drove the rest of the way in silence. Jonathan's car pulled up near Jadeleaf Apartment, his dark eyes casually sweeping over the building. Teresa said she could walk the rest of the way.

Seeing the security guard at the gate, he said, "Text me when you get home."

"Okay," Teresa replied. She knew she shouldn't linger, and definitely shouldn't spend too much time with him. She opened the door and hurried out of the car.

"Take these," Jonathan said, tossing her a bouquet.

Teresa took the flowers and walked away without looking back. Jonathan watched her quick, almost nervous steps. It was the first time he'd seen her look so distant. It gave him a feeling he couldn't quite explain. She seemed so gentle and soft. He glanced at the passenger seat and noticed she'd left a bag behind—inside was her stained shirt.

Teresa reached home and finally relaxed. She fumbled for the light switch. Michael was sprawled asleep on the sofa. As soon as the living room light flickered on, Michael woke groggily.

"Mom," he mumbled, rubbing his sleepy eyes. He hopped off the couch and walked over. "Why are you just getting home? I was so tired, but I couldn't sleep because I was worried about you."

Teresa said, "I'm sorry. Something came up on the way, so I got home late. I didn't get you any snacks tonight, but I'll buy you some tomorrow, okay?"

Teresa set the bouquet on the table, patted her son's head, and went to her room. Michael caught a familiar scent on her and suddenly wasn't sleepy anymore. He tugged at her shirt. "Mom, you smell like Mr. Lime again."

Teresa froze. She had been in the car with Jonathan, and after wearing his jacket, his scent must have lingered on her.

"You're imagining things," Teresa said, trying to sound casual.

Wide awake, Michael looked at the roses on the table and followed her, bombarding her with questions. "Mom, did Mr. Lime give you those flowers?"

"No, he's not here. He's in Nareigh," Teresa said, feeling a little guilty.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Michael's eyes. "Then who gave you the flowers? They're really pretty."

"My boss gave them to me," Teresa replied.

"But isn't your boss Mr. Lime? Mom, did Mr. Lime come over?" Michael pressed.

"No, it wasn't him," Teresa said, heading to the kitchen to avoid the subject. She warmed up a glass of milk for Michael and told him to drink it and get to bed.

Michael still didn't want to sleep, secretly hoping Jonathan had really visited. Teresa told him a story and coaxed him until he finally drifted off. She was exhausted herself, so she showered and quickly fell asleep.

She had a dream that night—she and Jonathan tangled in the sheets. His hand rested gently on her stomach as he whispered, "I'll take good care of our baby."

When Teresa woke up, she went to the restroom and splashed cold water on her face, trying to shake it off. The memory of the dream only frustrated her more.

Then she remembered—she must have left her shirt in his car. She thought, He probably tossed it. That shirt was stained beyond saving anyway.

The roses Jonathan had given her were still on the coffee table. Roses needed water, so Teresa arranged them in a vase.

Suddenly, something occurred to her. Instead of waking Michael, she grabbed the binoculars from the coffee table and went to the balcony to look outside.

She scanned the area and spotted Jonathan's Maybach parked nearby. Her heart skipped a beat. She wondered, What is he doing here so early in the morning?