Chapter 304

Teresa took a different route home, and the next day, she told Tina, “Honestly, I just don’t feel anything for your brother. There’s no spark; we’re not a match, and I don’t want to hold him back from finding someone better suited to him.”

Tina grabbed Teresa’s hand. “But my brother went home and said he really likes you, Teresa. He said you’re so pretty. If you two had kids, they’d be adorable.”

Teresa let out a cold laugh and pulled her hand back. “I’m not interested in your brother, so how could I possibly have kids with him? What do you take me for? I can’t stop someone else from having kids with him. He should find someone better.”

“Well, that’s not what I meant. I just think you shouldn’t decide so quickly. My brother’s a good guy. Why not get to know him a bit more?”

“No need, Ms. Thompson. I really have no interest in your brother. It’s better for both of us to be clear about this.”

If they didn’t work in the same office and see each other every day, Teresa wouldn’t even bother being this polite to Tina.

Ivy leaned over, curious. “Which brother are you talking about? What does he look like?”

Tina pulled up a photo of her brother, Ryan, and showed it to Ivy.

Ivy said, “He looks alright, but honestly, Teresa’s way better looking.”

Tina shrugged. “Marriage isn’t about looks. My brother’s reliable, hardworking, and ambitious. Guys like him are one in a million.”

Ivy said, “Well, it’s all about fate. If it’s not meant to be, don’t force it, Ms. Thompson.”

Tina sighed, making sure Teresa could hear her. “When you meet someone with good qualities, you should just settle down. If you keep being picky, you’ll end up with nothing. Even the best-looking men get chubby after marriage.”

“My ex never got fat,” Teresa blurted out.

Tina and Ivy both froze.

Teresa continued, “Yeah, I was married. My ex was hardworking, tall, good-looking, and never put on weight.”

Tina laughed, clearly unconvinced. “Come on, Teresa, you’re joking, right? You were married? Oh my god!”

Ivy was skeptical too. “Wait, Teresa, how old are you? Didn’t you put 27 on your info?”

“I got married young. Twenty-two,” Teresa replied.

Tina said, “Well, Teresa, that’s just…” She trailed off, still in disbelief, and left for her next class.

Ivy, who didn’t have class, leaned in, gossipy. “For real? You were married? Why’d you get divorced?”

Teresa sighed. “Been divorced for years. Nothing worth mentioning.”

“Do you have any photos of your ex? Let me see. How tall? How handsome? Did you two look good together?”

“No photos. We deleted each other on WhatsApp ages ago. Go prep for class,” Teresa said.

After work, Teresa picked up some pizza and two hamburgers. Michael wouldn’t touch them. He took one bite and immediately complained, “It’s so spicy!” Then he chugged his soda.

Michael asked, “Mom, when do I get to go to kindergarten?”

“Be good, you’ll start next Monday. Tomorrow’s already the weekend, and I talked to your teacher. You’ll go next week,” Teresa replied.

Michael nodded. “Mom, I have a question.”

“Okay, what is it?”

“Yesterday, when you came home, your eyes were all red. Did you cry?” he asked, tugging at Teresa’s sleeve, his face full of concern.

“No, I just got something in my eye yesterday. It hurt a bit, but I’m fine now,” Teresa said, her heart softening as she gently patted Michael’s hair.

The truth was, she cried yesterday. But she’d thought it through—her life was her own choice. Sometimes she felt regret or a little sadness, but most of the time, things were calm and peaceful. She wanted to hold onto this peace. From the moment she chose to leave Nareigh, there was no turning back.

After dinner, Teresa was cleaning the kitchen while Michael was in his room drawing. As he drew, he sang, “Under the blue sky, there’s a big lime tree. On the green grass, there’s a bunch of little muffins—baa, baa, baa,” all while coloring away. Teresa didn’t hear her child singing; she was busy washing the dishes.

Suddenly, her phone rang. The property manager called, asking her to come to the entrance—there was a “Mr. Lynn” who wanted to see her.

In her twenty-seven years, she hadn’t met many people with the last name “Lynn.” The only one who’d come looking for her was Jonathan. “May I ask what he wants?”

“Mr. Lynn is drunk. If he’s a friend of yours, could you come check on him? Maybe take him home if you know where he lives?” the property manager said.

Teresa put down her phone, pulled on a jacket, and headed downstairs.

“Mommy,” Michael called out, wanting to show Teresa his drawing. But Teresa was already gone. He couldn’t find her anywhere and noticed her phone was still on the table.

Just outside, a man sat on the steps with his head down, his long legs stretched out carelessly, hands clasped.

Mathan finally looked up. When he saw her face, he frowned and looked away. “I’m drunk,” he mumbled. “Have the property manager call me,” Teresa replied, turning to leave.

His voice drifted after her, slow and lingering. “So you’re really just going to leave me here?”