Chapter 364

“Don’t worry about her,” Teresa said, hugging Michael. “Many people love my little muffin, and that’s all that matters.”

After cheering him up, Teresa brought Michael to the office. Parking in the B2 underground lot, she took the elevator directly to her office and told Michael to be good and wait. She had a meeting.

“Mommy, am I still going to preschool?” Michael wondered.

“Of course, you are,” Teresa said. “I’ll consider which preschool is best. Let’s wait until after your third birthday; you can start again in the fall, okay?” In Everport, Michael had actually begun preschool before turning three, as they made an exception for him.

Michael let Teresa squish his cheeks, then put his hands on his hips and huffed, “You have to buy me a cake for my birthday this time! I want chocolate.”

“Alright,” Teresa laughed.

She left for her meeting. Shortly after, the receptionist announced, “Ms. Johnston, Jennifer is here to see you.”

Teresa’s face darkened. “I’m not seeing her. Tell her to leave.”

The receptionist added, “She said she wants to talk about her marriage.”

Teresa paused. “Let her wait in the second-floor lounge.”

Jennifer arrived, and Teresa immediately stated, “If you’ve got something to say, just say it. Are we sticking to our deal or not?”

Jennifer cut to the chase. “I heard from Donald’s mother that she called you. She even asked if you’re playing stepmom now. I’m guessing she heard Mike’s voice in the background.”

Teresa began to lose her temper. “Yeah, Mike called me ‘Mom,’ and Mrs. Lynn overheard.”

Jennifer nodded. “I told her you don’t have any children and are just looking after a friend’s child. Relax. I’ve got you covered.”

Teresa smirked. ‘Indeed. With a sister like this, what’s there to fear?’ she thought.

Jennifer changed the subject. “I’m getting engaged.”

Teresa nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Lynn mentioned it. She hopes I’ll attend your engagement party and have a meal with both families.”

Jennifer sighed, leaning back. “Honestly, it’s mostly Hayden’s idea. He wants you there. Otherwise, I wouldn’t care if you came or not.”

Teresa’s expression was blank. “I’m not going. I’ve already said I don’t attend these things.”

Jennifer saw the sarcasm. “Are you mad I didn’t tell you about the engagement? I figured there’s no point. If we end up clashing again, it’s not worth it.”

“Yeah, if I ruin your engagement party, I’ll be the villain for ages. Better I stay away,” Teresa sneered.

Jennifer shook her head. “Girl, ruining my engagement isn’t the main thing. I’m worried Irene might give you a hard time.”

Teresa didn’t respond; she’d already declined. If a family member was required, Evelyn could go.

Jennifer took a deep breath. “You call her. Ever since you left Fernlandia, I’ve blocked her. I have no interest in keeping in touch.”

“It’s your engagement—you want me to call your mother?” Teresa asked.

“She’s your mother too, isn’t she?” Jennifer retorted.

“I haven’t spoken to her since I left Fernlandia either. It’s your wedding, not mine. You tell her yourself. Don’t come to me. I’m busy.” Teresa stood, furious, ready to leave.

Jennifer called after her, handing Teresa a key. Teresa looked at it, confused.

Jennifer explained, “This is a spare key to the apartment I bought in Nareigh, Newuze Garden, on Haven Road. If you’re too busy to look after Mike, you can bring him to my place. I’ll help take care of him.”

“No need,” Teresa refused immediately. She’d already told Jennifer not to bother her. ‘What is she trying to do now?’ Teresa wondered.

Jennifer added, “Or you can just live there yourself if you want. I don’t want to interfere. After I get married, I won’t be living there anyway. I’ll move in with Donald, into the place his family prepared for us. Honestly, I got that apartment for you.”

“For me?” Teresa stared at Jennifer. “Is that really what you want? You keep saying it’s for me, for your little sister, but honestly, it’s just for yourself. You can’t let go of Donald, and you feel guilty for pushing me away. That’s why you bought that apartment—to make yourself feel better, right?”

“Teresa, you—” Jennifer tried to argue.

“Let me finish,” Teresa interrupted. “I do wish you happiness, you and the man you love. If this is what you want—living in Nareigh, being a wife and mother, always on edge—then go ahead and live that way. If you’d gone to Shaville initially, maybe we wouldn’t have ended up like this as sisters. Don’t you think?”

Jennifer was about to speak but couldn’t. Her eyes reddened.

She took a deep breath. “You’re right. If it weren’t for Donald, I’d probably be working in Shaville now. I wouldn’t have bought that apartment, and things wouldn’t be like this between us. You wouldn’t misunderstand me, or even hate me… Teresa, what should I do?”