Chapter 366

Once Donald and Jennifer were back on the road, Donald suddenly spoke. “You mentioned an ex’s kid earlier. That child should be about three now, right? Jonathan and Teresa have been divorced for over three years.”

Jennifer’s fingers tightened, and she glared at Donald. “My sister’s just like me. We’d never have a kid with an ex. Stop letting your imagination run wild.”

At a red light, Donald glanced at her. “Ex? Didn’t you say I was your first love? Are you hiding some ex from me?”

Jennifer remained calm. “It was just an example. Don’t make up stories.”

She quickly changed the subject. “Oh, by the way, I called my college friend from Shaville. He’s coming to Nareigh for my engagement party.”

“A guy?” Donald asked.

“Yeah,” Jennifer replied.

“I remember you mentioning him before. What’s his name again?” Donald asked, trying to recall.

If it hadn’t been for Donald’s car accident, Jennifer probably would have already moved to Shaville to work with that friend.

“Sanford,” Jennifer replied.

Donald grinned, a bit jealous. “Is he good-looking? More handsome than me? Let me see a photo. I haven’t met him yet.”

Jennifer pulled up a recent photo from Sanford’s Facebook and showed Donald her phone. Donald only meant to take a quick look, but then he frowned. “This guy kind of looks like my dad.”

“Really?” Jennifer leaned in for a closer look. She’d only met Donald’s dad a few times, but now that she paid attention, there was a resemblance.

Donald joked, “I trust my dad. He’s not that kind of guy. No way Sanford’s his secret son or anything.”

Jennifer laughed. “The world’s full of surprises.”

“Seriously,” Donald said with a chuckle. “The more I look, the more that little kid looks like Jonathan.”

Jennifer nudged his shoulder. “Alright, that’s enough. Now you’re just being ridiculous.”

Donald shrugged. “Maybe I’m just overthinking it.”

The next day, Teresa was at home when she received a call from Evelyn. Evelyn told her that she and Isabel had just arrived in Nareigh.

“What?” exclaimed Teresa.

“It was your sister’s boyfriend. He had Jonathan give him my address in Fernlandia. That’s when I found out he’s Jonathan’s cousin; your sister’s marrying him,” Evelyn said.

“Oh,” Teresa replied icily. Evelyn frowned, clearly annoyed by her attitude. She said, “It’s one thing if your sister complains about me. I know I owe her from when she was little. But you? I have no idea what you’re thinking, running off to Fernlandia without a word. Now your sister’s getting married, and all this time you never even told me her fiancé is Jonathan’s cousin. By the way, what’s his mom like? She’s not as bad as your ex-mother-in-law, is she?”

“Ask her yourself. I don’t want anything to do with you or Jennifer anymore. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.” With that, Teresa hung up.

Back when Teresa married Jonathan, Evelyn couldn’t have cared less. She never even bothered to ask what her in-laws were like or if they’d get along. But now, for Jennifer’s engagement—just the engagement, not even the wedding—Evelyn rushed back. Teresa didn’t want to say anything more, but her eyes still stung with tears.

In the early evening, Evelyn stood outside Rosary Estates, holding Isabel in her arms, suitcase by her side, downstairs from Teresa’s apartment complex. Evelyn couldn’t remember which unit Teresa lived in, and no matter how many times she called, Teresa wouldn’t answer. Alone, dragging her suitcase and carrying a child, she stood in the chilly courtyard, dressed far too lightly for the weather.

It was Michael who spotted them first, leaning over the balcony. “Mom, Grandma and Aunt Isabel are downstairs! They’re back! Come look!”

Teresa’s heart sank at the sight of Evelyn and Isabel waiting downstairs with all their things. Annoyed, she hurried Michael back to his room. “Don’t worry about them.”

Downstairs, the neighbors had already started whispering. “Who’s that woman standing there with a kid?” “Tsk, her kids are really heartless. Just leaving her out here?” “It’s freezing tonight. She’s going to catch a cold if she stays out much longer.” “Yeah, and she’s got a child with her. They should get inside before the kid gets sick.”

Isabel’s nose was already running. Teresa couldn’t hold back anymore. She grabbed a jacket and stomped downstairs.

Teresa tossed the jacket at Evelyn, barely looking at her. “Put this on Isabel.”

Evelyn finally put her phone away, freeing up a hand to poke Teresa’s forehead. “You little brat, I called you so many times and you didn’t answer.”

“Why should I? Go find Hannah. She’s the one getting married, not me. Why are you here looking for me?” Teresa shot back.

“I can’t get in touch with your sister at all. As soon as I heard she was marrying Jonathan’s cousin, I rushed back,” Evelyn said.

“Oh, so you only care about her? What about me? Have you ever asked how I’m doing? She’s your daughter, but I’m not?” Teresa couldn’t hold back her resentment.

Evelyn just waved her off. “Aren’t you doing fine here in Nareigh? You even look like you’ve put on some weight.”

“I’ve only been back in Nareigh a few days. I left Fernlandia months ago and have been drifting around ever since,” Teresa replied.

“So where did you go? Anyway, let us in. It’s freezing out here. We can talk inside,” Evelyn pleaded.

But Teresa’s tone was icy. She was determined to be as distant as Hannah. “I’ll book a hotel room for you two. You’re not staying here.”

Evelyn blurted, “What? Isn’t there space here at Rosary Estates? You—”

“This is my home. Mine and Michael’s. I don’t want anyone else here,” interrupted Teresa.

That stung. Evelyn’s face fell. “Fine, it’s not like I don’t have anywhere else to go. With that attitude, no wonder you ended up divorced. I really give up on you.”

With that, Evelyn grabbed her suitcase and walked off with Isabel.

Teresa took a deep breath. In the past, she would have stopped her mother. She did feel bad, but this time, she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

When they got home, Michael, who had seen what happened downstairs, asked, “Mom, where did Grandma and Aunt Isabel go?”

Teresa explained, “They’re staying at a hotel tonight. They’re not staying with us. There just isn’t enough space for four people here.”

Michael looked up at her. “But Mom, are hotels even open this late?”

“Of course. Nareigh has plenty of hotels, so there’s nothing to worry about. Come on, let’s get ready for bed. This is our home, remember?” said Teresa.

Teresa gently nudged the little guy into his room, and only then did he nod. Once he was asleep, Teresa pulled out her phone, unblocked Jennifer on WhatsApp, and sent her a message: [Evelyn is back for your wedding. She and Isabel are staying at a hotel. If you want to see her, you’ll have to reach out yourself.]

After sending the message, Teresa didn’t give it another thought. She pulled the covers over herself and went to sleep.