Teresa dropped Michael off with Miriam—he’d been pestering her to go to the party, but with both the Lynn and Johnston families present, there was no way she’d let him go and be the center of attention.

When Teresa arrived at the restaurant, she called Irene. Irene came to meet her, pointing at Teresa as she said, “Remember, you have only this one chance to join our party.” Teresa let out a cold laugh. “Please don’t flatter yourself. I’m not doing this for you—I’m here for Hayden.”

Seeing Teresa arrive made Hayden light up with joy. Teresa was honestly touched—she hadn’t expected Hayden to still care about her. She glanced around, but Jonathan was nowhere to be seen, and Cheryl hadn’t returned yet.

“Teresa, where have you been lately? Haven’t seen you around Nareigh,” Hayden said.

“She lived with me in Fernlandia for some time,” Evelyn said, pulling Teresa to sit next to her. Jennifer was sitting on Teresa’s other side. She looked at Teresa with a gentle smile. “Did you show up at the proposal today?”

“Nope,” Teresa replied.

Jennifer grinned. “But I saw you. So you were there, weren’t you?”

“Then why bother asking?”

Jennifer was left speechless, not knowing what to say.

Cathy raised her glass. “Teresa, what do you want to drink? How about some wine?”

Teresa quickly said she couldn’t drink—she’d driven.

“Then have some juice. I ordered orange juice for you—you like that, right?” Cathy said.

“Thank you,” Teresa replied.

“Hey Teresa, no need to be all formal with us. We’re family here,” Hayden said, looking like he was on top of the world. “It’s nice having everyone together for dinner. But where is Cheryl?”

“Cheryl’s not coming back. Lonisburg is too far—she wouldn’t get here until after midnight,” Cathy said.

Hayden let out a sigh. He was a little bummed, but since Teresa was there, he cheered up and didn’t press the issue about Cheryl.

“Since we’re all here to celebrate Hannah and Donald, let’s get this party started—cheers, everyone!” Hayden stood up, and everyone else quickly followed suit. “It’s lucky for our Lynn family to become in-laws with your Johnston family again.”

“You’re so kind, Hayden.” Evelyn raised her glass and finished it in one go.

Just then, Jonathan showed up, even though he’d left earlier. “Finished up at the company,” he said, taking the seat next to Hayden. He glanced at Teresa, but she didn’t look his way.

Teresa kept her eyes on her food, serving herself. She especially liked the pudding in the middle, but it was quite far from her. Then, the pudding was suddenly handed to her. Teresa scooped some onto her plate. She looked up to say thanks, and that was when she realized it was Jonathan.

Hayden saw that and grinned. “Good things come in pairs. Now that Hannah and Donald are getting hitched, how about you and Jonathan tie the knot again, Teresa?”

Everyone reacted differently, and before Teresa or Jonathan could say a word, Jennifer and Irene jumped in. Jennifer spoke up first. “They’ve been divorced for so long—there’s no feeling left between them. It’s better if they just move on.”

Irene jumped in. “They don’t even have kids. No need to get back together. Let them both start fresh.”

Hayden shot Irene a look. “Did I ask you?”

“I’m just saying what Jonathan and Teresa want. Don’t always target me.” Irene felt like she was being treated unfairly.

“Hayden, let’s just talk about my sister and Donald, okay? Please leave me out of it.” Teresa put down her fork. She never once looked Jonathan’s way this whole time.

Hayden wasn’t ready to give up. He turned to Evelyn. “What do you think, Evelyn? Wouldn’t it be great if both of your daughters could marry into our family? If there’s anything wrong with Jonathan, just tell me—I’ll get him to change.”

Evelyn took a sip of wine and sighed. “Let them decide for themselves, Hayden. Let’s just focus on Hannah and Donald.”

Hayden suddenly looked a little down. “Jonathan and Teresa are divorced now. I always thought they’d give me a grandson. What a pity.”

Evelyn, Jennifer, and Teresa remained silent.

Teresa stood up, poured a glass of wine, and turned to Hayden. “Hayden, I’m sorry I let you down. I’m not good enough for Jonathan. He’s doing great now and deserves better. Thanks for always caring. This toast is for you.”