Chapter 374

Jennifer was distracted throughout the meal. As Sanford prepared to leave, she walked him out.

“My engagement ceremony is the day after tomorrow. Make sure to be on time,” she said.

“Of course. Otherwise, why would I come see you?” Sanford joked. “I also want to check out your gorgeous sister.”

Jennifer had told Sanford about her younger sister, Teresa, and her striking beauty and charm. Sanford wanted to meet Teresa, but Jennifer dismissed the idea. Perhaps it would help get them together, which would be better than Teresa marrying Irene's son, she thought.

She arrived home a short while later. After putting the dishes away, Donald said, “I saw that little kid again while shopping today.”

“Oh, really? What happened next?” Before Jennifer could ask if he’d pulled a hair from the child’s head, Donald confessed.

“I pulled a hair from that kid. I want to do a DNA test.”

“Donald, you—”

“Just hear me out,” he said calmly. “I have my reasons. Remember Everport? I distinctly heard Michael calling Teresa ‘Mom.’ Also, Cathy told Teresa she heard a voice calling Teresa ‘Mom.’ Plus, today, that kid was wearing a short-sleeved shirt with Jonathan’s signature. I was shocked.” He revealed all his suspicions to his future wife without reservation.

Jennifer’s eyes darted around, and she spoke calmly, “So, you suspect that kid is Teresa’s and Jonathan’s? I know Teresa well enough; she wouldn’t have a child with her ex.”

“Maybe Teresa is hiding something from you, and we’re both in the dark,” Donald said, wrapping his arms around Jennifer’s shoulders as they continued discussing. “You’ve seen that kid, right? Think about it: doesn’t he look like Jonathan?”

“I don’t think so. You must be mistaken,” Jennifer said, turning toward her room. Donald followed closely, half-believing. He wondered, Am I really wrong?

“Jennifer, if we’re happy, and Teresa and Jonathan get back together, that’s great. You wouldn’t have to worry anymore, would you?”

Jennifer shot him a sarcastic glance. “If Teresa were happy with Jonathan, she wouldn’t have divorced him. With someone like Irene in the picture, I won’t let Teresa repeat the same mistakes.”

Donald sighed. “Irene is hard to talk about, but Jonathan is a good person. He doesn’t have any scandals and has always cared for Teresa.”

Jennifer pursed her lips, wishing Jonathan did have a few scandals. That way, she would have a better excuse to oppose Teresa getting back together with him.

Donald was still caught up in his theories. “I still think there’s a strong chance that kid is Jonathan’s.”

“Can you stop it? The day after tomorrow is our engagement ceremony, and you’re still rambling on about this.”

“The engagement ceremony won’t be affected,” Donald laughed. “Jonathan has always treated me well. If that child happens to be Jonathan’s, I’d want to help him out.”

Jennifer was exasperated. “You really are too naive.”

But reality wasn’t as bright as Donald believed, even if Jennifer appreciated his rare qualities.

“I advise you to think carefully about this. Don’t go pulling your brother’s hair, or they’ll call you crazy,” Donald said. “But we’re together. If that boy really is Jonathan and Teresa’s, our DNA test will validate it.”

Jennifer remained silent for a few seconds. “Fine, since you doubt it so much, let me handle the DNA test.” Without the test, Donald wouldn’t give up, and I have to completely extinguish his hopes, she thought.

Donald kissed Jennifer on the cheek. “Thanks, my love. I’ll plan our engagement ceremony.” Jennifer savored his kiss as he helped her out of her clothes.

The next day, trusting and naive, Donald confidently gave Jennifer Michael’s hair for testing.

Jennifer said she would do two tests: one for the kid and Donald, and one for him and herself.

“Once the results are in, I’ll let you know,” Jennifer said.

“Okay, if the child is Jonathan’s, we’ll discuss it together,” Donald replied.

Jennifer turned and headed to the hospital. Donald didn’t go to the hospital; instead, he went to prepare for the engagement ceremony.

Teresa called Jennifer, asking what was happening. She wondered if Donald had taken any concrete action regarding the DNA test.

Jennifer stood outside the genetics department. “I’m getting ready for the…”

Teresa asked, “What do you mean?”

Jennifer replied, “If I don’t do this test, Donald won’t give up. I found out last night that he’s suspected Michael’s identity several times already. His pulling Michael’s hair isn’t just a whim.”

Teresa said, “So, are you going to swap identities again? Are you going to fake the report again? You really don’t care about your medical license?”

Jennifer asserted, “I’ll soon be family with Donald. Even if he finds out, he won’t hold it against me.”

Teresa retorted, “Is that so? If you’re not afraid of being exposed, why are you so careful with Donald? You’re clearly scared; scared that Donald will reject you, scared you’ll lose your medical license, and scared you’ll end up with nothing.”

“Enough,” Jennifer interrupted Teresa. “Just like you said, we have to stick with our choices. There’s no turning back, Teresa.”

Teresa suddenly fell silent. After a moment, she spoke uneasily, “Let me be honest, I’m really tired of this life, Hannah. Trust me just once. Jonathan won’t hold you responsible, and Donald will understand. You don’t need to fake another paternity test. You’re a doctor.”

“No way, I can’t confess,” Jennifer was resolute. “Unless we give up our dignity, do you want Irene to laugh at us and steal your child? I don’t believe Jonathan won’t pursue my responsibility. I only became a deputy director because of him, even if I don’t care about his connections.”

“Hannah!”

“Teresa, I’m your sister. Listen to me!” Jennifer interrupted. “Listen to me. We can only go on like this. Once I get married, everything will be fine. Your ex-husband will leave Nareigh. He’ll definitely find another woman to remarry and have kids. Men are like that; he can’t be childless forever.”