Chapter 375

“Will this really solve everything? Michael is three years old now, and he will eventually grow up,” Teresa thought to herself. “I can hide things from the child at three, four, or five years old, but how much longer can I keep it up? I’m genuinely exhausted, even if I keep telling myself that my current choice is the best one.”

Jennifer said, “By the time Michael grows up, I should be retired, and maybe I won’t work at Mareigh anymore. I feel I have the ability to find better opportunities.”

Teresa scoffed. “You’ve got it all planned out. I wish I could be as heartless as you. I could completely ignore what anyone thinks.”

“I care about your feelings too, okay? Teresa, trust me just this once. You saw how Irene acted at dinner—she never liked us! She just doesn’t dare to act out in front of Hayden.”

Jennifer continued, “If Irene knew Michael existed, she would definitely try to take him away. She has the means, just believe me. If you don’t want to create irreversible consequences, listen to me. I admit I’m doing this for my own good, but it’s also for yours. We’re blood relatives. If I can’t care for you, who can I care for? As your sister, I know you have many misunderstandings about me. No matter how you misunderstand or dislike me, I’ll always be your sister, and I know I’m making the right choice.” With that, Jennifer hung up the phone.

The results of the test should be out by tomorrow at the latest.

As evening approached, Jennifer sat in her office, rubbing her temples. A pair of warm hands rested on her shoulders, and she glanced over to see Donald giving her a light kiss on the cheek.

“Tired from work today? You look a bit down.”

“Just a bit tired,” Jennifer smiled faintly. “Are we still going to your place for dinner tonight?”

“No, Cathy said we should just head home.”

“Okay.” Jennifer honestly wasn’t fond of family gatherings, so she leaned back against Donald’s shoulder.

“Donald, everything feels unreal, like we’re in a dream.”

“I feel that way too. Just yesterday, you were the goddess I couldn’t reach, and now you’re right here in my arms. Jennifer, I will always love you,” Donald said.

“Always love me? Will he really?” she questioned in her mind.

Jennifer retorted, “Will you still love me if I never wash my hair or face after we get married? Or if I gain weight?”

“You silly girl,” Donald said. “Loving someone means loving all of them.”

Jennifer didn’t believe it. She thought, “To love someone meant seeing their good side. If they are flawed, he wouldn’t love them. I feel the same way about Donald; I love him because of the qualities I admire in him. Who would love someone who is inherently bad?”

“Donald, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you. I’ll wait until tomorrow during our engagement to say it.”

“Okay.” Donald was curious about what it could be.

The next day marked Jennifer and Donald’s engagement ceremony. It was held at a grand hotel under Horizonlead Group, and all the expenses were covered by Jonathan. He was aware that Werner was a bit short on cash; otherwise, Donald wouldn’t need to borrow money for a car.

For a long time, Werner treated Donald like his own son. Since Donald was getting engaged, Jonathan stepped in to support him financially.

Irene knew Jonathan had paid for the banquet and couldn’t say much. She feared that if she complained, Hayden would think she was being petty. It was Jonathan’s engagement, after all. To Jonathan, it was just minor money.

Evelyn and Teresa also showed up; this was Teresa’s last time attending a meal hosted by Jennifer—well, there would be one more for the wedding. She wanted it to be a decent affair since it was a big deal.

Cheryl couldn’t skip the engagement ceremony either. She had paid someone to replace her at the event. Cathy and Werner were puzzled by the appearance of this unfamiliar girl.

The girl explained, “Hello, Aunt and Uncle. I’m Cheryl’s classmate. Cheryl’s been sick with a fever and might have the flu. She didn’t want to spread it to everyone, so she asked me to attend the ceremony for her.”

Cathy was a bit anxious. “Why didn’t she tell us she was sick?”

“Maybe she didn’t want to worry you,” the girl responded without elaborating.

On the day of the engagement ceremony, they had to let this girl, who was about Cheryl’s age, take Cheryl’s place.

In the backstage area, Jennifer was getting her makeup done. She wore a red gown with a classic look. Her eyes were bright and cool, and the makeup artist praised her flawless skin, saying the makeup applied beautifully.

Once the makeup artist left, Donald entered, gazing at Jennifer with admiration. “Jennifer, you’re so beautiful! You’re about to become my wife. I can’t wait for our big wedding day.”

He kissed her neck, but Jennifer pushed him away. “Don’t mess up my makeup; I’ve never looked this good before.”

Looking at her reflection, she couldn’t believe she looked so stunning.

Donald chuckled. “You silly. No matter how you look, in my heart, you’re always the most beautiful.”

Jennifer felt a sweetness like honey in her heart as she stood up to hug him. “Thank you for always being by my side.”

“See you in a bit,” Donald said as he turned to leave, but Jennifer grabbed his arm. From her bag nearby, she pulled out a paternity DNA test report.

“The results are in. Take a look,” she said.

“Really? When did they come out? This morning?” Donald quickly opened the report, which had his name on it. Jennifer didn’t bring her own copy.

With excitement, Donald flipped to the last page, but his expression shifted to disappointment when he saw the final results.

Jennifer smirked. “Are you finally letting it go now?”

Donald sighed, “Good thing I didn’t tell Jonathan about this. Otherwise, it would have been a false alarm.”

“I told you it wasn’t true, but you insisted on getting a test.”

“I still find it a bit weird,” Donald said with a bitter smile, “But the proof is right here. I guess I was just overthinking it.”

Jennifer took his hand. “Let’s just focus on living our lives well.”

Donald nodded; he genuinely wanted Jonathan to be happy and thought it’d be great if both of them could have double happiness.

“As for Jonathan and Teresa, let them figure it out between themselves,” Donald said, giving Jennifer a hug. Jennifer silently whispered, “I’m sorry.”