Chapter 401

She added, “I think Chesburg would work. We can just say we’re going to visit Bradley and Natalie’s old place.”

“You can say you miss them and want me to go with you to pay respects. When we’re there, I’ll find a hospital and get the abortion done.”

Teresa didn’t say a word. She just glanced again at Jennifer’s belly. If Jennifer got pregnant around her engagement, then she was a bit behind Teresa. The baby would probably be born next year, since half the year was already gone.

“I don’t have time to go with you for the abortion,” Teresa said, not wanting to deal with her anymore. Then she turned to leave.

Jennifer called after her, saying, “Are you really going to be that heartless? You’re okay with letting me go through the abortion alone?”

Teresa turned back and met Jennifer’s eyes, which were a little red, with a hint of sadness and reluctance.

She said, “Am I the heartless one, or are you? Donald treats you so well, and you two are already engaged, just waiting for the wedding. Now you’re pregnant. Donald’s parents would be thrilled. They’d treat you like their own daughter. Can’t you just have the baby and work your way up at the same time? Do these two years really matter that much? Are you planning to never have kids?”

Everything Teresa said was based on Jennifer’s point of view. If she didn’t care about Jennifer, she could have easily just told her to get an abortion and be done with it. But deep down, Teresa really hoped Jennifer would keep the baby. Jennifer’s situation was different from hers back then. Having this child would only make things better for Jennifer.

Jennifer let out a helpless sigh. “I’ll think about it. You should go back first.”

“Think it over yourself,” Teresa said, not wanting to say anything more, and she walked away.

When Michael texted her asking where she was, Teresa replied that she was about to head home.

Michael: [Mom, can you get me some custard from the pizza store? I really want some.] Teresa: [Of course, sweetheart. I’ll buy a few extra.]

While she was waiting for her order, a college girl accidentally bumped into Teresa’s shoulder. She quickly apologized, and Teresa just smiled and said it was fine.

The girl sat down at the table next to Teresa, holding a little girl in her arms. “Look at you. You got ketchup all over your shirt. If your mom sees this, she’ll definitely scold me for not taking good care of you,” she said.

The little girl pouted, “Don’t worry, Auntie. I’ll protect you! I won’t let my mom be mean to you. I love you the most, Auntie. You take care of me every day, so when I grow up, I’ll take care of you, too.”

“You little sweet-talker,” the college girl laughed.

As the two of them walked away, Teresa kept watching them, realizing they were aunt and niece. A strange, bittersweet feeling welled up in her chest. She took a sip of her coffee, and then it was her turn to pick up her order.

On her way out, Teresa had a lot on her mind. She put in her headphones and called Jennifer. “Why not just keep the baby? If you’re worried about your career, you could hire a nanny, or maybe Cathy could help out.”

“It’s not just about raising the kid. Isn’t being pregnant itself a huge time cost?” Jennifer replied. She added, “And there’s no way I’d just dump my child on the grandparents. Otherwise, how am I any different from Evelyn? Honestly, I really don’t want to have a baby right now.”

“Alright, whatever you want,” Teresa said, suddenly at a loss for words. “It’s up to you.” She didn’t want to end up being the bad guy again. “It’s your baby, so whatever you decide, I’ll respect it, okay?” With that, Teresa hung up.