Chapter 407

Snapping back to the present, Teresa had already cleaned up the mess on the floor and put the coffee beans back in the cabinet. She was getting the hang of housework now. She was no longer the pushover she used to be. From memories to reality, she felt wide awake. It was another night like this, but she wasn’t alone anymore. Jonathan was gone, replaced by a little version of him, keeping her company.

Teresa gently tucked the blanket around Michael and sat by his bedside, gazing at his tiny face. She couldn’t help but think of how Trene used to nag her about not having children, completely overlooking Michael, Jonathan’s own flesh and blood.

After kissing Michael’s cheek, Teresa watched him quietly for a long moment before tiptoeing out of the room. Fast asleep, Michael mumbled in his sweet, sleepy voice, “Daddy, do you want some custard? Mommy bought the really yummy kind.”

The next day, Jennifer contacted Teresa. She’d made up her mind. She was going to have an abortion at a hospital in Chesburg. She would use visiting Bradley and Natalie’s graves as an excuse.

Teresa rubbed her temples. “Funny, I dreamt about Bradley and Natalie last night. They were making ravioli and brought it all the way over for me. I was home alone, like always.”

“In my dream, Jonathan and I weren’t divorced yet. You showed up, too. Bradley and Natalie recognized you right away as Hannah. They told us all to take care of ourselves.”

Jennifer smirked. “See? You’re always so stubborn and never listen to me. Bradley and Natalie had to show up in your dreams just to set you straight.”

Teresa dropped her hand. “Are you nuts? It’s way too early for this. I really don’t want to argue with you right now.”

Jennifer got back to the point. “I’m still going through with it. Come with me to Chesburg.”

Teresa sighed. “Whatever. It’s your kid. If you can be that heartless, then do what you want. I was planning to go to Chesburg anyway to light some candles at Bradley and Natalie’s graves. But don’t get it twisted. I’m not going just for you.”

Then she hung up the phone.

The weather was gloomy that day. Jennifer sat in the passenger seat, her hand resting on her belly, caught between hesitation and determination.

Teresa let out a cold laugh. “If you can’t go through with it, then don’t. Or just give yourself a few more days to think. Why rush into a decision?”

Jennifer sighed. “Do you remember Rebecca from Everport? The one who did your prenatal checkups? She’s my alumna.”

“Yeah, I remember,” Teresa replied, her voice flat.

Jennifer continued, “She told me about a girl from our school, my junior. She was brilliant, doing her PhD at Northern University, with a bright future ahead. But she fell for a guy and insisted on having his baby, no matter what.”

“And now? She gave up a million-dollar job at a big company to be a stay-at-home mom. Every holiday, she brings gifts and tries to visit Ms. Nelson back in her small town, but Ms. Nelson won’t see her.”

“Ms. Nelson even scolded the girl for disgracing the people surnamed Nelson, saying she never would have paid for her education if she’d known.”

“I don’t want to end up like that,” Jennifer said softly. “If I did, I’d be too ashamed to show my face. I wouldn’t even have the courage to face Ms. Nelson again.”

Teresa sighed a bit helplessly. “A PhD from Northern University with such amazing credentials. It’s a real shame to waste that kind of talent, but you’re different. You already have a successful career and a great salary. No one’s asking you to give that up.”

But Jennifer shook her head. “You keep saying my ex-husband pulled strings for me, but I want to prove I can do it on my own. I want to earn my promotions and raises based on my own merit, not through connections.”

Teresa fell silent, her hands tightening on the steering wheel. “Just remember this. Once you make your choice, there’s no turning back.”