Chapter 442

Jennifer mused, “Oh, come on. Cheryl had a baby and didn’t even tell you!” But she simply said, “She’s an adult now—Cheryl has her own life, and we have ours.”

Donald smiled. “Jennifer, don’t tell me you’re jealous of Cheryl. Relax, you’re both important to me. Just because we’re married now doesn’t mean I’ll stop cherishing you.”

When they arrived at the Lynn residence, Donald parked, and Cheryl rushed out to greet them. Donald got out and looked Cheryl up and down. “Honestly, I thought you weren’t coming home.”

“Oh, please! How could I not come back? But enough about me—you two got your marriage certificate? Let me see it!” Cheryl exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Donald handed her the certificate, allowing only a quick peek. Cheryl flipped it open and teased, “Not bad. You finally made it.”

Donald put the certificate away and tapped Cheryl on the head. “Be honest—are you seeing someone?”

“My dear brother, if I had a boyfriend, you’d be the first to know,” Cheryl replied.

Donald glanced at Jennifer, as if to say, “See? My sister doesn’t keep secrets from me.”

“Dr. Nelson, congrats. Wishing you two a happy marriage,” Cheryl said with a wink.

“Hey, we’re family now,” Donald said, giving Cheryl another playful tap. “Just call her by her name.”

“Yeah, right. Not happening,” Cheryl muttered, shooting Jennifer a look before turning away.

Donald squeezed Jennifer’s hand. “She needs to learn some manners. I’ll have a talk with her.”

Jennifer tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and shook her head. “It’s fine. She’s too young.”

“She’s not a kid anymore—she’s just spoiled by the family. I’ll definitely talk to her later. Don’t worry,” Donald said, wanting Jennifer to feel reassured. He kissed her cheek.

A little while later, Hayden came home, supported by Werner, and took his seat at the head of the table. He put on his reading glasses and carefully studied Donald’s marriage certificate. “Good. Now let’s get started on planning the wedding.”

Donald carefully tucked the certificate into his pocket. “I will, Grandpa,” he promised.

Hayden nodded and turned to Werner. “Where’s Jonathan?”

“Dad, I already called Jonathan and Irene. They’re on their way back,” Werner replied.

Hayden thumped his cane on the floor. “That kid—always making us wait for him.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than Irene’s voice rang out, “Dad, we’re back.”

Irene entered with a woman by her side, her arms loaded with gift bags—big and small, gifts for everyone.

Donald stood up. “Aunt Irene, who is this?”

“This is Jonathan’s girlfriend,” Irene said.

“What?”

Everyone’s faces showed varied reactions as they sized up the woman. She looked rather sly, with a crafty hint in her ear.

When Jonathan returned, Hayden questioned, “Tell me, is this woman really your girlfriend?”

Jonathan looked down and quietly replied, “Yeah.”

“Ridiculous! You must be trying to fool me.” Hayden jabbed a finger at Jonathan. “Where did you find her? Did you pay her to come here and put on a show for me?”

“Sir,” the woman beside him piped up sweetly, “I’m Wilnie. I really am Jonathan’s girlfriend.”

Winnie tried to get Hayden some coffee, but he brushed her hand away. “No need.”

Pointing at Jonathan, Hayden said, “Is this really your taste now? She’s nowhere near as pretty as Teresa.”

Winnie’s face instantly fell.

Irene tried to smooth things over. “Come on, what’s the point of this? Jonathan’s been divorced for ages—can’t he just start over?”

Hayden shot Irene a glare and then glared at Jonathan again. “Let me say this one more time: I only accept Teresa as my granddaughter-in-law—unless the next one you bring home actually pleases me. I’m not in the mood for dinner now. This is way too annoying.”

Seeing Hayden leave with his cane, Werner and Cathy hurried after him, while Irene took a deep breath and followed to explain.

Jennifer stood up and looked at Jonathan. “I think this girl’s pretty nice. On behalf of Teresa, I’ll just say—wishing you two all the best.”

“Jennifer,” Donald frowned and tugged her hand, signaling her to stop.

Jennifer grinned. She hadn’t felt this happy in ages. “What, did I say something wrong? Isn’t today a double celebration? We got our marriage certificate, and Jonathan found himself a girlfriend. That’s great news, isn’t it?”

Jonathan didn’t respond. Instead, he patted Donald on the shoulder and gave him a gift. “I’ve got things to take care of, so I’ll head out first.”

“Oh, I really appreciate it,” Donald said.

“Wish you two happy,” Jonathan said, glancing at the marriage certificate on the table. He masked his sorrow and walked away.

As soon as Jonathan left, Winnie hurried after him.

Cheryl pulled out her phone and started snapping photos of Winnie, shaking her head. “Well, I’m with Grandpa—she’s nowhere near as pretty as Teresa.”

“As long as Jonathan likes her,” Jennifer said with a meaningful look. “Maybe this is just his type. Everyone’s got their own path now. You should find yours, too.” She tugged at Donald’s sleeve and led him away.

Cheryl was left speechless. She shouted at Jennifer’s back, “I wasn’t even talking to you! Why do you always have to butt in?”

With a whole table of food left untouched, Cheryl decided not to let it go to waste and dug in all by herself.

Winnie hurried after Jonathan. He glanced at her and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“You still don’t trust me, do you? I already told Mrs. Lynn—I don’t care that you’ve been divorced. Everyone has a past. I like you for who you are,” she said earnestly.

“Oh? Really?” Jonathan replied, his face unreadable, his eyes dark and deep like ink.

Winnie didn’t dare hesitate, afraid he’d see through her. She nodded immediately. “Of course, I mean it.”

“My mom will take you home later. You don’t need to follow me anymore,” Jonathan said, then got into his car.

As the car pulled away, he leaned back in his seat, Irene’s words echoing in his mind: “I’ve found you a great match; she’s the perfect wife and mother type. She’ll be amazing. Son, just trust me this once. I know what I’m talking about. She’s way more genuine than Teresa ever was. Let Teresa see what a gentle, caring wife you’ve found.”

Snapping back to reality, he tapped his fingers lightly on his knee, lost in thought.