Chapter 444

“Let me take you,” Teresa insisted, already packing snacks and drinks for Cheryl and loading them into the trunk. She drove Cheryl all the way to Lonisburg, only leaving after ensuring Cheryl was safely home.

“It’s tough looking after Serena all by yourself. I’ve been there, so I know how hard it can be,” Teresa said softly.

Cheryl hugged Serena tightly. “My little girl is actually pretty easy to take care of,” she said, holding Serena’s hand as they said goodbye to Teresa. “Say bye-bye, Serena.” Teresa gave Serena’s tiny hand a gentle squeeze.

Back in Nareigh, Teresa texted Jonathan, letting him know she’d return his money and the things she still had. They met the next morning at Luviston Estates.

“There’s 150 thousand on this card. I’ll pay back the rest I owe you as soon as I can. And here’s the jade bracelet you bought me.” Teresa pushed the card and the bracelet toward Jonathan.

Jonathan finally looked at her. “Teresa. Who else would I give it to, if not you?”

Teresa met his eyes. “I think even Yvonne, wherever she is, would be happy to accept this bracelet.”

Jonathan’s brows furrowed. He took a sip of coffee and dropped the subject.

“Anyway, I heard you’re seeing someone new. That’s good,” Teresa said.

“Did Cheryl tell you that?” Jonathan shot back.

‘Does it matter who told me?’ Teresa thought. “Anyway, I wish you both the best. I hope she’s someone you like, and your mom likes too—a real keeper. We’re done here. Goodbye.”

She finished speaking, picked up her bag, and walked past him, but Jonathan grabbed her wrist, holding her back. Teresa felt his grip burning hot on her skin. Keeping her face blank, she pried his hand off and asked, “Anything else? I’ve said everything I needed to.”

Jonathan stood up, picked up the bracelet from the table, and stubbornly slipped it back onto her wrist. “Now we’re even.” He grabbed his coat and turned to leave.

Teresa stood there, looking down at the clear bracelet. Her eyes turned red at the corners, but she turned and walked away.

Jennifer was already waiting for Teresa at the entrance of Rosary Estates. When Teresa returned, Jennifer asked where she’d been.

“None of your business. Move.”

Teresa didn’t bother saving face for Jennifer, but Jennifer persisted. “Your ex finally found a girlfriend, and even Irene’s happy about it. Isn’t that great? Now you two can finally stop being tangled up with each other.”

“So what?” Teresa turned around. “You just want to show off that you got your marriage certificate? Are you actually happy now?”

Jennifer frowned. “You saw Donald’s Facebook post, didn’t you? But you didn’t even give us a like.”

“Why would I like it? Are we even close? As long as you’re happy, why would you care about me?”

Jennifer grabbed a toy car from her car. “If I didn’t care, would I have bothered getting Mike a present?”

“Is this really a gift, or are you just trying to make up for your guilt toward your nephew?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jennifer said, trying to keep her cool. “This was expensive—over 2,000 dollars. I wouldn’t even spend that much on a dress for myself.”

“Don’t try to guilt-trip me. Mike’s birthday is already over. Save the toy for your own kid.”

Teresa started heading upstairs. Seeing Jennifer still following, she turned and warned, “Follow me again and I’ll call the police.” The look in her eyes made it clear she meant it.

Jennifer finally said, “I just wanted to say that Donald and I are moving the wedding up. I was thinking about my pregnancy, so we decided to do it sooner. After you come to our wedding, maybe we can finally get on with our lives.”

“You’ll never be at peace,” Teresa shot back. “Even after you get married, you’ll always be living on edge.”