Chapter 457

After saying that, Jonathan turned and walked away. He couldn't be bothered with such a bastard.

Jennifer had been staying in the apartment she shared with Donald. She hadn't gone to work for the past few days, just holing up at home.

“Jennifer!” Donald’s cheerful voice rang out as he entered, his arms full of groceries. He grinned, took her hand, and said, “It’s all sorted. The family causing trouble agreed to settle, and I talked to Mr. Foster. He saw how sincere I was and decided to give me some leeway. He promised not to fire you. So relax, okay?”

For the first time in days, a flicker of hope appeared in Jennifer’s eyes. She asked, “Really?”

Donald replied, “Of course it’s true. I’d never lie to you. You can go back to work tomorrow.”

Jennifer still couldn’t quite believe it. She quickly asked, “How did you manage it?”

Donald said, “They wanted fifteen thousand to settle privately, so I just paid them.”

Half in doubt, Jennifer asked, “Is that enough? You’re not tying yourself to me?”

Donald squeezed her hand again, looking at her with deep affection. He said, “I’m your husband now, Jen. I’m your whole world. You can trust me completely.”

Tears slid down Jennifer’s cheeks. She was touched by his words, his sincerity, and his kindness. She muttered, “Donald…”

All the pain and helplessness from the past few days finally broke through. Jennifer clung tightly to Donald’s shoulders. Her voice trembled as she said, “I don’t know how I’d live without you. Please, don’t leave me. Never leave me.”

Donald smiled gently. He said, “Silly, we’re married now. How could I ever leave you?”

Jennifer said, “No matter what happens, promise me you’ll never leave.” More tears streamed down her face.

After sorting out Jennifer’s situation, Donald headed to the kitchen to make dinner. He called Cheryl and said, “Jennifer said you haven’t been answering her calls. She’s worried. She’s afraid something happened to you, and that’s why she made a mistake at work. She’s just looking out for you, so don’t take her concern the wrong way, okay?”

Cheryl wasn’t buying it. She complained, “I had heatstroke and spent a whole day in the hospital. How was I supposed to answer her calls?”

Hearing this, Donald was anxious. He asked, “What? Did you have heatstroke? When did that happen?”

Cheryl explained, “It was the day before yesterday. I was out buying watermelon, and I got heatstroke. It’s really not a big deal.”

As she spoke, she broke out in a cold sweat, worried Donald might come all the way to Lonisburg to check on her. She hadn’t even figured out if she wanted Serena to meet Donald yet.

She quickly added, “Luckily, I had a friend with me when it happened, so I’m fine now. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Donald let out a helpless chuckle. He thought, ‘Since Cheryl had a friend with her when she fainted, that meant the girl I saw collapsed alone definitely wasn’t Cheryl.’ He said, “You silly girl, it’s hot out. Make sure you stay cool, alright?”

Cheryl replied, “I will, I promise. I’m fine now, seriously. Just don’t tell Mom and Dad, okay? Anyway, I’m off to eat with my friend. Talk later!”

Donald stared at his phone after the call ended. He thought, ‘I must’ve been overthinking it. The Jennifer I know might be cold and distant, but she will never just walk away from someone in trouble.’

After Cheryl hung up the phone, a wave of sadness washed over her. She could tell that Donald didn’t spoil her the way she needed, and it made her feel down.

She thought, ‘Back when Jennifer wasn’t around, Donald and I would mess around and talk about everything, but now, everything has changed.’