Chapter 472

Miriam turned to Jonathan. “Just pull over anywhere. You can drop me off by the curb.”

Jonathan drove to Soveriam Road. “If you walk ahead for a minute, there’s a subway station that goes straight to Nareigh Airport.”

“My nephew’s already asleep, so I’ll leave him with you guys for now. I’ll come by your place tomorrow morning to pick him up.” Miriam gave Teresa a quick wink before getting out.

After Miriam left, Teresa pulled Michael close and let him sleep on her lap.

Jonathan glanced at Teresa in the rearview mirror. She was gently patting Michael’s shoulder, her eyes full of warmth. He couldn’t help but look at her a little longer.

“I still have something to say,” Jonathan spoke up.

“That’s enough.” Teresa looked up, her eyes suddenly cold as she met his gaze. “I don’t want to talk about this in the car.”

Jonathan didn’t push it. The car soon stopped outside a 24-hour restaurant, snapping Teresa out of her thoughts.

Before Teresa could object, Jonathan had already parked, picked Michael up, and got out. Michael had fallen asleep in the car and wouldn’t wake up. He just let Jonathan carry him without a fuss.

Seeing her “hostage” had been removed, Teresa had no choice but to get out too.

“This place has good food and a big menu. I figured you’d like it,” Jonathan said.

“I’m not hungry,” Teresa replied, taking a sip of juice after she sat down.

“I am. I haven’t eaten all day. Just eat with me, okay?” Jonathan said.

Teresa didn’t say anything, trying to move Michael over to her side, but Jonathan had already settled him on the sofa next to himself and draped his suit jacket over the boy. The waiter thoughtfully brought over a small pillow.

“Thanks,” Jonathan said.

“You’re welcome, Mr. Lynn. Enjoy your meal,” the waiter replied respectfully, stepping aside.

The food looked pretty good, so Teresa ended up eating a little too. They ate quietly, neither of them saying a word.

Once they’d finished, Jonathan finally looked up at her. “Are you full? Do you feel like hearing me out now?”

Teresa set down her fork and gave a small nod.

Jonathan’s expression softened. “First, let me clear something up. I never planned on getting married. My mom found someone she thought was a good match and tried to push her onto me. I just played along so my mom could see for herself that the woman was only after my money. There was nothing real—no contact, not even any physical contact.”

He paused for a moment. “I knew you were away on a business trip. I figured you’d see the news about me supposedly getting married and at least ask me about it, even just once. But you came back like it was nothing. I told you I was getting married tomorrow, and you didn’t even blink. Then your mom called me, asking for a lawyer, but you told me not to get involved.”

“Fine, I stayed out of it. I trust you can handle things. You wanted to pay me back, and I said we should meet and talk in person, but you wouldn’t see me. You just dropped the money off at my office and left, then went out to dinner with that Thomas guy. Just so you know, I wasn’t following you. I have to pass by that road after work, and I just happened to see you two. I’d had a bit to drink, so I lost my temper.”

As he spoke, Jonathan poured himself a glass of red wine, lowering his posture a bit as he tried to clink glasses with Teresa.

He continued, “I really am sorry. I shouldn’t have questioned you or doubted you before knowing the truth. Even if I was drunk, that’s no excuse for what I said. I hope you can forgive me. Please don’t be mad at me anymore.”