Chapter 486

Rain soaked Jennifer's hair. She sat alone in the garden pavilion, her slim fingers gripping the railing. Teresa's words echoed in her mind like needles stabbing her heart, causing such pain she struggled to breathe. She should have argued with Teresa. She wasn't that kind of sister. She'd returned to Nareigh hoping they could live well, be happy, and escape their painful family past. She didn't just want happiness for herself; she wanted Teresa to know that. She held her head in both hands, her shoulders trembling slightly. Her phone rang several times before she noticed.

Donald asked if he should pick her up from the hotel and take her to the wedding site. He'd booked a fancy five-star hotel near his parents' place, about twenty minutes away by car. From there, he would drive her to his home.

"Okay, the hotel sounds good," Jennifer said, feeling low.

"Jennifer, are you okay?" Donald asked, worried.

"I'm fine," Jennifer touched her forehead. "I'm not home now. I'll be back soon."

"I'll come get you. Where are you?" Donald asked.

"No need," Jennifer rubbed her brow. "I can drive myself back."

Hearing that, Donald simply said okay. He sent a message to Jonathan, thanking him. Jonathan reached out, asking where to pick up the bride. Donald told the truth: he planned to pick her up at Teresa's place in Rosary Estates because no other house was available. Jonathan suggested Donald talk to Jennifer, saying it wasn't necessary to start from Teresa's house; a hotel was also a good choice.

"I talked to Jennifer. She agreed. How much was the hotel? I'll pay you back," Donald said.

"No need," Jonathan replied, not wanting the money.

Night fell. Teresa sat alone in her room, staring out at the light rain, wondering if it would keep raining tomorrow.

"Teresa," Cheryl knocked softly and peeked in, her clear eyes smiling. "Can I use the cream on your vanity?"

"Sure," Teresa said.

"I knew you'd be the most generous," Cheryl said happily. She hopped over to the vanity. Teresa had tons of cosmetics and skincare, all expensive brands. One cream alone cost over three thousand dollars.

"Teresa, now I get why you can't save money," Cheryl said, bouncing back. "You live so lavishly."

Teresa ignored her. Seeing Teresa holding her phone, practicing singing, Cheryl blinked. "Are you singing tomorrow?"

"Kind of," Teresa said, wearing headphones.

"Well, you gotta do your best. I'll be your biggest fan. Can I use one of your caviar essence masks?" Cheryl asked.

Teresa didn't hear clearly and gave Cheryl a quick look. "Go ahead and use it," she said.

"Okay, love you." Cheryl bounced off happily. That's how the whole night went by.

Early the next morning, Teresa woke up and checked the clock. It wasn't even five yet. The rain had stopped, but the sky was still gray and a bit foggy. Michael was up super early too. The little guy knew Teresa was heading to a party.

"Take me with you! I wanna go too," Michael said.

"It's not that I don't wanna take you, but it's Jennifer and Donald's wedding. They said no kids allowed," Teresa smoothly lied.

Cheryl backed her up. "Yeah, Michael, no kids allowed. Look, I'm not bringing Serena." She'd hired a top-notch nanny for the day to watch Serena. Once the nanny showed up, Cheryl would leave.

Michael didn't buy it and threw a fit on the floor. "Please take me! I wanna go to a party. I've been alive forever and never been to one. I'm the saddest kid ever."

Cheryl gave a thumbs-up. "Teresa, Michael's awesome. He can roll on the floor and spin at the same time."

Teresa sighed and pulled him up. "Next time, I'll take you to a party, okay?"

"You say that every time. When's next time?" Michael sniffled, his long lashes still wet with tears.

"When Aunt Cheryl gets married, I promise I'll take you," Teresa said, glancing at Cheryl.

Cheryl looked clueless and pointed at herself, thinking Teresa was just feeding Michael empty promises. Michael didn't let up. "When's Aunt Cheryl getting married?"

Cheryl shrugged, "As soon as I can."

Michael put his hands on his hips. "How soon is 'as soon as you can'? Mom, Aunt Cheryl, you gotta tell me." The kid wasn't fooled anymore. Teresa had to soothe him for a while. He rubbed his eyes and finally nodded, still reluctant.

"Mom, you gotta bring me crab, lobster, braised short ribs, roast beef. I saw on my phone all the grown-ups at parties eat the big plates," Michael said.

Teresa felt a little sad. Just as she was about to hand Michael off to the nanny, Sherry called, like a lifesaver. Sherry was back in Nareigh and had something to tell Teresa. She'd heard from Miriam about Teresa's sister's wedding. Teresa stepped into the room and talked briefly with Sherry. Sherry got the hint.

"Okay, I'll come by later. I'll take Michael straight to the hotel. No need to come with you to pick up the bride," Sherry said.

"No rush. Just take him to the hotel around noon. There are over thirty tables. You can sit anywhere with strangers," Teresa said.

"Got it," Sherry said, understanding. After all, this was Teresa's sister's big wedding. She couldn't mess this up. Then she hung up.

Teresa told Michael Sherry would come for him and he could go to the party.

"Really? I get to go now?" Michael asked, excited.

"If you behave and don't run off, Sherry will take you," Teresa said.

"Yes, ma'am," he smiled through his tears.

Teresa patted his head and reminded him a few more times. When the nanny arrived, Cheryl and Teresa left. Miriam and the other bridesmaids were already busy at the hotel. Miriam and Jennifer didn't talk. Jennifer was getting her makeup done, dressed in her white wedding gown. She sat in front of the mirror while the makeup artist put on her false lashes. When Teresa got there, Miriam complained, "This hotel's like a presidential suite. One night costs over ten thousand. I bet Jonathan picked this place."

Teresa frowned when she heard Jonathan's name. The people coming to pick up the bride included the groomsmen and Donald's family—his brothers and younger brothers. Whether Jonathan would come, Teresa wasn't sure.

"He's not coming," Jennifer opened her eyes and interrupted. "Donald told me your ex won't come to pick up the bride to avoid any awkwardness."