Chapter 561

Teresa said, “No. I’ve lost my appetite, and I don’t want to eat with you either.”

Jonathan was speechless. He said, “So what did I do to upset you? You went all the way to Shaville to take care of me, and when my grandpa passed, you drove three hours just to check on me.

“Now we’re back in Nareigh, and you don’t even talk to me or have a meal with me. Is it because of the bad weather in Nareigh? I think this place is perfect for giving me a cold shoulder.”

Teresa didn’t even crack a smile. She didn’t think that was a good joke.

She said, “My concern for you was just out of moral obligation. You helped my family a lot before, and I didn’t want to owe you anything. That’s all.”

Jonathan’s expression hardened slightly, but he quickly changed the subject. “Turn right at the next intersection. There’s a nice restaurant. How about we eat there?”

Teresa thought about it and said, “Let’s call this our farewell meal. From now on, no more helping each other, no more caring either.”

Jonathan said nothing.

The restaurant was quiet that morning, with only a few customers, mostly couples, whether dating or married. Solo diners were a rare sight.

The waitress mistook Teresa and Jonathan for a couple, to which Teresa curtly replied, “We’re not.”

After Jonathan and Teresa were seated, Jonathan instructed the waitress, “Please give the menu to this lady and let her order. Also, bring her a bowl of chowder to start.”

The waitress replied, “Yes, Mr. Lynn.”

After the waitress left, Teresa asked in confusion, “She just called you Mr. Lynn. Does she know you?”

Jonathan finally explained, “This restaurant is part of a chain owned by my company.”

Teresa asked, “So, she knew you. Why did she still take us for a couple when we walked in?”

Jonathan smirked and said, “I guess she is good at handling interpersonal relationships. You’re the only woman I’ve ever brought here.”

Teresa didn’t say a word. She made an excuse to go to the restroom, intending to pay the bill, only to find that Jonathan had already settled it. She had no idea when he had managed to do it.

After the meal, Teresa stood up. “Now that our farewell meal is over, let’s not see each other anymore.”

Jonathan also stood up. He said, “There’s a coffee room upstairs. Let’s grab some coffee and have a talk.”

Teresa failed to refuse him, so she gave in.

They sat down in a private space just for the two of them, with no one else around to interrupt or watch.

Jonathan poured her a cup of coffee and said, “Honestly, I’ve been racking my brain for the past hour, but I still can’t figure out what I did to upset you since we came back to Nareigh.

“Is it because I haven’t called you these past couple of days?”

Teresa replied, “No.”

“Then what is it?” Jonathan pressed.

Teresa said, “It’s not because of anything, so don’t overthink it. It’s just my own choice. I want to live like this. Staying single suits me just fine.”

“Staying single forever? Won’t you marry anyone?” asked Jonathan.

“No,” Teresa responded.

Jonathan said, “What? You don’t have kids, so you feel like nothing is holding you back. But who’s going to take care of you when you’re old? It’s not like you have many relatives around.”

Teresa averted her gaze and said, “That’s none of your concern. That all comes later. Honestly, I’m happy being single right now. I don’t want to hold you back. Go find a woman who’s a better fit for you and remarry.”

Teresa walked away as soon as she finished speaking.

This time, Jonathan didn’t go after her. He was not mad. Honestly, there was nothing to be angry about. He would much rather she stay single than hear she had found a new boyfriend.

He could tell Teresa was in a foul mood. Whenever she got upset, she would start snapping with spiteful remarks, but she never revealed what was really bothering her.

Jonathan pondered for a moment and dialed Miriam’s number.