Chapter 667
“You never know what fate has in store until the very end,” Donald’s voice trailed off for a moment. “What I mean is, I still believe you and Teresa could reconcile.”
Jonathan fell silent, his reluctance to discuss the topic at that moment was palpable.
The first rays of sunlight spilled through the floor-to-ceiling window, casting a warm glow across the dining table. Jonathan remarked, “The morning sun’s out today.”
“Yeah,” Donald murmured, his voice trailing off. It was indeed a bright, sunny day.
At Nareigh General Hospital early in the morning, Jennifer’s accusatory questions already annoyed Teresa. “I didn’t see Donald yesterday,” she snapped. “No idea why he’s ignoring me. Don’t come to me with this. I’m not your punching bag, Jennifer.”
“I’m not blaming you,” Jennifer snapped. “I’m just asking. If Donald didn’t know about Mike, why would he suddenly ask me whether family bonds or love are more important? He must have figured something out.”
Teresa snapped, “Go ask him yourself. I’m exhausted. I’ve been taking care of Michael all day, and I’m not in the mood to deal with the drama between you and Donald. I’ll be getting him discharged soon, and tonight, Michael and I are leaving here.”
“Tonight?” Jennifer exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief. “Where are you taking Mike? Why didn’t you tell me beforehand?”
As the words left Jennifer’s lips, Teresa shot her a look that clearly said, “Why would I tell you?” Ever since Teresa slapped Jennifer that day, a quiet rift had grown between the sisters.
Jennifer took a deep breath. “There’s no need to rush off. Mike’s just recovered, isn’t he?”
Teresa said, “He just had an upset stomach. The doctor came by this morning and said he’s fine to be discharged so that it makes room for another kid needing the bed. I’m not rescheduling again, it’s a hassle. And I’m done with your accusations.”
Jennifer clenched her fists, swallowing back the words she always defaulted to – “Everything I did was for your own good.”
Jennifer said, “Fine. Maybe it’s for the best. Find somewhere quiet to have your second child; at least you won’t have to deal with Irene anymore.”
“Alright, I get it,” Teresa snapped, cutting Jennifer off. “We’ve talked about Irene to death already. If you’re done here, go. You’re not needed here anymore.”
Jennifer’s eyes welled up. She thought, ‘Teresa’s tone and expression seem to say they don’t need me here anymore—she doesn’t need a sister like me, and Michael doesn’t need me as his aunt either.’
Back then, she thought she could be Teresa’s strongest backer, always protecting her sister and nephew. But now they were like strangers, a painful truth. Teresa didn’t need her anymore, and they’d never be close again.
“Alright,” Jennifer exhaled deeply, forcing the words out. “If this is truly your decision, I’ll respect it this time.”
Teresa’s hands froze mid-fold on the quilt. Hearing Jennifer continue, “I won’t ask where you’re going, nor will I try to track you down like last time. If you want to contact me, do; if not, that’s your choice.
“Tonight, let me drive you and Mike to the airport—please don’t refuse. Consider this the last thing I can do for you, as a final act of sisterly bond.”
Teresa didn’t say a word. Jennifer turned around and left. Teresa stood still for a moment before snapping back to reality and getting back to pack up the belongings in the hospital room.
Jennifer had walked only a short way down the corridor when a sharp pain shot through her lower abdomen. Doubling over, she grabbed the railing and crouched down, clutching her belly.
She thought, ‘Is my baby? Am I about to miscarry? No. I can’t let anything happen to this baby now, especially when I need this child more than ever.’ She took deep breaths, trying to ease the pain.
Jennifer thought anxiously, ‘If Donald finds out that Mike is Teresa’s son, he’ll realize I faked the DNA test. This child is my only hope to keep him now. My baby, you’re my last hope. Please, please be alright.’