Teresa thought, "If Jennifer ever found out what kind of person Peggy really was, she’d be even more devastated, wouldn’t she?"

But Evelyn said, "It’s been so many years. Maybe Peggy’s turned over a new leaf."

Teresa didn’t think so. "No matter how much she changes, nothing erases the fact that she was a home-wrecker who destroyed our family."

"I know. I hate Peggy, and she hates me too. But…" Teresa trailed off, letting out a sigh.

As Teresa was about to leave, Evelyn grabbed her arm. "Teresa, listen to me. Let’s just hold off on telling Jennifer about Peggy’s past for now—she’s already falling apart."

"We’ll find Peggy and confront her face to face, and then we can tell Jennifer the truth. Otherwise, I’m afraid she might do something reckless. That would be just too sad."

Teresa pulled away from Evelyn, not understanding what she was thinking. "You feel sorry for her? What about your child? They got switched at birth and are being raised by Peggy. We don’t even know how they’re doing right now."

Evelyn started crying. "How could I not worry? But I don’t know what to do. Tell me, what should I do?"

"Of course, I want to find my child, whether it’s a boy or a girl. But I have feelings for Jennifer too. She’s been suffering all these years, and I feel so guilty toward her."

Evelyn broke down even harder, as if she was the one struggling to accept reality–like she was lying to herself more than anyone else.

"Alright, I get it," Teresa said. "Our top priority is to find Peggy and figure out the truth. I’ll contact you the moment I hear anything."

"Okay."

"Are you still going to stay at the hotel?"

Evelyn nodded. "I’ll be okay. Don’t worry. You’ve got enough on your plate, especially with the pregnancy."

Teresa didn’t say anything more and turned to leave. She was about to drive off when she saw Jennifer squatting on the side of the road, crying. Teresa just stood there, staring at her for a moment.

She thought, "From now on, I’m done with Jennifer’s sister-drama. I’m not gonna keep worrying about her happiness or making sacrifices. And she definitely won’t have the guts to mess with my life anymore."

"This is the best outcome for us, right? We never got along anyway–we’d start fighting before we even finished a conversation."

Teresa walked over to Jennifer, who looked up at her.

"If you can’t get a cab here, I can give you a ride," Teresa said.

"No, thanks," Jennifer said, lowering her head. "I kicked you out of the car; how could I possibly have the face to ask you for a ride now? Just go. I want to be alone for a bit."

Teresa didn’t say anything else and turned to leave.

"Wait, Teresa," Jennifer called after her.

Teresa took a deep breath and turned around. "Anything else?"

Jennifer said, "If you hear anything about Peggy or manage to get in touch with her, let me know right away."

"Okay," Teresa said, climbed into the car, and drove off. In the rearview mirror, Jennifer gradually shrank to a tiny dot.

Teresa couldn’t quite put her finger on how she felt. There was some relief–she didn’t have to tiptoe around Jennifer’s feelings anymore. But she wasn’t exactly celebrating either.

The Hannah she thought she’d known since childhood suddenly didn’t exist anymore. Jennifer wasn’t Hannah now; she was just Jennifer.

"Donald, I’m home. Sorry I’m late," Jennifer said, her whole body heavy with exhaustion as she walked in.

"Where did you go?" Donald asked, his voice flat.

"Oh, I went to see Teresa," Jennifer said carefully, her eyes still red and puffy.

Donald didn’t press further. The two ate in silence.

Finally, Donald dropped his fork and sighed. "Something’s up?"

Jennifer quickly wiped her eyes. "It’s nothing."

Once they were done eating, Donald got up to do the chores. The house that used to be filled with laughter was now just silent.

Jennifer suddenly hugged him from behind, pressing her cheek against his back. As he was about to turn around, she stopped him, her voice pleading, "Let me hold you like this for a bit, please."

"What on earth happened?" Donald asked.

"Nothing," Jennifer said softly. "I’m just so afraid of losing you."

Donald stood there in silence.

"I’m sorry, Donald. I really am. I know I’ve done so many things that hurt you. I know I was wrong, and I promise I’ll change–I’ll work on my temper, my personality, everything about me," Jennifer said.

"Then start by quitting your job."

Jennifer stared at him, her heart aching.

Donald turned around and looked at her. "You still can’t let go of your job, can you? Just like you can’t let go of your reputation and pride. You say you’ll change, but it’s just lip service."

Jennifer took a deep breath. "Just give me a little more time. I’ll resign on my own."

"Vincent’s already pushing me. I know he didn’t fall out with you just because of Jonathan. But you’re running out of time," Donald said. Jennifer fell silent. After a while, she said, "I understand. Just give me a little more time. I want to leave with some dignity."

"Okay," Donald said, his voice heavy. "But do it as soon as you can. Don’t let it get to the point where everyone ends up embarrassed."

He honestly didn’t know how to face anyone anymore–he couldn’t hold his head up at home or the hospital, all because of Jennifer’s dishonesty.

"Donald," Jennifer called out as he was about to head to the bedroom. "You’re the one who’s treated me the best in this whole world. Thanks, and I love you."

Donald just gave a bitter smile and didn’t say a word.

Teresa arrived at Rosary Estates. Not finding Jonathan around, she checked her phone and saw his message: [I’m at the airport picking up Michael.]

Half an hour later, Jonathan came back and headed upstairs with Michael, who had eaten with Benny, in his arms. Teresa opened the door and saw Michael fast asleep on Jonathan’s shoulder.

After settling Michael down, Jonathan walked to the kitchen and stood there, gazing at Teresa as she cooked some pasta.

Teresa waved the knife in her hand and said, "Let’s keep dinner simple tonight. I’m really tired."

Jonathan washed his hands and rolled up his sleeves. "Move. I’ll handle this."

Teresa stepped aside, staring at his tall, imposing back. "Sorry for all the trouble today."

Jonathan remained silent.

They finished their meal in silence, and then Jonathan went to do the dishes.

Teresa saw Jonathan’s coat on the sofa. As she was about to take it to his room, a piece of paper fell out of the pocket.

It was a lawsuit. The plaintiff was Jonathan, while the defendant was Jennifer, deputy director of the gynecology department at Nareigh General Hospital.

Before Teresa could read any further, Jonathan took the lawsuit right out of her hands. She blurted out, "Didn’t you say you weren’t going to sue Jennifer?"