Chapter 233
At the same time, back at Rosary Estates, Jennifer returned to pack her luggage. Teresa was preparing to leave for Fernlandia with Michael, while Jennifer planned to head to Shaville to meet an old classmate.
She didn’t want to give up the cushy benefits and promotion opportunities in Nareigh, but she had no choice. She couldn’t afford to hold Donald back any longer.
Her plan was straightforward. She decided to move to Shaville and climb the careeadder step by step, first to the deputy department head, then to the department head. After saving up for a few years, she would have Teresa move in with her.
They’d both be focused on their careers. By then, Jonathan might have remarried and had kids, and Teresa would have moved on. Jennifer imagined them raising Michael and Teresa’s unborn baby, whose gender was still unknown, side by side
Jennifer had it all mapped out. The next few years would be tough. Earning a living wouldn’t be easy, but she believed they just had to get through the grind, and everything would eventually fall into place.
They were both still under thirty. As long as she and Teresa worked hard, life would only get better. They didn’t need men in their lives. As for Evelyn and Isabel, they could do whatever they wanted. Jennifer couldn’t care less.
All three of them had afternoon flights. For once, Jennifer allowed herself a rare smile. No one understood better than her that everything she was doing was for Teresa’s own good. Without her ex–husband’s family fighting for custody, Teresa would thank her one day.
The childhood promise of happiness they’d dreamed of was finally within reach.
“Got everything packed?” Jennifer asked.
“Yeah…” Teresa replied softly.
“I’m all set too,” Jennifer said with a sigh of relief. “Finally, we’re getting out of here. Teresa, once you leave, don’t even think about coming back.
“I only agreed to let you keep the baby because you promised me. If you get tangled up with your ex again, you won’t be able to hide it. They’ll take your kids away, and you’ll be left with nothing p>
Nobody liked being nagged constantly, not even by family. It was exhausting and suffocating. Jennifer just drilled the same point over and over and acted like it was for her own good.
Teresa got it, and she really did. But no one would want their life dictated by someone else.
Ever since their reconnection, Jennifer’s controlling nature and constant claims of acting for her own good had left Teresa drained time and time again.
For now, Teresa played along. But deep down, she knew leaving was her only escape.
“Jennifer, I’m heading to the restroom. Keep an eye on Michael for me,” said Teresa.
Watching Teresa walk away, Jennifer sighed softly. She knew Teresa was still struggling to let go, but time would heal that. Straightening Michael’s collar, she crouched down to his level.
“Mike, I need to tell you something. Listen up, okay?” she said. “When you get to Fernlandia, be a good boy and listen to your mom. I’ll call your grandma and your mom often, and if I hear you’re not behaving, I’ll be mad p>
“Jennifer, I’m always good. Can you stop being so hard on my mom, please?” Michael said.
Jennifer reached out and softly patted his head. “I’m hardly ever hard on her. She’s my little sister. How could I be mean to her? I’ll miss you both so much when you’re not living with me anymore p>
Just as she finished speaking, Teresa returned from the restroom. Jennifer didn’t say anything further to Michael.
Michael clung to Teresa’s hand, his reddened eyes brimming with unshed tears. He parted his lips but quickly shut them, glancing nervously at Jennifer.
At that moment, Jennifer’s phone vibrated softly in her hand, breaking the tense silence. It was a message from Cheryl.
[Jennifer, I helped you out again p>
[That guy named Benny was about to do another DNA test, and I happened to run into him. I stopped him you p>
[I just want you to see my brother. He’s drinking himself sick, not eating, and wants to transfer to another hospital just to be near you. He’s a good, hardworking guy. Pleas
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[He’s my only brother and he’s killing himself over you, if you don’t come see him, then forget it. Let everything fall apart.] Jennifer’s grip tightened on her phone. Frustration and guilt surged inside her, but she stayed calm.
Noticing the serious expression on Jennifer’s face, Teresa asked, “What’s wrong? Did something happen p>
Jennifer put her phone away and replied, “Something came up at the hospital. I need to head back. You two go to the
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airport without me. I’ll leave another day p>
Teresa nodded. “Alright, that works After all, they weren’t heading in the same direction.
“Take care on the way,” Jennifer added. “Let me know when you arrive p>
She turned to Michael again. “Mike, make sure you listen to your mom and don’t wander off
“I know, Jennifer…” Michael replied softly. Once Jennifer hurried off, Michael clung tightly to Teresa’s hand. “Mom”
Teresa looked down and saw tears welling up in his eyes. Alarmed, she asked, “What’s wrong, sweetheart? Why are you crying p>
Michael wiped his tears and shook his head. “Mom, I have a small request. Can I say goodbye to Mr. Lime? Just one last time before we leave p>
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