Chapter 30
A teasing glint lit Jonathan’s eyes as he picked up on Teresa’s irritation. “So, are you more upset or is that jealousy I see?”
Teresa’s features hardened. “Jonathan, I’m serious. At our age, we can’t be messing around with this sort of thing. It’s enough to make
anyone mad
“What am I supposed to say when your network keeps asking for interviews? Once I’m on TV, I’ll be swarmed by women,” he remarked.
Teresa gazed at him, appreciating how his naturally attractive features had enhanced over the years
“You’re quite full of yourself, aren’t you?” she said, playfully deflating his confidence. Baffled by his fabricated story of a fiancée meant to dellect attention, she’d expected him to bask in the adoration he received.
Catching the coldness in her eyes, Jonathan let out a soft sigh. “You’ve had a tough day, he spoke gently.
Teresa’s throat tightened, and she turned her gaze away. Tm fine.” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
She was all too familiar with such drama. Her split from Jonathan had been largely influenced by Irene. She’d learned the hard way that marriage could struggle without a supportive mother–in–law. Beyond Irene’s impact, there was another major reason for their divorce.
Teresa looked intently at Jonathan, her voice steady as she inquired. “Mind if I ask you something?”
“Go ahead,” he replied.
She paused to gather herself before asking. “What about Yvonne?” She had believed Yvonne was his fiancée,
The memory of Yvonne’s desperate pleas for Jonathan’s attention loomed heavily over Teresa
Jonathan’s eyes flickered with a deep sadness that Teresa couldn’t miss. “She took her own life last year,” he shared, his voice carrying the burden of that truth.
The news struck Teresa with force. She found it difficult to align the Yvonne she knew–self–absorbed and morally deficient–with the concept of taking her own life.
Sitting back, her lips pursed, Teresa admitted. “To be honest, I never felt much sympathy for her,” her tone resolute, even considering Yvonne’s depression.
To Teresa, depression didn’t excuse butting into someone’s marriage. Yet, Teresa’s doubts lingered. “You’re not lying again, are you?” she probed, her voice laced with skepticism.
Jonathan’s voice was dead serious as he spoke. I’m not kidding about this. She threw herself into the river and she’s gone.”
Teresa let out a soft “Oh,” and silence ensued. The previous emotional toll seemedyo vanish amidst the surprise of the news she’d received
Yvonne had left no stone unturned in her efforts to break up Jonathan’s marriage to Teresa, and her tactics had swayed Irene to her side.
Teresa had stepped back from her marriage with Jonathan, believing Yvonne and Irene would get what they wanted. Yvonne’s death had been unexpected, and only now did Teresa see why Irene was on the hunt for a new spouse for Jonathan.
Noting Simona’s attraction to Jonathan, Teresa commented, “Simona’s quite taken with you. She couldn’t take her eyes off you since arrived. And she’s quite the looker herself.”
“Enough, Jonathan cut her off, his grip on the steering wheel tightening
Teresa just snorted and went quiet, not pushing the topic any further.
you
Pulling up at Rosary Estates, Teresa hurriedly headed for the exit without a word of farewell. Jonathan, remaining in the vehicle, called out to her, “Happy Thanksgiving, and threw a purse in her direction.
The moment Teresa caught the bag, her eyes caught sight of the iconic Hermes logo, and memories surged back.
She recalled saying to him, “I really want this bag,” and his casual reply. “Then get it.”
When she pointed out, “It’s 15 grand–that’s your entire month’s salary,” he dismissed her concern with, “If it brings you joy, it’s worth every penny. I’ll make more.”
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Chapter 30
Coming back to the present, Teresa looked at Jonathan with a mix of surprise and nostalgia. “This is the ultra–rare edition, isn’t it? It costs as much as your annual salary back then, right?”
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