When She Turns Her Back (Teresa and Charles) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Hector finished his shift early, and arrived at the pediatric surgery department before noon to wait for Teresa.

Teresa had just admitted a young boy with extensive burns. After completing the admission process and issuing medical orders, she finally went to wash up and change out of her white coat.

Hector waited patiently, occasionally exchanging a word or two with the nurses who struck up talks with him.

By the time they left the hospital, it was almost 12:30.

Hector drove Teresa to a top Chinese restaurant in the city center.

They were seated by the window, overlooking the heart of Riverdale.

Remembering Teresa’s preferences, Hector ordered their dishes and poured her a cup of hot water.

“What are you looking?” He asked.

t exactly top–tier. You’re wasting your talents here.”

Teresa looked away without answering his question. “Riverdale Hospital

With Hector’s skills, any hospital would be fighting to have him. Yet he’d chosen hers.

She wasn’t stupid–she could read between the lines.

Hector smiled. “Precisely because I’m capable, I should go where I’m needed most.”

The answer was ambiguous, yet undeniably logical.

The answer was ambiguous, yet undeniably logical.

“But here,” Hector interrupted, locking eyes with her, “the need feels… more personal.”

His gaze was so intense that Teresa’s breath hitched.

The arrival of their food broke the tension. After the server left, Hector gestured, “Let’s eat.”

The dishes were exquisite and delicious.

As Hector served her a portion, he casually asked, “Want to join a lecture this weekend?”

Teresa paused. “Whose lecture?”

“From my mentor.”

Her chopsticks hovered mid–air. “I’m hardly qualified.”

Hector’s eyes crinkled. “I’m your qualification.”

The penny dropped. “Oh.”

His doctoral advisor was Professor Judd—a living legend whose research had rewritten medical textbooks.

Half the top surgeons in the country had trained under him.

Teresa had once dreamed of joining their ranks. Then marriage clipped her wings. That’s a big regret in her mind.

At twenty–seven, testarting her academic journey seemed impossible. By the time she finished residency again, she’d be pushing forty

But no sil in on one of Judd’s lectures, who could say no?

Later, her phone buzzed. Monica’s name flailed on screen “Sweetheart?”

Tautin, Kulanda caused trouble at actual today

Teresa’s cheat tightened What happeord”

“bung ing tempest lins walte biste bdsm agaat en kijken and threatened to tell ber daidy

1/8

1:05 PM P P.

Chapter 31

“Did they call her parents?”

“A pretty lady came. Don’t know what she said, but she left real quick.”

She knew that was Naomi,

Teresa’s jaw clenched. “You eaten yet, sweetie?”

“Yeah! You?”

“Mm, eating now.”

“…Auntie sad?”

Teresa hesitated. “Just tired.”

The lie tasted bitter. Yolanda was her daughter in all but name–what did that say about her parenting?

She pushed her plate away. Across the table, Hector said no more.

As they left the restaurant, two men walked in Jason and Finn.

Teresa saw them but said nothing, brushing past without a word. Hector followed silently.

“What the hell? Since when does she ignore us?” Jason stared after her, baffled.

Finn shrugged. “No idea.”

In their minds, Teresa had always been like human glue–the second she spotted them, she’d stick like crazy, just to get any scrap of info about Charles.

But today? She’d straight–up walked away?

Jason couldn’t wrap his head around it. “That was Teresa, right? Tell me I’m seeing things.”

Finn shoved him toward the restaurant. “Move it. Charles is waiting.”

Jason kept babbling as they walked. “Seriously, did she not see us? Or did she take a stupid pill this morning?”

The questions didn’t stop until they reached the private dining room.

Seeing Charles, Jason finally dialed it back–at least until the first course arrived.

Scooting his chair closer, Jason stage–whispered, “Guess who I just ran into?”

Charles hated guessing games. “Who?”

“Teresa. Your wife.”

Charles didn’t even blink, just kept eating.

This pissed Jason off. “Dude, she totally blanked me. The same Teresa who used to cling like duct tape just to ask where you were? Now she acts like I’m air. Someone put a curse on her or what?”

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