Chapter 59
Charles caught the lid, and pulled Teresa into his arms. It had been a long time since they’d embraced like this.
At that moment, Charles realized how soft and fragrant Teresa was. His chin rested against the crook of her neck, his senses overwhelmed by her gentle scent. It was light and soothing.
When Teresa finally realized she was in his arms, she froze, her mind going blank, and her body became stiff—unable to move. Her back pressed against his chest, feeling the heat of him, as if his warmth could melt her away.
For a long time, neither of them spoke. Time seemed to freeze, the only sound the steam dripping from the lid.
Teresa even found herself wishing that time could freeze like this–it would be nice. But that was just a fleeting thought. She knew deep down that her relationship with Charles could never be considered a happy one.
After what felt like an eternity, Teresa finally spoke. “Charles.”
Charles snapped out of his daze, set the lid down on the stove, and stepped back, removing his hands from her waist.
“Next time, use something to hold it down. It’s dangerous,” he said, his voice completely emotionless–just as cool and casual as ever.
But even such a plain remark was rare for him to say to her. The sudden concern made her wonder if she was dreaming. But the heat on her back reminded her that this was real. After a long silence, she finally said, “Okay.”
A moment later, Teresa heard Charles’s footsteps as he walked away. Her tense body finally relaxed, but the places where he had touched her still tingled, as if frozen in time.
Teresa reached to put the lid back on the pot. As she did, her finger brushed against the hot edge, sending a sharp pain through her body. She couldn’t help but cry out in pain.
Hearing her cry, Charles paused. He hadn’t intended to care, but somehow, he found himself walking back to her. “What’s wrong?” he asked, standing behind her.
Teresa had her finger under the cold water, trying to ease the burn. Startled by his voice, Teresa finally gathered her thoughts and quietly replied, “It’s nothing.”
Charles was tall, so just by leaning in a bit, he could see her scalded finger. He didn’t say anything else–he just turned and walked out of the kitchen.
But as soon as he stepped out, he ran right into Sharon. “Mrs. Logan hurt her hand. Go help her take care of it,” Charles ordered, his tone flat and commanding.
In the kitchen, Teresa heard the voices outside and frowned. She couldn’t understand Charles’s intentions. But she didn’t dwell on it. There was no point in overthinking.
Not long after, Sharon came in to treat her burn. By the time Sharon was done, the breakfast was ready.
Teresa turned off the stove, hearing Charles and Naomi talking outside. Though she didn’t hear their words, she could sense the ease between them–how comfortable and effortless they were with each other.
Loving someone and not loving someone… the difference really is this obvious, Teresa thought.
After five years of marriage, Teresa had never dared to truly be herself with Charles. She was always second–guessing, wondering if what she did would upset him.
And so, she lived constantly on edge. But no matter what, Charles didn’t love her.
Then, Charles returned to the kitchen. Seeing Teresa lost in thought, he gave her arm a light tug. “Something came up at the When Yolanda wakes up, could you take her to school for me?”
company.
Teresa didn’t purn to look at him. She just nodded and replied. “Okay”
Charles glanced at her side profile Her expression was distant. For the first time, he couldn’t tell what she was thinking But, as usual, he didn’t press any further. He simply left with Naond.
1305 PM P
Chapter 59
The next afternoon, Teresa had some free time. She was about to head to the library with the books Hector had given her when her phone suddenly rang.
She glanced down and saw it was Troy calling. Thinking back to how he’d helped her, she decided to answer. Standing at the street corner, she hugged the books to her chest and asked softly. “What’s up?”
On the other end, Troy’s voice was unusually quiet. Then, with his usual teasing tone, he asked, “Honey, have you missed me?”
Teresa frowned. “Troy, if you’ve got something to say, just say it.” Troy wasn’t a bad guy, but he always teased her, and she never knew how to respond to him.
“Come on, if you haven’t missed me, my heart’s gonna break,” Troy sighed dramatically, putting on a show of being all heartbroken.
Teresa was helpless against him, so she just stayed silent.
Seeing she wasn’t biting, Troy finally changed his tone. “Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing you. Come with me to a party tonight, okay?”
Remembering the promise she’d made to him, Teresa agreed. “Okay.”
Troy quickly added, “I’ll have the dress delivered to you. I’ll pick you up at six. As for your makeup and hair, someone will contact you
soon.”
Everything was organized, so Teresa didn’t have to worry about a thing. “Okay,” she replied, holding the phone.
Troy switched back to his usual playful tone. “Alright, I’m hanging up now–make sure you miss me, okay?”
After the call ended, Teresa hailed a cab and went back home to the Sullivan Mansion.
It wasn’t long before someone contacted her about the makeup and styling. Getting ready took nearly three hours, and by the end, Teresa’s butt had gone totally numb from sitting there so long.
Finally, the makeup artist said, “Ms. Sullivan, you’re all set.”
Teresa opened her eyes and gazed at her reflection. Her eyes were bright, her smile radiant, and her eye makeup made her look deep and captivating.
Looking at herself, she was a little surprised. It had been so long since she’d dressed up like this. Back in school, she had been one of the most sought–after beauties, but after meeting Charles, everything changed.
Thinking about all that, she couldn’t help but feel her eyes grow misty.
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