Chapter 198
40
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That night, Wendy had an event to attend, so she waited until the Sullivans arrived before leaving.
3
Yvonne wasn’t here tonight; instead, Theodore showed up at the hospital, bringing dinner with him.
Ever since Teresa was hospitalized, Theodore hadn’t visited her even once,
Tonight was the first time he’d come to the hospital.
They’d grown up together, and Theodore was the stern type–rarely cracking a smile, always strictly methodical in everything he did, and his moods could be downright unpredictable.
Even though Teresa understood her brother well, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy when they were alone together.
Teresa leaned back against the bedrail, quietly eating the dinner Theodore had brought her.
Theodore sat nearby, silently peeling an orange in his hands.
When he finished, he placed the peeled orange segments neatly into a small box.
After wiping his hands, he looked up at Teresa and asked, “Where’s Troy?”
That day, Troy had scooped Teresa up and rushed her out of the Sullivans‘ house.
The whole family rushed to the hospital in a panic, but when they realized Teresa just had a fever, Theodore calmly sent their parents home.
He’d wanted to grill Troy about why he was at the Sullivan Mansion, but Yvonne had shut him down right away- she wouldn’t let him ask a single question and practically kicked him out.
Theodore wasn’t clueless–he knew exactly what Yvonne had in mind.
So for the past two days, even though Theodore had been seriously worried about his sister, he’d held back and stayed away from the hospital.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to check on his sister—it’s just that if he ran into Troy, he couldn’t promise he wouldn’t lose it and maybe even take a swing at the guy.
Besides, Yvonne wasn’t having it either. She flat–out refused to let him come to the hospital.
When Theodore mentioned Troy, Teresa froze with her fork halfway to her mouth. She shrank back a little, mumbling, “Why does he have to ask about Troy right now?” Then she answered softly, “He went home.”
Theodore’s eyes narrowed, voice mocking. “Seriously? The guy couldn’t even last two days before bailing out?”
Teresa set her food aside and started eating the orange Theodore had peeled for her, taking her time.
At the same time, she said to Theodore, “He was born a Hamilton, so he’ll never truly be one of us”
Even if there was sarcasm in Theodore’s tone, you could still hear the genuine concern he had for Teresa.
He looked at her, worry in his eyes. “I’m not saying you shouldn’t date, but at least find someone dependable—someone solid, not just caught up in all those illusions people chase in wealthy families. Yvonne’s always singing Troy’s praises, but honestly, I don’t see it. He barely lasted two days before he couldn’t handle it and bailed. Do you really think a guy like that could ever take care of you for a lifetime?”
Teresa let out a light laugh and flashed Theodore a reassuring smile. “Relax, Theo–I’m not gonna fall in love so easily ever again.” Theodore watched his sister, feeling nothing but a dull ache in his chest.
She’d been married to Charles for so many years–he could only imagine how much she must have put up with.
If she wasn’t such a gentle soul, why would she ever bring up divorce in the first place?
The thought made Theodore beat himself up–why wasn’t he strong enough to help her?
1/3
12:15 AM P p.
Chapter 198
If only he’d been more capable, maybe things wouldn’t have turned out like this.
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Theodore gave Teresa a gentle, albeit pained smile. “If you ask me, Hector’s pretty solid–you two are both doctors, and his family’s got just the right background to match ours. And if that guy ever dares to treat you badly, you know I’ll have my handprint on his face in ten
minutes flat.”
Teresa giggled at Theo’s words, then joked, “Theo, Monica says she’ll look after me one day. So why can’t I just skip the whole marriage thing?”
Theodore lowered his hand and gave her a gentle smile. “Of course you can.”
He’d rather Teresa never get remarried, but if she ever insisted on tying the knot again, Hector Reed was the only guy he’d ever approve
As soon as Monica was mentioned, Teresa perked up and asked, “Theo, aren’t you supposed to be at home with Monica?”
Theodore answered, “She’s at home getting everything ready for our weekend trip. By the way, she wanted me to ask you are you still able to come with us for the autumn outing this weekend?”
We’re calling it an autumn outing, but, honestly, it’s pretty much winter already.
Thinking about her promise to Monica, Teresa said, “Of course I’m going. I promised Monica, so there’s no way I’m backing out.”
Theodore had wanted to stay with Teresa, but in the end, she talked him into leaving and going back home.
Fra
As soon as Teresa called out, she saw the mysterious figure stop in their tracks, hesitating for a brief moment.
After the nurse arrived with the meds and a glass of warm water, Charles helped Teresa take the medicine, making sure she swallowed it. Once she’d swallowed the medicine, Charles sat by her bedside, his eyes lingering on her sweat–soaked face. He leaned in a bit, voice edged with suspicion. “So, does he keep you company a lot?”
Charles lowered his head, staring at her for a moment before finally saying, “We’re still married.”
Teresa gave a wry smile. “Only on paper. That marriage license is the only thing left between us. Without it, we’re nothing.” Charles was quiet for a while before he finally asked, “If that piece of paper wasn’t holding us together, what would you do?“
Truth be told, even she didn’t know what she’d do.
Charles didn’t answer her, but he kept his eyes on her, his gaze never leaving her face for even a second.
After closing her eyes and taking a moment to rest, Teresa finally started to feel a lot better.
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Charles still hadn’t left. When Teresa opened her eyes again, she glanced at him and asked with curiosity, “You’re still here? Not heading
home?”
At her question, Charles finally answered, “Yolanda told me to come stay with you.”
Teresa wasn’t entirely convinced by his response.
Charles had always dismissed her, never once going out of his way to spend time with her–there was just no way he’d show up here on his own.
Honestly, she’d much sooner believe Yolanda asked him to come than think for a second that Charles came of his own accord.
Teresa didn’t say anything else, but just then, Charles’s phone started ringing.
She glanced over and noticed Naomi’s name lighting up his screen.
But this time, instead of answering, Charles just pressed mute.
That was unusual for him, and it left Teresa feeling puzzled.
While Teresa was still wondering about it, Charles stood up and said, “You’re all sweaty. Let me down a bit–you’ll feel more comfortable and get a better rest.”
Before Teresa could even say no, Charles’s phone chimed with a text message.
fetch some warm water
and wipe you
He picked it up, glanced at the screen, and his brow furrowed.
After a moment of hesitation, he looked down at Teresa and said, “I need
to step out for a
bit. I’ll be back soon.
With that, he turned and strode out, not hesitating for a second.
Watching him walk out so decisively, Teresa couldn’t help but chuckle to herself.
‘There was no way she was really going to wait for him. Even though she was hot and sweaty and uncomfortable, it was bedtime–she needed her sleep.

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