When She Walks Away (Teresa) novel Chapter 97

Chapter 97

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Teresa stood frozen, her mind went blank as Yolanda pushed her aside.

She was still burning up and weak, so when Yolanda shoved her hard, she stumbled to the side.

Yolanda, in tears, cried out, “Dad… Dad…”

Charles rushed over, scooped her up, and comforted her, “I’m here. Be good, Yolanda.”

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Yolanda clung to Charles‘ shirt, her cheeks wet with tears. She sobbed, “Dad, where’s Miss Naomi? I want Miss Naomi…”

Charles, his heart aching, nuzzled her gently and said in a soft voice, “How about I take you to see Miss Naomi this weekend?”

Yolanda pouted, “No, I want to go right now. Dad, I want Miss Naomi to play the piano for me. I want her to tell me stories. Dad, I want Miss Naomi to be here with me.”

Charles felt his heart break as he heard Yolanda crying. He couldn’t refuse anything she asked for. “Alright, I’ll call Miss Naomi and ask her to come over and keep you company, okay?”

Yolanda instantly stopped crying. “Okay.”

Teresa sat at the foot of the bed, quietly listening to their conversation, with tears streaming down her cheeks.

She gritted her teeth, refusing to let herself make a sound.

Sharon stood quietly beside her, reaching out to pat her shoulder.

Teresa didn’t catch anything else Charles and Yolanda said. Staying here, she felt like nothing but a pathetic extra.

Bracing herself, Teresa struggled to her feet and slowly made her way out of the bedroom.

When she got downstairs, she noticed the rain outside was pouring even harder.

Staring at the downpour, Teresa felt her heart grow just as damp and heavy as the world outside.

It wasn’t long before Charles came downstairs.

Seeing Teresa still standing by the door, he walked over and said, “I called Ms. Taylor. Yolanda is not going to kindergarten today.”

Teresa, her back to him, replied flatly, “Okay.”

After a brief pause, she added, “Then I’m heading to work.”

But at the same time, Charles said, “You should stay home and take care of Yolanda

Teresa refused, “I can’t just take time off from work. If you don’t want to look after her, just get someone else to do it.”

Everyone knew what she meant. She wanted Naomi to look after Yolanda.

Charles was clearly upset as he said, “Teresa, when did you become like this?”

He thought, ‘Back then, whenever Yolanda got sick, Teresa always handled everything by herself. So why can’t she do it now?’

Hearing Charles‘ question, Teresa said calmly, “Charles, I haven’t changed. I just finally see things clearly.”

Without another word, she popped open her umbrella and walked straight into the downpour.

Charles felt a surge of anger at how cold and resolute she was, but just then, his phone started ringing.

He glanced down. It was Liam calling

Liam said, “Mr. Logan, there’s a meeting about to start.

Thinking of Yolanda, Charles let out a helpless sigh. “Push the meeting back. I’m not coming in today. You take care of things for now. Unless it’s something urgent, don’t bother calling me.”

Liam didn’t dare ask for details but just answered, “Okay.” 1/3

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Chapter 97

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Teresa arrived at the hospital in a daze, barely getting through the day. She couldn’t get much work done, but luckily, her coworkers noticed she was feeling off and stepped in to help cover her shifts.

Feeling grateful, she made a point to say she’d take everyone out for a meal once she was back on her feet.

Later that afternoon, Charles texted her: [Yolanda wants the cereal you make.]

Teresa stared at the screen, unsure how to respond.

She wondered if she should agree or not.

In the end, she didn’t reply at all.

But when it was time to leave work, she found herself hesitating.

When Teresa arrived at Joyacre Villa, Sharon was tidying up in the living room. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Teresa walk in. “Mrs. Logan?”

Teresa ladled out a bowl of cereal for Yolanda, not saying a single word.

She was so wiped out from the day. All she wanted was to just lie there.

She didn’t even have the strength to push the blanket away.

Seeing her awake, Charles checked her forehead and then his own “You’ve got a fever again,” he said.

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Chapter 97

Charles was clearly worried. He bent down and said, “Let me carry you upstairs to bed.”

But as soon as he reached out, Teresa pushed his hand away, weakly but stubbornly. “No, I can walk by myself.”

Even though she could barely stand, she insisted on walking by herself.

She pushed herself up from the couch, sweat soaking through her clothes.

After catching her breath for a bit, she got up and headed for the stairs.

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But she barely made it a few steps before her strength gave out, and she started to

tip over.

Charles had been watching her the whole time. The moment he saw her about to collapse, he rushed over and caught her, saying, “Why are you acting so tough?”

Leaning against him, Teresa shot back, still stubborn as ever, “I’m not.”

Charles snapped, frustration clear in his voice. “What’s the point of acting like this? I’m already worn out from taking care of Yolanda, and now you expect me to look after you too?”

Teresa shot back coldly, her tone frosty, “I’m not asking for your help. I don’t need you to look after me.”

She tried to shove him away, but he wouldn’t let go, holding her firmly in place.

She was already at a disadvantage, and with her fever making her even weaker, she was no match for him.

The back–and–forth struggle only left her even more soaked in sweat.

With Teresa so weak, Charles bent over and lifted her into his arms without hesitation.

Teresa didn’t have the strength to fight anymore. She let herself lean against his chest, her eyes drifting up to his strong, set jaw. He was undeniably handsome, but there was a coldness about him that made her heart ache.

Sometimes, the most beautiful people were the most dangerous. Their charm was a poison that cut the deepest.

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