Chapter 206
Teresa had been eating breakfast listlessly, with her head down. Mason's question made her look up, and she managed a small, strained smile, "Grandpa, I've decided not to pursue the foreign service. I plan to teach at the language school while working on my Ph.D. I'm aiming for an associate professorship or even a full professorship eventually."
She had spent the entire previous night awake, wrestling with her thoughts.
She knew Gabriel wasn't keen on her joining the foreign service; not for any reason other than his deep love for her and his wish to have her by his side every day.
With that in mind, she was resolved not to become a diplomat. She'd stay in River North, aim for a doctoral position at Northern River University, and teach there without going anywhere else.
"Hmm, it's good that you're not trying to become a diplomat—you'd be flying around all the time, barely home," chimed Katherine immediately after Teresa spoke, nodding in agreement. After a moment's thought, she added, "But, Teresa, teaching and studying for a Ph.D. might be too much. In my opinion, you should focus on making a home ultimately."
"Well, I think it's wonderful. The Garcias have never had a professor in the family. If Teresa can earn that title, she'd bring great honor to us," Mason said, giving Katherine a look before quickly siding with Teresa as usual, with a warm smile, "Teresa, I like your plan. You have my support."
Katherine exchanged a glance with Mason, then turned toward the silent Raymond, with her expression speaking volumes.
"Thank you, Grandpa," said Teresa, smiling softly before turning to Katherine. "Mom, I will learn all I can from you about managing a home too."
Katherine felt more at ease hearing this. Something else crossed her mind, and she asked, "By the way, did Gabriel not come home last night because you two had a fight?"
Teresa looked at Katherine, her eyes dimming slightly, and nodded.
"Why would there be an argument? Did you do something to upset Gabriel?" Katherine instinctively placed the blame on Teresa, as everyone was well aware of how much Gabriel adored her. It was natural for Katherine to assume it couldn't have been Gabriel who upset Teresa.
"It's all part of love, a little spat between a couple is completely normal. You don't need to worry so much. Mason spoke for Teresa, who was speechless and staring at Katherine. "Just let them work it out themselves," Mason replied. Mason turned to face Teresa and said, "Teresa, please let me know if that boy Gabriel ever bullies you again." I'll correct him in your presence."
Katherine was speechless.
Teresa nodded with pursed lips, "Yeah, I get it, thanks, Grandpa."
Teresa didn't have any classes that morning, so she wasn't in a rush to head to work. After spending some time at home with her son, it was time to leave. Katherine stopped her at the door and handed her a thermos with a concerned tone,
"Last night, when I was on video chat with Gabriel, he looked a bit off, probably just tired. I've made some chicken soup; take it to him so he can have it while it's hot."
Not able to say no to Katherine, Teresa simply nodded, took the thermos from her hands, and agreed with a soft "Okay."
During breakfast, Raymond mentioned that Gabriel was at Nebula that day, so after getting in the car, Teresa instructed her driver to head towards Nebula.
However, when they were on their way, she couldn't help but feel conflicted. By bringing him the soup, wasn't she just making a peace offering?
They had argued so fiercely yesterday, said such final words, and here she was ready to make amends; how would that look?
But the thought of what Finley told her on the phone softened her heart.
It wasn't until last night that she truly understood that when you're in love, there are no limits to what you'd do for someone.
If Gabriel was happy, so was she. If he wasn't, her heart would ache more than ever.
For Gabriel, she was even ready to give up dreams she'd held for over a decade, so what's the big deal with making the first move to patch things up?
"Teresa, just accept it," she told herself, "What's the harm in taking the first step? You're already attached to Gabriel; you can't live without him now."
As Teresa's car sped towards the headquarters of Nebula, her mood had significantly improved upon coming to a realization. However, she was caught off guard when, upon reaching the office with soup in hand, the secretary's eyes widened with surprise upon seeing her. "Mrs. Garcia, didn't you know that the CEO, along with Finley and Skylar, have gone to Miami on a business trip?" the secretary asked.
The news plunged Teresa's recovering spirits back into a chasm of gloom.
Gabriel had left town on business and hadn't bothered to inform her.
"Mrs. Garcia, are you alright?" the secretary inquired with concern as she noticed Teresa's complexion grow somber.
Snapping back to reality, Teresa shook her head, turned around, and departed.
Exiting Nebula's office and settling into her car, Teresa felt an unprecedented kind of distress that conjured the image of a beached whale, helpless and awaiting the inevitable demise.
It was a harrowing feeling, one she never could have anticipated.
“Buzz...”
Some undetermined amount of time later, her purse began to vibrate very loudly. Teresa calmed herself down a little and reached in to get her phone.
It was William who had called.
