Chapter 51 Unsettled Hearts and Unspoken Promises
Liam had jetted back to River North, leaving Teresa grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. Her parents, caught up in their own business affairs, planned to follow the next morning. But as they prepared to leave, Teresa clung to her child, her grip on the little one was as firm as her determination.
"Teresa, we need to go, or we'll miss our flight. There's just one flight a day back to River North, and we can't miss it," Sophia urged, reaching for the baby nestled in Teresa's arms.
"Mom, Dad, I'm not marrying Liam. Can't I just keep the baby with me?" Teresa's plea was soft but firm, her eyes pleading as she held her child closer.
Lanjie, the seasoned nursery teacher hired for her expertise, stood by, a testament to the care the child would receive.
Diana, the supportive cousin, chimed in, her eyes were mirroring Teresa's plea. "Please, let Teresa keep the baby. We'll take good care of her here."
Patrick's stern gaze landed on Teresa, his voice was betraying his frustration. "You're set on this decision not to marry Liam?"
The truth hit Patrick hard. Teresa's child, born out of wedlock, this was a fact that would never sit well with the Evans, especially with Liam's mother's disdain for the Bennetts. He couldn't bear the thought of his daughter facing a lifetime of scorn in the Evans household. Patrick's pride wouldn't allow it.
Sophia understood her husband's protectiveness. By asking Teresa to reconsider, he hoped to shield her from future regret.
"I'm sorry for disappointing you," Teresa whispered, her voice was heavy with remorse. She knew the price of losing Liam as a business partner, but the truth of her child still remained unchangeable, a reality that could haunt their future.
Her decision was final, she couldn't marry Liam.
Patrick sighed deeply and stepped into the car. "You're on your own now," he said, a mix of frustration and resignation in his voice.
"What about the child?" Sophia asked, torn between her husband's firm stance and her maternal instincts.
Patrick was resolute. "She needs to understand what it means to raise a child. She must learn to take responsibilities. We can't cover her forever."
Sophia nodded, her heart heavy. "We'll respect your wishes, Teresa. Just be sure this is what you want."
Teresa nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you," she managed to say that as her parents drove away, leaving her with her child and a future full of uncertainties.
Gabriel watched everything from his Bentley, his heart was a tangled mess of emotions. Teresa's tears had etched themselves into his memory. He had been orbiting her life, unseen yet constant, since the night that changed everything.
He pondered his next move, his feelings for Teresa a torrent he couldn't contain. His usual confidence wavered as he considered revealing the truth of that night.
As Teresa gathered herself and headed back inside, Gabriel instructed his driver to leave. He was always one step behind, always missing the chance to make things right.
Teresa's return to her studies at Jena University was swift, ignoring the traditional customs of postpartum confinement. Her classmates marveled at her resilience, her figure was unchanged, and her spirit was undimmed.
She balanced motherhood and her studies. The babysitter and Diana were her strengths, supporting her through the relentless pace of her new life.
One late evening, after a long study session, Teresa found herself without a taxi to go home. As she debated her options, the sight of Gabriel's Bentley stirred a mix of annoyance and curiosity.
Deciding to walk, she was soon interrupted by Gabriel. Their exchange was brief but intense, revealing the end of his marriage to Unity and his newfound freedom.
Teresa's disbelief was palpable, her sarcasm was a shield against the absurdity of Gabriel's proposal to take her and her child under his wing.
Their conversation was cut short by a thief snatching Teresa's purse. Gabriel sprang into action, promising to get her belongings back. Teresa was concerned of his safety, this was a new sensation, one that left her unsettled as she awaited his return.
The driver's reassurance did little to ease Teresa's mind. Gabriel's actions, his presence in Jena, all pointed to an interest in her that defied explanation.
When Gabriel finally returned, victorious in his pursuit of the thief, Teresa's relief was overwhelming. Her heart, once guarded, began to soften towards the man who had once been nothing more than a shadow in her life.
Gabriel's concern for her well-being, his determination to protect her and her child, was a revelation. In that moment, Teresa's world, once so certain, began to shift.
