Chapter 53 Two Years Later
Liam had been absent from the Evans estate for weeks.
Work had overwhelmed him, and the thought of returning home was the last thing he wanted. Since moving out post-graduation, his visits had become rare, Yvonne's motherly grip tightening with each passing day. Her initial fierce opposition to his relationship with Teresa had sparked a major row, a subject now is the taboo at the Evans home.
On the day of Liam's unexpected return, Yvonne was set to watch a new jewelry collection downtown. However, just as she was departing, the butler announced Liam's arrival.
Though not her biological son, Yvonne had always treated Liam as her own. "You're back early," she greeted him warmly, "skipping the West City ribbon-cutting?"
Liam sneered inwardly, Yvonne's surveillance of his schedule clear as day.
"Cancelled," he said tersely.
"It's just an opening." Yvonne dismissed with a smile, reaching for his arm. "Come, sit. The kitchen has prepared a nice soup for you."
Liam, irked, pulled away. "Mom, did you speak to Teresa during my last trip to Jena?"
Yvonne's warm demeanor chilled. "Has she been complaining?"
"You were harsh with her?" Liam pressed.
"I spoke the truth," Yvonne snapped back. "She may have come into money, but she cheated on you, and had a child... I don't understand what spell she's cast on you."
Liam's scowl deepened. "So, you admit to berating her?"
"I state facts." Yvonne retorted. "She should have the decency to leave you alone."
"What if I won't give her up?" Liam challenged.
"Her indiscretions bar her from our family," Yvonne declared, unyielding. "Your father agrees."
Liam scoffed, "So I should remain alone forever?"
"Why choose her over suitable women from good families?" Yvonne's anger flared.
"I love her, faults and all," Liam affirmed.
"Bringing her into this family is not an option," Yvonne warned. "She won't find peace if you insist."
With a cold laugh, Liam turned and left, Yvonne's calls were fading behind him.
The butler hesitated, "Should I follow him?"
"No," Yvonne sighed. "If he marries that girl, he will lose his throne."
Two years later, in Jena, Teresa and Diana celebrated their master's degrees. The chancellor praised Teresa, wishing her a bright future. Afterward, they took photos, joined by Sister Lan and Croissant, the class pet.
As they exited, Croissant dashed to Teresa, yelping, "Mommy!"
Diana scooped him up, and they played, Croissant's affection for Teresa evident as he kissed her, saying, "Mommy is pretty!"
Diana teased about favoritism, but Croissant assured her, "Both pretty!" They laughed and took pictures.
A classmate asked about Croissant's father. Teresa, having fended off suitors with a fabricated marriage, smiled away the inquiry.
Her phone buzzed, it was William, likely with graduation congratulations. "Excuse me," she said to Jeff Chen, "it's my husband."
On the call, William's tone was grave. "Dad's hospitalized. It's serious. Come quickly."
Teresa was stunned, her heart was sinking. William had arranged her return, cautioning about media attention for Fido's sake.
"What's wrong with Dad?" Teresa's voice shook.
"Just come back," William urged.
Teresa agreed, ending the call in a daze, tears streaming down her face.
"Mama!" Croissant noticed her distress and hugged her tightly.
"What's wrong?" Diana asked, concerned.
Teresa hugged her son. "I need to go home. My father's ill."
"We'll care for Croissant," Diana assured her.
Teresa nodded, heart heavy with the thought of leaving her son.
At the airport, Croissant clung to her, pleading, "Don't leave..."
"It's just two days," Teresa soothed, and kissed him.
Reluctantly, Croissant let go, and Diana comforted him, "Mommy will call soon."
As Teresa walked to security, Croissant called out, "Bye-bye, mama!"
Teresa turned, and blew him a kiss, her smile was masking the pain in her heart as she passed through to her flight.
