Chapter 5
Chapter 5 That Chapter Has Closed
When Teresa woke up, she found herself in a hospital bed. Sylvia checked on her and said, “Stay two more days before discharge. Then get proper rest at home.” Teresa nodded. She had decided to take a full month off. Her body mattered, and she would treat it right.
After Sylvia left, Teresa checked her phone. The screen showed no missed calls from Charles. Clearly, last night had meant nothing to him. But for Teresa, everything had changed. This painful realization finally freed her from endless emotional exhaustion and struggle.
Out of habit, she opened the video app. Naomi’s post appeared first, with a subtle suggestion that they might know each other. The video showed Naomi holding a child’s hand. Even from behind, Teresa recognized Yolanda instantly. The caption simply read, [It feels good to be needed.] The familiar backdrop was unmistakably Joyacre Villa’s living room.
Teresa’s lips twitched in automatic response, the ghost of a smile flickering briefly. Then she pressed down on the post and selected Not Interested. No longer would she be a silent witness to their lives. That chapter had closed for good.
*****
After leaving the hospital, Teresa hired a live-in caregiver. She followed her doctor’s advice carefully, resting at home for a full month. When the recovery period ended, she paid the caregiver. Then she changed into a simple dress, applied light makeup, and drove straight to Riverdale.
It was the 15th, their usual day to try for another baby. Teresa never really enjoyed being with Charles. He always rushed through it, eager to get back to Naomi. But tonight wasn’t about having a child. Tonight, she would seriously tell him she wanted a divorce.
Teresa reached Brocade Villa around 7 pm. Seeing her arrival, Barbara quickly set about making dinner. After the meal, Teresa headed upstairs to the study. On the desk sat the divorce papers, completely untouched, just like she had left them last month. Clearly, Charles hadn’t come home the entire time.
Teresa waited until past 9 pm, growing impatient. Suddenly, footsteps sounded outside. But when the door opened, it was only Barbara. “Mrs. Logan, Mr. Logan just called. He said he’s busy tonight and won’t be back. He told you to come back next month instead.”
Teresa laughed bitterly. She came back this month, but she wouldn’t be coming next month. She was tired of being chained to this marriage. After a short pause, she stood and said to Barbara, “When he comes back, tell him I left something on the desk for him.” Barbara nodded silently.
Teresa grabbed her bag and walked out of Brocade Villa. With no destination in mind, she drove aimlessly through the city streets. Her hands moved automatically on the steering wheel until, without conscious thought, she found herself outside Riverdale Auditorium, where crowds of young people were pouring out after some event.
The crowd gradually dispersed until only three figures remained. Charles and Naomi walked side by side, each holding one of Yolanda’s hands. The three of them exchanged warm smiles, creating a picture of perfect happiness. Teresa froze at the sight.
Yolanda swung Naomi’s arm playfully and said in her sweetest voice, “Miss Naomi, you looked like a shining fairy up there. Your piano playing was wonderful. When I grow up, will you teach me too? Please, Miss Naomi?”
Naomi stood glowing in a white evening dress, bright as a night-time star. She bent down to Yolanda’s level with a kind smile, tapping the girl’s nose gently. “If you want to learn,” she laughed, “of course I’ll teach you.”
Yolanda bounced excitedly, then looked up at Charles with shining eyes. “Daddy, Miss Naomi is the best, right?” Charles’ eyes softened as he nodded, his expression full of pride and admiration. Yolanda grinned from ear to ear. “I wanna be just like Miss Naomi when I’m big.”
Teresa watched through the glass. She had never seen that look of love in her daughter’s eyes. Marriage had consumed her completely. Over the years, she had given everything to her family, slowly losing herself in the process. To Yolanda, she was just the woman in the kitchen, while Naomi seemed like an unattainable angel. The realization struck like a knife to the heart.
At the auditorium entrance, Yolanda suddenly bounced on her toes, arms stretched high. “Miss Naomi, pick me up!” Charles gently stepped between them, quietly noting Naomi’s evening gown wasn’t suitable for lifting a child. Yolanda’s little face instantly clouded with disappointment.
Naomi took in the scene. With a warm laugh, she swept Yolanda into her arms, shooting Charles a reassuring look. “Don’t worry, I’ve got her,” she said. Charles’s stern expression melted into something tender as he watched them, his eyes glowing with quiet affection.
Naomi carried Yolanda down the steps, the little girl nestling against her shoulder while Charles followed close behind, carefully gathering Naomi’s gown to prevent it from dragging. The man who dominated corporate meetings now gently tended to a woman’s dress. And just like that, the three settled into the car and vanished down the street.
Teresa let out a bitter laugh. ‘So this is what kept him busy.’ She sat motionless in her car, staring blankly ahead, until her phone suddenly rang.
The screen displayed Matthew Spencer’s name. Matthew was her direct supervisor at the hospital. Though fully qualified in pediatric surgery, Teresa had to restart as a junior doctor after her four-year leave as a full-time mother. “Mr. Spencer,” she answered politely.
Matthew’s voice came through clearly. “We’re approving early completion of your training. You can return to regular hospital shifts next Monday.”
Teresa paused, then asked carefully, “What about that countryside program for kids’ check-ups? I’d like to help out there.”
Matthew sounded surprised. “That’s tough work with few career benefits. It’s completely voluntary. The hospital isn’t forcing anyone to go.”
But Teresa had made up her mind. “I’m willing to go, Mr. Spencer. Think of it as my working break.” Hearing her unwavering resolve, Matthew stopped pressing the matter and approved a two-month placement.
*****
A month flew by. Yolanda had settled well into preschool. With family pressure mounting after two straight failed months, Charles returned to Brocade Villa earlier than usual on the 15th.
By 6 pm, Charles was already home. Barbara was surprised to see him return before Teresa. “You’re early today, Mr. Logan?” she asked.
Without answering the question, Charles made his way upstairs. “Send Teresa to the bedroom when she gets back,” he instructed curtly. Barbara gave a slight nod, her eyes following him up the steps.
Charles walked straight past the study. There was no reason to go anywhere else. His only reason for coming home was to try for another baby.
After showering, he settled into bed to wait for Teresa. The hours dragged on from seven to eight to nine, yet Teresa remained absent. Just as his patience was wearing thin, footsteps finally sounded at the door.