Chapter 14 -0 The next day marked exactly two months since Teresa Sullivan had arrived in the small town - and the day she could finally return to Riverdale . To thank her , Mr. Leach thew a small farewell at the school . Teresa hated to say goodbye , but that's life - every stop comes with its own story to write . She drove back to Riverdale , stopped by Joyacre Villa to gather what still mattered , then packed it up and sent it to the Sullivan Mansion . She'd spent over two years in Joyacre Villa , enough time to fill a truck - but she took only what truly mattered . At least , leaving the Logan Family didn't mean she had nowhere else to go . The next morning , she was at the hospital early . The director had a surgery scheduled and asked if she'd assist She was scrubbing in , hands under the running water , when a surprised voice came from beside her . " Teresa ? " Teresa was in scrubs , mask and cap in place , only her eyes were visible . She turned toward the man , blinked once before it clicked . " Hector ? " Hector Reed's eyes were the only thing showing , creasing with a smile . " Yeah , it's me ." " You work here ? " she asked , still a little thrown . " Just in for a consult . " Hector said . " Got a minute at lunch ? Let's grab a bite ." She didn't miss a beat . " Sure thing . Lunch is on me . " He smiled under the mask . " I'll catch you after the surgery . " At 12:00 p.m. , Teresa picked a hotpot place . She remembered Hector couldn't handle much spicy food and ordered accordingly . When the food arrived , she poured him a bowl of broth . " It's been a long time , Hector . " He took it with a nod of thanks . " Yeah . How've you been ? " Teresa didn't go into her life - just summed it up in one word . " Good . " His gaze flicked to the faint mark on her ring finger . He paused . " Married ? " " Mm ." Teresa didn't deny it . " And a very sweet little girl . " Hector said warmly . " Congrats . But how come we never got an invitation ? " Teresa lowered her gaze . " We never had a wedding . So no guests to invite. " Hector sensing she didn't want to linger on her private life , he let it drop . About halfway through the meal , he couldn't help but ask , " So , what's your specialty these days ? " Teresa sipped her soup slowly before replying , " Pediatric surgery . " After graduation , she hadn't gone on for further training , choosing instead to put marriage and motherhood first . Many of their classmates had gone on for further study - master's , PhDs , even abroad . Back then , Teresa had graduated at the top of their year . Now , she was the one who'd fallen the farthest behind . Hector , meanwhile , had earned both his master's and doctorate , specializing in neurosurgery . He was now an authority on primary brain tumors - his name searchable across medical journals , his list of successful surgeries too long to count . 1/3 P Chapter 14 With his current standing , he was easily in the top tier of the field . @ Teresa could have taken that path with him . She'd had the offer , the chance . Instead , she'd taken another road - marriage - and five years had proved it was a dead end . Hector had heard bits and pieces from classmates - her not continuing her studies , her marriage . " You need a lot of patience to do pediatrics , " he said lightly . " Especially pediatric surgery . " Teresa's lips curved , but there was a shadow in her expression . " I only just made attending . Still just a community doctor . " He looked at her , the quiet lack of confidence in her eyes tugging at something in his chest . " If you're willing to start , it's never too late . And with your ability . I believe you'll stand higher than anyone else . " She only smiled again , letting the words pass without reply . When they finished , Teresa went to pay - only to have the server tell her , " The gentleman with you already settled the bill . " She blinked , turning to Hector . " We agreed it was on me . How could you let me make you pay ? " He was smiling at her , about to reply , when a surprised female voice came from behind . " Hector ? " They both turned - and there was Naomi , with Charles standing just behind her , Yolanda in tow . Hector knew Naomi , but the man and the little girl with her were strangers to him . He didn't think much of it . " Naomi , what a coincidence . " Hector said with an easy smile . Naomi's gaze slid over Teresa like she wasn't even there . " Yeah . Have you eaten , Hector ? Stay and have something , " Naomi said , her tone sugar - sweet . Hector didn't know what tied the man and little girl behind her to Teresa , but he caught the undercurrent in Naomi's glance- something sharp , dismissive . So he shifted , closing the space to stand beside Teresa . " Already ate , " he said with the same pleasant smile . " Wouldn't want to intrude . " Something in that small movement made Naomi's stomach tighten . She shot Teresa a quick , involuntary glance before turning back to hook her hand through Charles's arm . " Charles , this is the brilliant senior I told you about . " The moment Charles stepped through the door with Yolanda's hand in his , he saw Teresa . She'd clearly taken the time to get ready - skin smooth , lips softly tinted , even her lashes curling upward in delicate arcs . She looked different today , striking in a way that made the memory of her pale in comparison . But what stood out even more was this , Yolanda stood right in front of her , and Teresa didn't so much as glance her way , as if they were strangers passing on the street . Yolanda spotted Teresa too , but quickly turned her head away . She still hadn't gotten over the fact that her mother had hit Miss Naomi . In her mind , Mom was in the wrong - and she hadn't apologized . So forgiveness wasn't on the table . Still , a tiny part of her hoped Mom might come over , coax her a little . But Yolanda prided herself on having principles : no apology , no deal . Besides , she figured Mom would crack soon enough - maybe even scoop her up , say she was sorry , and smother her in kisses . Charles pulled his gaze back and gave Hector a nod . " Hello . " " Hey ." Hector returned politely , then turned to Naomi . " Already had lunch , Naomi . Let's catch up another time . " Naomi couldn't press without making it awkward , so she let it drop with a faintly disappointed smile . Hector gave Charles a slight nod in parting , then lifted the curtain for Teresa , his eyes following her out . 2/3 P. Chapter 14 As Teresa started toward the door , Yolanda's heart gave a little jump . Maybe , just maybe , Mom would scoop her up , and she'd get to lecture her in her best grown - up voice about how hitting Miss Naomi that day was wrong . But before the picture could finish playing in her head , Naomi's hand was waving in front of her face , snapping her back to the table . Naomi bent down , palm brushing Yolanda's forehead . " Yolanda , what's wrong ? " Yolanda glanced back on instinct - just in time to see her mother walking away with Hector , already halfway to the door . Not a glance . Not a pause . Not even when she'd passed right by her . Heat rushed up her little face . She stomped her foot , her pout sharpening like a tiny blade . ' Bad Mommy . If you don't want me , I'll tell Daddy not to want you either ! 3/3