Chapter 9
Timothy was a man at the very top of the pyramid–every aspect of his life, from what he wore to what he ate, reflected his impeccable taste.
Determined to be the perfect wife for him, Jessica tried to master everything.”
When their son Henry was born, she wanted even more to be someone who could care for him in every possible way.
Throughout her pregnancy, Jessica honed her culinary skills and poured her sense of style into decorating their home. She transformed their house into a cozy, elegant haven–every room spotless, every surface gleaming.”
Yet, even with all her efforts, Timothy rarely wanted to come home.”
It was Henry, instead, who adored her cooking. He was always praising her meals, insisting nothing he ate elsewhere ever compared.Д
Jessica used to think Henry couldn’t even eat without her. But when she stopped making his breakfast and lunch for two days straight, he didn’t even call.
It dawned on her that she’d overestimated her place in Henry’s heart.”
Just then, her phone buzzed with a video call. Carlisle’s name flashed on the screen.”
A sudden thought struck her: it had been nearly six months since Carlisle last asked her for money.”
Carlisle couldn’t speak, but he had formed a team of animation enthusiasts, all of whom were mute, and they worked together on animated films.%
When their funding dried up and the team was on the verge of falling apart, Jessica came through for them.
She hadn’t managed to fulfill her own dreams, so she wanted to help others chase theirs.”
She answered the call and signed, asking Carlisle if they needed more funds.”
Carlisle shook his hands emphatically and signed back, “No, no, we have enough. I just heard from a friend that you went to the hospital the other day. Are you alright? We wanted to check on you.”
She remembered–two days ago she’d gone to pick up her medical report.
Jessica knew they were busy finishing up post–production on their film and didn’t want them to worry. Smiling, she signed, “I’m fine, just a routine check–up. Don’t worry about me. Once you wrap up your project, dinner’s on me.“}
They chatted a little longer before saying goodbye.
As she put her phone away, Jessica thought of her cancer diagnosis.?
For seven years, she’d poured herself into her family, never taking a single day to rest.”
She married Timothy without a wedding, without a ring, without even a honeymoon.?
Even when Timothy took Henry to amusement parks or on trips, she was expected to stay behind.”
No matter how cold he was, she always greeted him with a smile.
Even when she saw him scribbling other women’s names across sheets of paper, she pretended it didn’t hurt.
Seven years ago, when he’d strode toward her and asked her to marry him, she thought–just for a moment–that he’d recognized her for who she was.
It wasn’t until after the wedding that she realized he hadn’t.
But by then, she didn’t care. She was his wife. She convinced herself that one day, he’d see her worth.
But…
Jessica closed her eyes, her lips curling into a bitter, fragile smile.
It didn’t matter anymore.
From now on, she could live as she pleased.?!
She could go wherever she wanted, whenever she wanted…!
Jessica started browsing travel guides online. Suddenly, a news alert popped up on her phone:>>
“Animation Legend Ms. Ines Launches National Tour–First Stop: Oakwood Arena.”
She clicked on the article. The convention was in three days,
Without hesitating, she bought a ticket online.
Then, she booked a flight to Oakwood for the next day.”
It was rare for her to return to her hometown. Today, she decided, she would visit her grandmother’s grave.”
She headed out to buy flowers and other offerings.
Meanwhile, after her last text went unanswered, Mabel had tried calling Jessica several times, but every call went to voicemail.
A whole day passed, and worry gnawed at her. Finally, Mabel called Timothy.
When Timothy saw Mabel’s name on his phone, a flicker of light crossed his otherwise impenetrable gaze.
Jessica must have come home.
He answered the call, slowly and deliberately.
