Chapter 100
Herbert was so thoughtful–he’d even brought an extra phone for her. The gesture left Jessica feeling uneasy, almost guilty for accepting. After all, they were just neighbors, nothing more than childhood friends. There were boundaries, especially between men and women, and the necklace he’d given her was far too valuable. Jessica hesitated, then signed, “Herbert, thank you, but Timothy already bought me a ring that can make calls too. I really appreciate it, but I don’t need another. Still, thank you so much.”
She’d found a polite excuse to refuse.
Herbert paused for a moment, his eyes flickering with concern. He’d worried that Jessica might not be doing well with the Lawsons, and had been planning to ask her about it. But it turned out Timothy was attentive after all–he’d even bought her a talking ring. Maybe Herbert had been overthinking.
With a family like Timothy’s, it seemed unlikely he’d marry Jessica unless he truly loved her. And even if Timothy was willing, his family probably wouldn’t approve. Judging by Sallie’s attitude, she certainly didn’t like Jessica much.
So, it had to be Timothy’s own choice. A man wouldn’t treat a woman poorly if he truly wanted to marry her.
Herbert quietly let go of his questions. As for the gift, he put it away. They were adults–some things didn’t need to be spelled out. It was enough that they both understood.
After dinner, Herbert drove Jessica home and walked her to the door. She invited him in for a while, but he excused himself, saying he had things to do and left. Jessica had a family of her own; he shouldn’t be getting too close. His intentions had been too obvious, and she’d noticed. It wasn’t right–it might even make her reluctant to see him again. He needed to keep a respectful distance.
Jessica had napped for a few hours in the car, but still felt exhausted. She went straight to bed.
An hour later, she was startled awake by her phone ringing sharply beside her. Groggy, she grabbed it–Mabel was calling. Mabel must have noticed she’d been gone so long and was trying to check up on her.
Jessica ignored the call. She had no plans to go back.
After a while, the call ended on its own. Just as Jessica was about to drift off again, her phone buzzed repeatedly with messages.}
It was Mabel again.
Ma’am, even when Mr. Lawson’s away on business, he still remembers to buy you a new phone.]
[Mr. Allen dropped it off.]2
[It’s the latest triple–fold model.]}
Mabel even sent a picture of the unopened phone box.
[Ma’am, come home and try out your new phone!]
Jessica stared at the screen. Why was Timothy buying her a new phone? Was it just a guilty man’s way of trying to appease his wife with gifts?
in the past, a present from him would have filled her with joy. But now, she no longer needed empty gestures.
She switched her phone to silent, hoping to get a bit more sleep, but tossed and turned restlessly. Finally, she got up, cleaned the apartment, and draped cloths over the furniture. This place was never meant to be a permanent home.
Finished with her chores, she packed a small suitcase. But where could she go? She had no family, and her best friend was out of reach.
As she pondered her next move, a notification popped up on her phone–a new message from a public page. Ines’s next art exhibition was in Capital City, scheduled for the day after tomorrow.2
Her mentor had been organizing shows frequently, probably hoping to connect with more people who loved animation–maybe even looking for a new student. Sheila likely had a good chance this time. Last time, Jessica had sensed her mentor was about to give in, even in front of Timothy.
4x
27
