Chapter 24
‘She’s my aunt. Anyone who dares to print a single lie–be ready to disappear from Riverside City.”
His voice was cold and commanding, every word laced with warning.
No one dared question him.
The reporters all knew exactly what Timothy’s words meant.
His intimidating presence parted the crowd; journalists scrambled to clear a path.”
Jessica stared at the large screen overhead, watching as her husband shielded Sheila.
Aunt.
What a perfectly convenient excuse.
The photographers knew what they were doing, too. They managed to capture Timothy, their son, and Sheila in a way that made them look every bit the perfect family.&
Like a genuine family of three.\
Herbert noticed Jessica’s gaze fixed on the screen. “Little Mute?” he called.
Jessica turned her head, her eyes tinged with a faint, rosy hue.
Herbert glanced again at the screen. “You know Timothy?”
Timothy’s reputation clearly preceded him–Herbert had spent years abroad, yet even he knew the name.
Jessica smiled bitterly and signed a response.
“If I told you he’s my husband, would you believe me?“>
Herbert’s pupils widened in surprise.
Though it sounded like a question, he could almost be certain it was true.
Jessica was always quiet, reserved, never one for lies or jokes certainly not about something like this.
He’d heard Timothy was married, with a son. But the wife was a mystery–never seen, never photographed.
Rumor had it Timothy kept her well–protected.
No wonder, Herbert thought. When Timothy wrapped up his business before coming back home, he’d sent people to inquire about Jessica. For seven years, there was nothing no trace of her.
With no news, Timothy finally returned to his hometown, hoping for a chance encounter.
He never expected to actually run into her.
And she’d married.
Married Timothy.2
Herbert’s hand tightened in his suit pocket.
Jessica gave an awkward smile and signed again, “Just kidding. Someone like him would never marry me.”
Even if he did, it would have to stay hidden.
No one knew she was Timothy’s wife.”
Even if she told the world, who would believe her?%
After they signed the marriage certificate, Timothy had insisted–no, announced–that their marriage would remain a secret.
She wasn’t allowed to reveal she was Mrs. Lawson.
Looking at Jessica now, it was clear her marriage was in trouble.
Herbert didn’t want to touch on her pain.”
“Come on. Didn’t you say you’d buy me dinner? I’m starving. Let’s not waste time with these silly jokes.”
Back at Jessica’s house, she’d politely asked if he’d eaten. When he said no, she’d offered to take him out. Jessica brushed away her thoughts, and the two of them headed for the restaurant.
They’d barely started eating when Jessica’s phone buzzed.
Timothy.
Jessica stared at the screen for a long moment.”
Across from her, Herbert caught a glimpse of Timothy’s name flashing on her phone.
He swallowed, trying to appear unaffected. “Little Mute, can you focus on dinner for once?”
Jessica put her phone away and picked up her fork, but before she could take a bite, the phone rang again. Timothy.
She hung up and switched her phone off.
Timothy listened to the monotonous beeping as the call cut out.
When he tried again, a mechanical voice answered: “We’re sorry. The number you have dialed is unavailable.” His face darkened as he grabbed his coat and headed for the door.
Behind him, Henry’s wailing echoed through the hall.
“Miss Sheila, Henry doesn’t want you to leave!”
Timothy turned around.
Sheila appeared from the bedroom, suitcase in hand, with Henry clutching her tightly.
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