Chapter 69
Mabel only meant well–she genuinely hoped to see Jessica and Timothy reconcile, to watch the tension between husband and wife finally ease
Jessica typed out a message.”
“If he calls again, just tell him I’ve been busy lately.”
Mabel stared at Jessica in surprise. The woman before her seemed different. She wasn’t as concerned about her husband or her son anymore. What was she supposed to do with that? She was only the housekeeper–family affairs between husband and wife were far above her pay grade. She kept her thoughts to herself and went back to cleaning
After dinner, Jessica retreated to her room to rest. Yet as she replayed the words Mabel would pass along, her heart–numb for so long–still ached with a dull, familiar pain!
Having wedding photos taken was supposed to be a milestone for a married couple. If Timothy actually cared, the three of them–husband, wife, and child–would have gone together. Instead, he chased Sheila overseas and only then bothered to inform Jessica to join them.X
She knew how busy he was. His schedule was planned out months in advance. But for Sheila, he could upend everything at a moment’s notice
If he had a gap in his calendar, he’d squeeze Jessica in for a quick photo shoot on the side. In his mind, she was just the convenient, accommodating wife–grateful For whatever crumbs of attention he tossed her way.”
Jessica dated not imagine what a sad joke she must be in his eyes!
Still, she resolved to return home. Even if Timothy came looking for her, the only conversation she’d have with him now was about divorce
She packed her suitcase and stepped out of her room
Mabel’s eyelids fluttered. Had Jessica finally made up her mind? Was she going abroad? That’s wonderfull Yes, that’s what she should do. Mabel couldn’t help but smile, quietly wishing Jessica the best–that maybe, just maybe, this trip would bring the family back together again
Shortly after Jessica left. Timothy called.
Has she left yet?
Mabel’s voice brimmed with relief. “Yes, she’s already out the door with her luggage”
Jessica took the train back to her hometown of Azurehaven
On the way, a text from an unknown number popped up.
What’s your flight number? Send me the details, I pick you up.
She recognized Timothy’s tone right away. He really was something–so sure she’d come running whenever he called, like she always used to.
Not anymore!
She switched her phone to airplane mode!!
It was nearly eleven by the time she got home. As she walked in, she noticed the diamond necklace lying on the floor and quickly picked it up. She found a clean cloth and carefully wiped it down.
The tiny speaker hidden in the pendant was shattered!
She tried connecting her phone’s Bluetooth, but nothing showed up.
One stomp from Timothy and he’d destroyed it completely.
Jessica switched her phone out of airplane mode, intending to look up shops that might sell or repair a necklace like this–she was determined to fix it somehow and
return it to Herbert
As soon as her phone reconnected, a flood of notifications appeared.
Several apps pushed the same headline: International media abuzz–Lawson Group CEO Timothy spotted wedding dress shopping with mysterious Mrs. Lawson Rumors swirl of an upcoming wedding.
Jessica tried to swipe the alerts away, but her finger slipped and she accidentally opened the article.
Just as she’d expected.
There, in the photos, Sheila stood at Timothy’s side, arm in arm, helping him pick out wedding gowns. Even with a mask and wide–brimmed sunhat hiding most of her face, Jessica would have recognized Sheila anywhere.
And there was her son, holding Shella’s hand, pressed close to her side, his cheruble face lit up with a smile as bright as a sunflower in full bloom.
