After Michael left, Madeline stared at the invitation in her hand with a victorious glint in her eyes. She muttered, Jessica, you were right. Find their weakness, and it’s easy to control anyone.

“Too bad, when you taught me these tricks, you probably didn’t expect they’ll be used against you one day, did you?”

Just the thought of forcing Jessica out and pushing her to the point of filing for divorce filled Madeline with a sense of triumph.

She knew Jessica better than anyone that she was a proud and strong–willed woman. And now, she waspletely out of the picture.

There were eight days left before Jessica officially walked away from Brian’s life..

Since that phone call where Brian told Jessica that Jacob had gotten into a fight with another kid to defend her, he hadn’t contacted Jessica again.

Jessica stayed at home to recover, while Maria took care of her, cooking all the dishes she used to love. In just two days, Jessica felt like she’d already gained weight.

?

Simon called Jessica to update her on the divorce proceedings. “Jessi, we’ve just received the court notice. The court date is set for two weeks from how. In the meantime, maybe you should-”

Simon didn’t know about the rift between Jessica and Jacob due to his busy schedule. Though he supported Jessica’s decision to divorce Brian, he couldn’t help but try to make her reconsider. After all, Jacob was already six.

Jessica responded calmly, “Thanks for the update. I’d like to invite you to dinner sometime. I’ll bring Gabi too. Let’s have a proper catch–up.”

She took a few steps back from her sketchpad as she chatted with Simon. At the same time, she scrutinized the fine details of her sketch.

Her parents kept the room where she used to draw for her. She had been spending her time in the room during the days, and it brought her unexpected peace.

Whenever she picked up her brushes in that familiar space, inspiration flowed endlessly. Besides restoring the illustration Jacob had ruined, she even sketched out several new drafts, almost ready for her uing exhibit.

Simon joked, “Sure, I’m avable on Sunday night. Don’t forget you still owe me a drink.”

Jessica smiled, “How could I forget?” She knew Simon had a taste for fine wine.

After a few more minutes of casual chatter, they both returned to their work.

At Atkinson Group, Jackson received the notice that the court date had been officially set for two weekster.

Jackson immediately brought the update to his boss. “Mr. Atkinson, our people failed to dy the hearing. Theirwyer leveraged personal connections at the courthouse. The court date is confirmed for two weeks from now.”

He ced the official court summons on Brian’s desk. Brian nced up briefly, his deep–set eyes falling on the document and pausing there for a few seconds.

Finally, he replied, “I see.”

Jackson lingered for a moment, waiting for further instructions. When none came, he quietly exited the office.

Brian’s expression revealed nothing. Even with the summons sitting right in front of him, he didn’t truly believe he and Jessica would get divorced.

‘So what if the court session happens? It doesn’t mean the court will approve the divorce. Nothing is decided until the veryst moment,‘ he thought. However, I just can’t let Jacob know that yet.

He hadn’t realized how much Jessica had done, both inside and outside home. Back then, Jacob’s emotional well–being had never been a concern to

him.

But now, without Jessica, Jacob would ask Brian every evening when he got home, “Isn’t Mommying home today?” Then, Jacob would silently eat his food.

Even when Sylvie followed Jessica’s exact meal n, Jacob barely touched the food. In just a few days, Jacob had visibly lost weight.

Just then, a few knocks at the door pulled Brian from his thoughts. He said, “Come in.”

Madeline’s voice rang out bas /bshe entered. “Mr. Atkinson, I heard that Jake hasn’t had much of an appetitetely. I bwas /bwondering… if you allow me, I could stop by after work and cook something he likes.”