bChapter /bb78 /b

This message gnawed at Jessica’s resolve. A hint of concern stirred within her, but the wounds of Jacob’s past betrayals still throbbed. She pretended she hadn’t seen it.

Sylvie took care of Jacob at the vi, if he were really ill, she would give him medicine. At worst, there was still Brian Jessica didn’t need to worry about him.

She was about to set the phone aside when it rang. It was a call from thendline phone at Atkinson Vi. She hesitated, then answered.

“Mom!” The moment the call connected, Jacob’s voice lit up, “I messed up at school. Are youing back to scold me? His tone was cheerful, almost eager for her toe reprimand him.

Jessica stayed silent.

Not long ago, Jacob had blown off homework to y with Madeline and hadn’t done his homework, Jessica only found out after receiving a call from the teacher the next day.

That day, Jacob hade home nonchntly, saying it bwas /bjust one assignment. He had even yelled at her, saying she had always overreacted to minor

mistakes.

“Mom, when are youing back? When he heard her silenceb, /bbJacob’s /bvoice cracked. “I miss byou/b,b” /b

“Anything else?” Jessica asked tly. Her tone suggested bshe /bwas a

about to hang up any second.

Jacob’s tears erupted. “My teacher called you. You won’t evene? Am I still your son? How could you treat me like this?”

in his bview/b, the mother couldn’t hold such a grudge against her child. All his ssmates had their mothers who coddled them. But he was begging Jessica forfort now.

Besides, he had apologized, but Jessica still refused to forgive him.

The entitlement in his sobs grated. Jessica felt ba /bsurge of irritation. She thought, “Mothers must endure everything while children owe nothing? I spoiled him before. Not anymore!

Jessica said coldly, “Jacob, if you’re sick or unwell, tell Madeline. Or better yet, call your bdad/b.b” /bWith that, she hung up

“Mom! Mom!” After realizing she had ended the call, Jacob cried out. “I hate you! Petty Mom!”

Brian didn’t know that Jacob had been crying over the phone call. He was still trying to invite Jessica out for dinner.

Frustrated by Jacob’s call, Jessica blocked Brian outright. They could only annoy her.

Brian had no idea Jacob had cried. He was still thinking of new bways /bto send Jessica something to eat

The next day, Jessica went to the hospital for a prenatal check up when Brian appeared out of nowhere.

“What ba /bcoincidence,” he smiled, stretching his neck to catch a glimpse of her prenatal report.

Jessica shot him a re. She knew her pregnancy wouldn’t stay a secret forever. She ignored all his attempts at running into her, treating him like air,

bBrian /bdidn’t seem bothered. He simply asked what she wanted to eat and then offered to have it delivered.

Jessica epted the food, but she had no intention of epting Brian’s gestures. “Mr. Atkinson,” she finally snapped before leaving, “if you’re bidle/b,

11:06: Mon: 9 Jun

bmaybe /bpay more attention to your son for once.”

bIris /btest update painted Brian as neglectful of Jacob’s emotions.

Brian’s eyes lit up when he heard this, “Jessi, if you’re worried about Jake, just move back.”

“Humph,” Jessica scoffed coldly. Even now, Brian was trying to guilt–trip her with their child. “Worried about him? Tell him to stop harassing me with

calls.