The Wife They Tried to Replace Is Now Untouchable novel Chapter 67

Chapter 67

“Jessica “Brian’s voice caught in his throat. Under the soft glow of the light, the glittering diamond ring rested on his palm–a perfect match to the one on his finger

Jessica hadn’t come back for Jacob, but to return the money and ring.

At that moment, Brian realized there was no way to keep Jessica. A dull ache gripped his chest like a tightening vice.

Having returned what wasn’t hers to keep, Jessica turned to leave, but a small hand tugged at the hem of her shirt. She looked back.

Jacob’s face was streaked with tears. He cried out loud, his grip desperate, “Don’t go, Mom. I don’t want you to leave.”

“Stay tonight,” Brian said through clenched teeth, the sharp edges of the ring digging into his palm. “For Jake’s sake. Just one last time.”

Jessica looked down. Jacob’s tears streamed down his cheeks, his little face crumpled. In all his years since birth, she had rarely seen him cry like this.

Her resolve wavered. She thought, ‘One last time. It’s just one small wish for him.

Jessica agreed. “Okay. Let me run your bath.”

Hearing this, Jacob glanced uncertainly at Brian before slowly releasing the grip.

Jessica didn’t look at either of them as she headed to the bathroom to draw a bath for Jacob.

Just like before, every night, she had tended to Jacob–prepared his bath, laid out his pajamas, and checked his quilt after he fell asleep.

These rituals had once been her joy. But now, they meant nothing to her.

“Dad, did Mom return the ring because she doesn’t want you anymore?” Jacob sniffled in the bedroom.

He thought Jessica had stayed away because he had hurt her and said he liked Madeline more than her. But Jessica had returned the ring too…

Jacob revealed the truth. After a pause, Brian took a breath, his voice hoarse. “Yeah. She doesn’t want either of us now.”

Jacob’s lips trembled.

When Jessica returned, she sensed the tension between Brian and Jacob, both radiating silent resentment.

She said nothing, simply ushered Jacob to his bath before taking his sleepwear from the closet.

Jacob washed quickly. Emerging in his sleepwear, he clambered into bed.

Jessica picked up a storybook and sat down. Without looking at Brian, she asked, “Anything else?”

It used to be that when she read to Jacob, Brian was either at work or upstairs, never lingering like this.

Recognizing the dismissal, Brian turned to leave with a tense jaw.

Jacob whispered, “Mom, I’m sorry. Can you-”

Jessica said, “Would you like a story or not?”

“Hmm.”

“Once upon a time, there was a king whose youngest princess…”

Jessica read mechanically, making no effort to mend what was broken between them. When Jacob stealthily wiped at his tears, she pretended not to

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