The Substitute's Last Dance novel Chapter 6

Maybe Jackson had already forgotten, but the amulet was a gift he had bought for

our unborn child.

Back then, the company was at a critical stage, and Rachel hadn’t returned to the

country yet.

After an all-night work session, I collapsed, and when I opened my eyes, I saw

Jackson sitting by my side, his eyes red from crying.

He held the amulet tightly in his hand, gently kissed my forehead, and said, “Baby,

we’re going to have a baby. I swear I’ll take care of both of you for the rest of my life.”

I believed him.

It felt like a dream, too good to be true.

But that dream ended one rainy night when I lost the baby.

A stranger had pushed me down in an alley.

There were no security cameras, no one to blame for the loss.

Now, the amulet was crushed beneath Rachel’s heel, and I stared at her, my anger

boiling over.

Like a furious lioness, I lunged at her and slapped her hard across the face.

Rachel covered her face, crying pitifully. “Jackson, Jenna would rather destroy it than

give it to me. Maybe I should just leave…”

Jackson’s face turned dark, and he shoved me hard. “Jenna, I didn’t know you were

so petty! It’s just a stupid amulet!”

I collapsed onto the floor, too heartbroken to speak.

I knew how much Rachel meant to him, but how could he not even cherish our

baby’s keepsake?

To him, what did that precious little life once longed for even mean?

Was it just another stepping stone in his love for Rachel?

For all these years, who or what have I been loving?

Suddenly, the shrill sound of a ringing phone interrupted my thoughts. Jackson, out

of breath, silenced the call.

But the phone rang again, persistent and relentless.

Annoyed, Jackson finally answered.

An angry woman’s voice blasted through the speaker, nearly shaking the roof.

“Jackson, where’s Jenna?”

Jackson’s brow furrowed, and he replied irritably, “How the hell should I know? Don’t

bother me!”

My cold soul felt a brief moment of warmth.

It was comforting to know that someone still cared about me.

Zoey’s voice was panicked. “Jenna hasn’t replied to my messages for ten days! She

never disappears like this. She’s your wife, Jackson. Do you even have a heart?”

Rachel nestled in Jackson’s arms, pretending to ask casually, “Jackson, will you

divorce Jenna?”

Jackson’s body stiffened, and the tender atmosphere vanished.

Tears welled up in Rachel’s eyes. “Jackson, I don’t want anything. Just give me a

child… I’ve fought with my family for years just to be with you. I’ll be content with

just a child…”

“Or do you really plan to keep me as your mistress, Jackson? Can’t you at least grant

me this one wish?”

Rachel clutched her chest, her face contorted in pain.

Determined to secure her place, Rachel seized every opportunity.

Jackson, feeling sorry for her, held her close, gently soothing her. “You’re not well;

don’t get too emotional. Once… Jenna comes back, I’ll talk to her about it.”

Even in death, I couldn’t contain my anger and disdain.

Jackson, what do you take me for? What do you take our marriage for?

Discussing with your wife about getting your mistress pregnant—how absurd and

ridiculous!

But you won’t have to waste your breath.

I’m already dead, and no one will stand in the way of your love with Rachel anymore.