From His Wife to His Uncle's Wife novel Chapter 20

Peter scowled as he opened the group chat. Over nine hundred unread messages flashed at the top.

The chat was called: Bright Beginnings International Preschool, Little Angels Parents Group.

[I’m just going to say it, Ms. Bennett. Isn’t Olga’s parent a little out of line? We’ve all been messaging for ages and they haven’t sent a single word. Not even an explanation, definitely not an apology.]

[I know they have money, but being rich doesn’t mean they’re always right. If their kid wants to be spoiled, that’s their business. But our children are aiming for top universities someday!]

[Yeah, exactly. Setting a bad example by skipping class? She’s only four now. But what happens when she’s fourteen? She’ll be completely out of control!]

Peter’s daughter’s name popped up again and again. His temples throbbed so much he thought he might explode if he kept reading.

He tried calling Eleanor. No answer, no matter how many times he dialed.

Left with no other choice, he called his mother. “Mom, can you go to Olga’s school and check on her? I think she might’ve gotten into some trouble.”

“I’m in the middle of a full-body spa, Peter. Olga is such a sweet girl. How could she possibly get in trouble?”

He sighed. “Mom, please. Or maybe Jessie could go?”

Peter couldn’t leave work. In less than an hour, he had a signing ceremony to attend. He felt helpless.

“I’ll call her,” he said.

Jessie picked up right away, sounding almost delighted.

“Of course, Peter. Don’t worry, go handle your business. I’m sure it’s nothing serious. I’ll stop by the preschool and check on Olga. Relax!”

Her arm was in a cast, but that didn’t stop her from dressing up. She carefully fixed her makeup, picked out her favorite accessories, and made sure not a hair was out of place.

Eleanor never used to let her get involved in anything to do with Olga’s school. Now, finally, Jessie could show up as Olga’s mom and not have to hide it.

By the time Jessie arrived, the school was buzzing. Several parents had gathered in the hallway, voices raised.

Ms. Bennett’s eyes narrowed, just a little. “And you are?”

Jessie gave a small, polite smile. “I’m Olga’s mother. My last name is Goff.”

“My husband couldn’t make it. He said there was an issue at school, so I came to see what was going on.”

Jessie set her shopping bag down on Ms. Bennett’s desk, acting like everyone else in the room was invisible.

“Ms. Bennett, I picked this up at the airport in Paris last time. I hope you like it.”

The other parents stared in disbelief. Was she honestly giving a present to the teacher right in front of everybody?

Ms. Bennett quickly pushed the bag back toward Jessie. “That’s way too much. I can’t accept it.”

But inside, she was reeling. So Olga’s big change was because she’d gotten a stepmom.