The Wife They Tried to Replace Is Now Untouchable novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

“I had Simon serve Brian the divorce papers,” Jessica said, taking a bite of her taco.

Gabriela looked pissed, sucking in air after getting hit with the spicy sauce, and snapped, “That scumbag Brian still thinks he can stall the divorce? You should’ve sued that cheating jerk ages ago.”

Right after saying it, she glanced at Jessica, worried she’d gone too far.

They were best friends, and over the years, Gabriela had seen enough of what Jessica had been through with Brian to know the whole picture.

Jessica smiled, letting her know she was fine. After all the times Brian had taken Madeline’s side, Jessica was utterly disappointed in him.

Gabriela didn’t want Jessica to waste another tear on Brian, so she quickly changed the subject to work. “Sweetie, you’ve been out of the illustration world too long. If you want people to pay attention again, you’ve gotta make a splash.”

Jessica nodded in agreement. She’d been out of the game too long–it was time to make a bold comeback and let the whole industry know she was back.

“Then how about we put on a show?” Gabriela suggested. “How about we each do half the designs and set the date for fifteen days from now?”

Jessica was still thinking about whether they’d have enough time when her phone suddenly rang next to her. She glanced at the caller ID and realized it was Jacob calling.

She hit decline without thinking. “The design concept-”

The ringtone cut her off again. It was Jacob calling back, just as persistent.

Jessica didn’t hesitate. She declined the call again. She was about to continue discussing the design concept with Gabriela when another call came through–this time it was Sylvie.

Since Sylvie was the housekeeper she’d hired herself, Jessica hesitated, then picked up.

“Hey, Mom, what’s that supposed to mean? Why didn’t you answer when I called? Why did you pick up when I used Sylvie’s phone to call you?” Jacob’s irritated voice shot through the line the moment it connected.

“What is it?” Jessica’s lips pressed into a straight line. She had already prepared herself to cut ties with Brian and Jacob.

But Jacob was still the child she carried for nine months. She couldn’t be completely numb to him.

Jacob demanded, “Why haven’t you come back yet? Who are you with out there? I got hurt and you didn’t even check on me. Are or not?”

you still

my mom

Even through the phone, Jessica could picture Jacob frowning as he complained about her, his wide eyes full of grievance and blame.

She took a deep breath. “If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up.”

“Don’t hang up, Jacob whined. “Dad’s working late and I’m scared of being alone. Can’t you just come back?”

“No,” Jessica said, rejecting him icily. Then she added, “And your dad isn’t working late. He’s with Madeline. If you’re scared, ask them to come keep you company.”

She figured Madeline would be more than willing.

Jacob argued, “That’s not true. I bet Maddie’s working late too. She and Dad are both really busy, not like you, Mom. You’re just a housewife. You don’t even have to work.”

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