They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 233

Chapter 233

Chapter 233

Stella watched Jessica walk away, her worry deepening. A mother knew her child best. She could see through Jessica’s flimsy excuses.

Something weighed Jessica. She couldn’t resolve it alone, and that was why her condition kept deteriorating.

Stella thought with a frown, ‘But what good would prying do? Jessi doesn’t want to talk. Pressing further might only make her retreat deeper into herself

‘Maybe pretending ignorance is better, at least she won’t feel pressured. I just hope she finds her way out soon.

The next day, however, Stella received unexpected news. Jessica wanted to move out.

“Why would you suddenly want to move out? You’re pregnant. We’ll worry about you living alone,” Stella frowned.

“Your mother’s right. Don’t be reckless, Jessi,” Dereck added sternly.

But Jessica’s mind was made up. No amount of persuasion would sway her.

Defeated, Stella and Dereck helped her move out. Stella frowned at the modest apartment. She sighed, “It’s so small, Jessi. Come home, or at least let us hire a housekeeper to look after you.”

“It’s close to work, and I don’t need any help. Really, Mom. I’ll be fine,” Jessica insisted.

The whole point of moving was to hide her struggles from her parents. If she accepted their suggestion and hired a helper, her parents would know every little thing that happened to her almost instantly.

Seeing her determination, Stella reluctantly backed down, but she showed up at Jessica’s apartment the very next day, bringing ingredients and cleaning supplies.

It was the weekend. After days of exhaustion, Jessica could finally sleep in. When she stumbled out of her room, the sight of Stella holding a breakfast tray made her briefly forget she had already moved out.

“You’re up! Breakfast is ready. Go wash up,” Stella called over her shoulder, smiling at Jessica’s refreshed appearance.

Jessica blinked, holding the doorframe. “Mom, what are you doing here?”

“Can’t a mother check on her daughter? Or am I not welcome?” Stella feigned wronged.

Jessica shook her head. “No, it’s just… Isn’t this too much for you?”

“Not at all. Cooking a meal is nothing. Don’t underestimate me.” Stella nudged her toward the bathroom. “Now hurry. The food’s getting cold.”

Jessica complied. When she returned to the table, she saw the table laid out with oatmeal, toast, fried eggs, milk, fruit, and her favorite salad. She was touched. “Mom, you spoil me.”

“Oh, sweetie. You’re my daughter. Who else would I spoil?” Stella chuckled, sliding an egg onto her plate. Then, she paused. Jessica was staring blankly at her milk, frozen.

“Jessi?” Stella frowned, sensing something off in Jessica’s state.

“Huh? Oh, sorry, Mom. I was just spacing out.” Jessica apologized, snapping back to reality.

Stella bit her tongue, watching her daughter’s/distant expression. Some questions were better left unasked.

Jessica mechanically finished breakfast, guilt gnawing at her, During her marriage to Brian, she had barely visited home, too absorbed in playing the perfect wife. After Jacob’s birth, those rare visits dwindled further.

Chapter 233

Looking back now, she couldn’t help but realize how selfish she had been. She had ignored her parents for so called love, only to crash and burn. And now here they were, picking up the pieces.

“I’m sorry, Mom. So sorry,” Jessica whispered, tears spilling.

Stella nearly dropped her fork. “Jessi! What’s this about? Your father and I have never blamed you.” Jessica was their only child. They would never resent

her.

Jessica shook her head. Their unconditional kindness only sharpened her remorse. She had failed them so completely.

Watching Jessica keep shedding tears, Stella was practically beside herself with worry.

Jessica finally snapped back. She dabbed her eyes with a napkin and forced a smile. “Mom, it’s just a moment of reflection. I’m fine. Really.”

“You swear?” Stella asked, clearly unconvinced.

“Cross my heart.” Jessica piled food onto Stella’s plate, steering the conversation to her and Dereck’s health. So much so that Stella lost her chance to ask any more questions and eventually gave up.

That afternoon, after prepping dinner ingredients, Stella headed for the door.

Jessica walked her out.

“No need to see me off. Rest, sweetheart,” Stella smiled, then turned solemn. “Jessi, I know you’re carrying burdens you won’t share. That’s alright. But remember, your father and I are always here. Come home anytime.”

Jessica had never been alone. She didn’t need to carry everything on her shoulders. Deep down, Stella only wished she could be happy.

Tears welled up in Jessica’s eyes as she pulled Stella into a tight hug. “I know, Mom. I promise I’ll take care of myself.” She managed through the lump in her throat. For her parents‘ sake, she had to get better.

Hearing this, Stella only grew more concerned. Still, seeing Jessica’s red–rimmed eyes, she held her tongue.

After seeing Stella off, Jessica sank onto the couch, lost in thought until the moon hung high outside the window.

Her stomach growled, yet the ingredients Stella had prepped in the fridge held no appeal. A sudden craving hit her–Brian’s soup.

Jessica thought, ‘Wait, why am I thinking about him again? What’s wrong with me?‘

She shook her head as if to dislodge the memory. She forced herself to cook, but the moment the spaghetti boiled limp, nausea surged. She rus! the bathroom to vomit.

Back in the kitchen, she stared at the mushy spaghetti. Any lingering appetite vanished. In the end, she went to bed hungry.

Early the next morning, Jessica woke up hungry, yet she bypassed the breakfast diner without a second glance. She knew she shouldn’t have been like this, but she just couldn’t help it.

Driving to the company, she stepped out of the car and pressed a hand to her hollow stomach, resolving to hit the cafeteria later. Just then, a familiar and incredibly appetizing scent floated toward her from behind.

Chapter 234