They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 165

Chapter 165

Several ground lights illuminated the front of the villa, casting dim shadows as Jacob called up to Jessica from below.

Jessica felt something stirring inside her as she watched Jacob’s earnest face. She knew he’d been dropping off pastries, snacks, and fruit these past few days, but it was too late tonight.

Downstairs, Stella received a call from the security guard and quickly threw on a jacket before rushing down to open the door. “Jake, what brings you here so late? Is everything okay?”

“Grandma, I brought Mom some late–night snacks. These donuts are delicious!” Jacob held up the takeout bag he’d been carrying.

Stella’s throat tightened, and she nearly burst into tears. “Oh sweetheart, do you know what time it is?”

The scolding words died on her lips. Instead, she ushered Jacob inside with a heavy heart, planning to have him stay the night. “Jake, you’re still growing. You need to get to bed early. I’ll take good care of your mom, don’t worry.”

Jacob let Stella pull him along but planted his feet firmly on the ground.

Stella turned back, puzzled.

“Grandma, could you give these donuts to Mom for me? It’s really late, and I don’t want to disturb her rest. Besides, I need to go home and get some sleep too,” Jacob said.

This time Stella couldn’t hold back her tears. The boy was too considerate for his age, and it broke her heart.

“Grandma, these are from Dunkin‘ Donuts. They’re their signature flavors. This one’s the classic sesame–filled kind. I hope Mom likes them.” Fob handed over the two boxes of donuts and waved at Stella. “Goodbye Grandma, good night!”

Then he looked up at Jessica and waved. “Good night, Mom!” With that, he hopped in the car and left without looking back.

By the time Dereck got dressed and came downstairs, Jacob’s car was nowhere to be seen. “Didn’t you say Jake was here? Why didn’t he come in?” After saying this, he noticed Stella was crying and scratched his head in confusion.

Stella couldn’t be bothered with him. She picked up the donuts and headed back inside just as Jessica was coming downstairs,

Stella and Jessica exchanged a glance. “Jake brought these

““uts,” Stella said. “Want some?”

“Sure.” Jessica hadn’t had much appetite for the soup they’d made for dinner, so the donuts came at the perfect time.

Jessica sat at the dining table eating the still–warm donuts, her eyes growing slightly moist.

Stella had wanted to say something more, but seeing Jessica’s expression, she took Dereck upstairs instead.

As Jessica ate the donuts, her mind flashed between the image of Jacob delivering them moments ago and memories of him shouting that he hated her. The stark contrast created a painful split that made her heart alternately harden and soften.

When Brian got home from work, it was already past one in the morning. Jacob had long since gone to bed.

The huge villa was silent; even the live–in housekeeper had retired early.

Remembering that Jacob liked to kick off his blankets at night, Brian quietly pushed open his son’s bedroom door before heading upstairs.

“Mommy, eat donuts,” Jacob murmured in his/sleep.

Brian thought Jacob must be dreaming. He gently tucked the blanket around him before slipping out of the room without a sound.

It was getting late. After washing up, Brian set the alarm clock on his nightstand for six–forty, twenty minutes earlier than usual

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