They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Jessica let out a sarcastic laugh, laced with a trace of self–mockery. “It’s not the first time. Why even bother explaining to me?”

Her eyes were cold. Brian had brushed her off too many times using “business” as an excuse, and she didn’t care anymore.

Each time Madeline called late at night or after working hours, he’d always say it was business.

Brian’s gaze turned dark, and he was weighed down by exhaustion. He didn’t say anything back because he knew if he kept explaining, it’d just spiral into another fight.

He sighed in his mind, ‘How many times do I have to say there’s nothing going on between Madeline and me? Jessica’s the one who guided Madeline, but why is she even jealous of her own disciple?‘

He tried to steer the conversation. “Jake felt awful last night. He cried for hours until his throat gave out. He kept asking for you and wouldn’t stop till past midnight. He said he wanted to see you when he woke up.”

Brian painted a picture of Jacob’s heartbreak, hoping to move Jessica’s hidden tenderness.

However, Jessica’s expression didn’t even blink. It was like the one Brian talked about wasn’t her son, and Jacob felt like a stranger to her now.

Brain continued, “He didn’t mean to hurt you, you know. He’s just a kid, and he knows he messed up. Jessi, can’t you come home and comfort him?”

Brian rubbed his temples, clearly stretched thin. Thinking that Jacob didn’t even have breakfast this morning, he said, “He had a fever this morning. Hit 102. That’s not just bad for his health–it’s affecting his school too. Besides, the parent–teacher meeting is around the corner.”

He paused, his eyes locked on her. “I don’t have time for that. Jessica, come home, okay? Jake and I need you.”

Brain didn’t sound like someone owning up to his mistakes. His words sounded more like he couldn’t manage his life without Jessica around. He couldn’t deal with Jacob’s school stuff, so he wanted her to return.

Jessica’s heart was as tough as a stone. She thought about the past–how she handled every little thing about Jacob. Brian, the so–called father, never lifted a finger.

Jacob didn’t want to learn with other kids, so she dug through resources and found the right private tutor to teach him one–on–one.

Now, thinking back, she didn’t even want to waste another word on Brian. She hit the call button by the bed, and a nurse came to her ward soon.

Jessica said to the nurse, “Can you please ask this man to leave? I need some rest,”

“Jessica, don’t be unreasonable. Can you just think about Jake for once? We’re not beyond saving yet.” Brian’s voice was fight, his face grim.

Jessica didn’t reply. She turned away from him and lay down.

“Sir, the patient needs rest. I’ll have to ask you to leave,” the nurse said in a polite tone.

Brian stared at Jessica’s back for a long moment. Finally, he left. Once she heard his footsteps fade, she exhaled a sigh of relief.

Ten minutes later, she slowly sat up and reached for her phone. She dialed Simon.

“Hey, Jessi Simon greeted her casually, clearly unaware she was in the hospital.

“Hey, are you busy?” Jessica asked, picking up on background noise.

“Not really. Are you calling about the divorce stuff?” asked Simon.

Jessica sighed, “Yeah, can you fast–track the case and move the court date up?” She almost lost her patience. She didn’t want Brain to pester her again and again.

Simon went silent for a short while, probably trying to figure out how to explain the standard procedure to her.

“If needed, we can pressure him in the name of the Grant family,” Jessica added.

“Wait, something happened?” Simon asked. He could sense the urgency in her tone, like she couldn’t wait to cut ties with Brian completely.

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Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Brian was about to head to his study, but hearing that, he turned straight for Jacob’s room.

Maybe Jacob had heard the footsteps. He opened his eyes and whispered, “Daddy, where’s Mommy? You said I could see her when I woke up, didn’t you?”

Brian stayed silent. Even with the fever gone, Jacob’s cheeks were still flushed and weak. At that moment, Brian couldn’t help but think Jessica was being far too cold.

Brian’s eyes turned grim, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. He stood there for a beat and quietly walked out.

No sooner had she parked the car than Maria Carter, the housekeeper, appeared in the front hall. The moment Jessica stepped out, Maria’s eyes widened. “Jessi? Jessi, is that really you?”

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