The Wife They Tried to Replace Is Now Untouchable novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Jacob’s eyes were brimming with tears as he tilted his face up, looking at Brian with a mix of hurt and unease.

Brian gently wiped away his tears and comforted him. “It’s just nonsense, sweetheart. I promise you, we’re not getting a divorce, and your mom won’t have another baby.”

“Really?” Jacob sniffed, his little nose twitching. Then when is Mommy coming back?”

“Really” Brian hesitated for a moment, his tone almost like he was trying to convince himself. “Mommy will be back very soon.”

Hearing the answer he wanted, Jacob smiled, the tears still glistening on his checks, but the cloud seemed to lift from his face.

Children’s emotions were simple. When they were happy, they smiled; when they were sad, they cried.

Brian sighed inwardly, Jessica is really ruthless. I don’t even know what I can do to bring her back‘

Seeing Jacob finally shake off the shadows in his mind, Brian stared at Jacob with intense gaze and lowered his voice. “Jake, it’s good that you want to protect Mommy. But…”

He paused, his voice turning serious. “Getting angry and hitting others is only how the weak handle things. Real protection means not getting yourself into trouble and being strong enough to protect the people you love. Understand?”

Jacob nodded, though his comprehension was unclear. “Just like what you do, right, Daddy?”

“Maybe you’ll find an even better way,” Brian replied, ruffling Jacob’s hair. “Jake, remember, violence is not the right way to get back at bad people or protect others.”

“Got it, Daddy,” Jacob said with sobs. “I won’t hit others anymore.”

He was still young and didn’t quite grasp what Brian was saying. He just took it as he wasn’t allowed to hit anyone.

Brian didn’t correct Jacob, and the two of them made their way back to Atkinson Villa. By the time they reached home. Jacob’s mood had settled.

Brian followed Jacob upstairs and watched as Jacob sat down at his desk to tackle his schoolwork. The sight of his son concentrating so hard brought a smile to Brian’s face. After watching for a while, Brian quietly exited the room.

Once back in the bedroom, Brian stood still for a moment, staring at the room as if in a trance. It had been days since Jessica moved out, yet everything in the room still carried her presence.

He walked out to the balcony and stared into the distance. He then pulled out a cigarette. It had been a long time since he last smoked.

He used to smoke only with clients during social gatherings. After being with Jessica, he gave it up because she didn’t like the smell. Since Jacob was born, he hadn’t smoked at home at all.

By the time the cigarette was nearly finished, Brian dialed Jessica’s number. He had expected her to ignore the call, but to his surprise, she picked up almost immediately.

(

A strange sense of relief washed over Brian, and he said, “Jessi.”

His voice was low and husky, the name slipping from his lips with a touch of longing.

Jessica’s heart skipped a beat. For a brief moment, she seemed to travel back to the past, memories flooding her.

But a second later, her cold voice rang out. “What is it?”

Brian could feel the ice in her tone, and he swallowed his immediate urge to blame her. His voice softened, taking on a more neutral tone. Jake got into a fight at school today.”

Jessica furrowed her brows but didn’t respond. She thought, ‘If Brian thinks this is enough to get me to come back, he’s dreaming. Since I decided on the divorce and gave up on Jacob and him, I won’t regret it.’

He continued, “Some kids said that his mom doesn’t bring him to school or pick him up, and that his mom doesn’t want him because she’s having another baby. Jake got really upset and hit one of them.”

Brian rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of the situation. “Jessi, can’t you stop holding a grudge against Jake? He’s your own son. He still loves you. That’s why he can’t stand anyone badmouthing you.”

Jessica remained silent. The bond between her and Jacob had long since chipped away by his repeated betrayals.