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.
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