Jessamine retorted, "Of course, I eat everything. I gained four pounds after giving birth."Thaddeus chuckled softly, his shoulders shaking as he did so. "So, you're proud of gaining four pounds?"He didn't want to discourage her, but after seeing how thin her small arms and legs had become, he worried he might break her with a slight effort. Over these four years, she had obviously gotten thinner than when she was with him. Even her chin was sharper now.At this moment, Layla, who had been focused on eating, spoke up in a small, childish voice, "Mommy doesn't like to eat raw vegetables, carrots, spinach, cabbage, green beans, romaine lettuce, and…"Jessamine was speechless. The embarrassment came so swiftly that Jessamine's face turned beet-red. She hadn't expected Layla to eavesdrop on their conversation while eating, and to even understand what they said. She had outright exposed all Jessamine's secrets.Thaddeus had a triumphant look on his face, as if he had caught her being
"Thaddeus, accepting such an expensive gift from you doesn't seem appropriate," she said.Thaddeus lightly licked his lips, his brow twitching. "Jessie, it's just a necklace. There's nothing inappropriate about it. How come you can accept flowers from other men but not a necklace from me?" He intentionally provoked her using his words.Jessamine chuckled to herself, wondering why she hadn't seen before that he was a man who loved bringing up old issues. She picked up her glass of wine, and the next second, his slender hand fell on her wrist.Thaddeus looked at her, his dark eyes like an abyss filled with endless temptation. Jessamine glanced at him and immediately looked away.Thaddeus took her glass of wine and poured the remaining half into his mouth. "Jessie, if you drink any more, you won't be able to climb Juniper Summit to see the night view," he said.He took out the necklace, leaned forward, and put it on her, adjusting the pendant on her collarbone. Thaddeus' thumb was re
Jessamine pressed her lips together and remained silent. She really didn't dare to promise him anything.These past few years, she had developed some resistance toward emotions. After all, she was once bitten and was now twice shy.She held a feeling of reverence toward the word "love". She couldn't deny a small expectation deep down, but she didn't dare to try again. Life didn't give her so many chances to repeatedly make mistakes.Seeing her remain silent, Thaddeus self-deprecatingly smiled and changed the topic. "Are you full? If you're full, we can set off."Thaddeus called a taxi with his phone, and within minutes, the driver arrived. The family of four went downstairs. Thaddeus sat in the front passenger seat, while Jessamine and the two children sat in the back. The car ride was quiet all the way, maybe because of the stranger's presence.The car stopped at the foot of the mountain.Juniper Summit had a specially paved path for viewing the night scenery, and the steps were
"Grandpa, I brought mosquito repellent," Thaddeus informed.Thomas responded with a hum. "I called you mainly to tell you to keep an eye on Noah. He met that girl as I asked, but he reportedly left after just two minutes. How am I supposed to explain this to her family? Both of you are embarrassing me!"When Thaddeus heard Noah being mentioned, he perked up. "Grandpa, did Noah not come home after?""He didn't. I had Joe call, but no one answered," Thomas replied.As they were talking, Jessamine received a message from an unfamiliar number, but based on its tone, she could guess who it was.It read, "Jessie, I was supposed to take you away today, but something came up on my end. Sorry. I'll reschedule and let you know once I have the tickets."Jessamine felt a chill after reading it. She blocked Noah's number and WhatsApp contact. This number was clearly his new or secondary number.The video call on Thaddeus's side was still ongoing. Jessamine lifted her phone and mouthed to Tha
In the silent night, Jessamine Patton tossed and turned in bed. She had gone to sleep in a bad mood, and it reflected in her chaotic dreams.When she felt a hand on her waist, she scooted a few inches away. But when she was almost asleep, whoever was behind her dragged her back.Jessamine stubbornly moved away again, only to be tugged back. This went on for a while more. Her actions well and truly awakened the man's desire to conquer. Instead of placing a hand on her waist, he started trailing it over her body.Jessamine was awake now. She held his hand on her and tried to push him away, pleading, "I'm not in the mood for it tonight."Throughout their three years of marriage, Jessamine had been obedient and submissive. This was her first time rejecting him.Thaddeus Holt ignored her protests and pinned her to the bed. He undid the buttons of her pajama top and planted kisses on her, starting from her shoulder.Jessamine's struggles meant nothing. Her eyes were dull as she numbly
Jessamine couldn't help trembling underneath Thaddeus. She tried her best to keep her voice steady so he wouldn't realize she was crying. "I suppose congratulations are in order, then. I'm glad you're finally gonna end up with the woman you love."In the dark, she gave Thaddeus blessings that didn't come from the heart. Sure enough, loving someone would humble one and make one set their dignity aside."Are you crying?""No," Jessamine said stubbornly.Thaddeus didn't seem to be too happy with her blessing. He thrust harder into her, making her mind go blank.When they finished, he lay atop her. Then, he whispered into her ear, "I hope you'll soon be reunited with your precious Malcolm, too. Seeing as we used to be married, you can always come to me if you need help."Meanwhile, Jessamine was exhausted. She lay there limply and eventually fell into a deep sleep.When she woke up the next morning, Thaddeus was long gone. He had more self-discipline than anyone she knew. No matter
Jessamine smiled bitterly. Thaddeus could think whatever he wanted. Since things had already turned out like this, there was no need for her to explain herself.Thaddeus took one of the divorce agreements, leaving one for Jessamine. He said slowly, "We can't finalize the divorce yet, and I've to ask you to keep this a secret for now."The company's having a new product launch soon, and I won't allow anything to go wrong, especially with Grandpa—"Before he could finish, Jessamine said, "Don't worry. I'll keep this a secret from Grandpa. If necessary, I can also explain things to Ms. Quilton for you. After all, you're paying me for this. It's only right for me to do these things."Thaddeus' eyes darkened. He said somewhat sarcastically, "Thanks a lot, then. I might actually need it."Jessamine's throat constricted as her stomach roiled nauseously. She ran to the bathroom and vomited everything she had just eaten.Breakfast ended unpleasantly. Thaddeus left a half-eaten sandwich be
Thaddeus corrected himself. "No, not my wife. Jessamine Patton. Ms. Patton."Jordan looked surprised. He didn't know why Thaddeus was in a bad mood today, but he figured it had something to do with Jessamine.The last time Thaddeus had come to work after having an argument with Jessamine, he'd looked as scary as he was right now."Do I need to check her phone records too, Mr. Holt?""Yeah. Look into anyone with the name Malcolm.""Yes, sir." Jordan hurried off to carry out Thaddeus' instructions.After giving his orders, Thaddeus checked the message Lana had sent to him. His jaw tensed.Lana's message read, "Mrs. Holt left this behind."Attached was a photo of Thaddeus' supplementary card. He hadn't mentioned anything about taking it back. Jessamine had taken the initiative to return it.So, she was taking the "leaving without a word" route, huh? In a fit of rage, Thaddeus froze all of Jessamine's cards. Once she was out of money, she would return.Jessamine arrived at a ho