bChapter /bb421 /b

    A series of sharp knocks echoed through the house. Inside, Jacob was doing his morning exercises with Jim, his life assistant, when he frez, and sunich. at the sudden noise.

    “I’ll get the door,” Jim said immediately,

    Ever since they returned from the hospital, Brian had assigned Jim to be Jacob’s full–time personal assistant, responsible for his meals and safety

    whenever Brian or Jessica weren’t around.

    So when someone knocked at the door, he instinctively rushed to answer. With that, he swiftly turned and headed for the door.

    Jacob trailed after him, a faint hope flickering across his young face, thinking, ‘What if it’s Mommy?‘

    As the door swung open, Jim froze, his eyes widening in shock to find Jessica standing outside. “Mrs. Atkinson, no, I meanb, /bMs. Grantb, /bgood morning.”

    Jim’s reaction was warranted. After all, it had been over a month since they’d moved here, and it was always Brian who brought Jacob over. Meanwhile, Jessica had never set foot in this ce, not even once.

    “Mommy,” Jacob eximed. The moment Jacob saw who was at the door, his eyes blit /bup like stars. Without a second thought, he pushed past Jim, reaching out eagerly to hug Jessica.

    Jessica took a step back, her gaze sweeping coldly over the empty hallway behind them and confirmed that Brian wasn’t home.

    She thought, ‘With Jacob calling out so loudly, if Brian were here, with how obsessively attentive he’s beentely, he would’vee running straight away to ask if I needed anything,‘

    Realizing this, Jessica suddenly found it utterly ridiculous that she had rushed over to knock on the door after seeing the photo.

    ‘What was I even expecting? Did I actually think Madeline would send a fake photo? How ridiculous of me.‘ With these thoughts in mind, Jessica turned and left without a word.

    Jacob froze for a moment, then quickly grabbed the hem of her shirt, not wanting her to leave.

    Jacob pleaded. “Mommy, don’t go! Did youe to see Daddy? He had to rush back to the officest night for some urgent matters, but he promised he’d be back this morning to make breakfast. Please wait, okay? I’ll call him right now and tell him toe home.”

    The words poured out of him in a frantic, breathless rush. Jim, sharp as ever, was already pulling out his phone, ready to call Brian.

    “No need for that. I wasn’t looking for him. I just… had a bad dream and wanted to see you,” Jessica said, her voice gentle but distant.

    In truth, she lied. But seeing the pure joy in Jacob’s eyes, she couldn’t help thinking that maybe–just maybe–ba /blittle white lie wasn’t so bad after all.

    Jacob asked, “Mommy, did you dream about me? Don’t worry. Bad dreams mean good things will happen. See, I’m perfectly fine now.”

    Jacob was practically glowing with excitement at Jessica’s rare attention, and any thoughts of helping Brian werepletely forgotten.

    As he spoke, Jacob spun around in a small, excited circle, eager for Jessica to see just how strong and healthy he was.

    Jessica couldn’t bring herself ito /iruin his joy. In the end, she yed along, her eyes following him carefully, taking him in from head to toe. Only then did she realize that, without her even noticing, Jacob had already grown tall enough to reach above her waist.

    ‘He’s really turning into a big boy, she thought, a bittersweet warmth blooming in her chest.

    “Stop spinning, I can see you clearly now. Grow up well, my darling. No matter what happens, promise me you’ll always stay happy,” Jessica

    bently /b

    Memories of the overwhelming joy she felt when Jacob was iborn /iflooded her mind. Before she could stop herself, she gently patted his little bhead/bb, /bbher /btouch tender and protective.

    i12 /i

    Chapter b421 /b

    bJake’s /bbeyes /bwelled bup /bwith btears /bbat /bthis familiar gesture. He instinctively leaned forward, wanting bto /bnuzzle binto /bher warm bpalin/b, bbut /bbjust /bas he moved bwithdrew /bher hand. Without another word, Jessica turned and walked away.

    “Mommy…” Jacob started to chase after her, but Jim quickly stepped forward and gently held him back,

    “Mr. Jacob Atkinsonb, /bMrs. Atkinson isn’t in a good mood right now. Let’s not bother her,” Jim said quietly.

    bAs /bhe spoke, he tapped into the chat window with Brian and happened.

    briefly

    Brian–who was still working overtime at thepanyb–/bbwhat /bbhad /b

    e message came through.

    As soon as Brian wrapped up an all–night emergency product meeting, Jim’s voice r

    AD