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    Time flew by, and before Jessica knew it, September first had arrived–the first day of elementary school.

    Jessica apanied Jake to school, but they’d barely walked through the entrance when Brian came rushing up to them.

    “I thought you said you had a business trip and couldn’t make it?” Jessica demanded, her eyes ice–cold.

    Brian replied shamelessly, “That was before. When my father found out I was asking iyou /ito take Jake to school, he immediately pulled me off my assignments and told me toe here to be with you and Jake.”

    Jacob, who was holding Jessica’s hand, couldn’t help but roll his eyes.

    Jake thought, ‘Dad, don’t think I didn’t catch that pause in your voice. No wonder you kept pushing me to go find Mom and y up the sob story these past few days, begging her toe with me to this thing.

    You promised you wouldn’t show up, but here you are, waiting for us.‘ He should have known Brian wouldn’t pass up such a perfect opportunity.

    Jessica had obviously picked up on it too, but she couldn’t even be bothered to roll her eyes. She was just filled with regret–deep, painful regret. “How did I let him talk me into this?‘ she wondered.

    “Jessica, let’s go sign Jake up,” Brian said, fully aware that both Jessica and Brian had seen right through his little scheme. But after all this time chasing after Jessica, he’d developed skin as thick as armor, so he didn’t feel embarrassed in the slightest.

    Jessica ignored himpletely and said tly, “Since you’re here, you can take Jake and handle it yourself.” She started to let go of Jake’s hand, ready to leave.

    “Mom…” Jake’s eyes welled up with tears as she released his hand.

    “Come on, you’re already here. Let’s just do this together,” Brian quickly jumped in.

    He’d worked so hard to get her toe. There was no way he was letting her walk away now.

    Wesley had specifically said that stage two of the treatment involved getting Jessica and Brian to gradually be part of each other’s lives again. An opportunity like signing their kid up for something was too good to waste.

    Jaco immediately started acting cute, clinging to her. “Mommy, don’t go! I don’t want you to leave, Mommy.”

    sweet voice made Jessica freeze in ce. Honestly, Jake had been incredibly well behavedtely. He’d been so good that

    ost forgotten how difficult he used to be.

    once had promised to help him with registration, and leaving now would definitely look bad. But she wasn’t sure if she was sedy to stay here with Brian to take Jake to school.

    Jessica felt torn. Brian noticed her hesitation and gently took her hand, leading her to join the long registration line.

    With his status, Brian could have easily used the VIP entrance, but that would be pointless. Sometimes, experiencing ordinary life like everyone else bwas /bactually pretty interesting.

    Once they were in line, they were surrounded by other parents dropping off their kids.

    Jessica didn’t want to embarrass Jake in front of everyone. Thest thing she wanted was for Jake to start school with teachers

    16:28 Fri, 22 Aug

    and ssmates thinking his family was dysfunctional.

    When Jake saw that Jessica wasn’t talking about leaving anymore, he visibly brightened up.

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    Jessica noticed his reaction and looked down, lost in thought. ‘Was I really right to give up custody of Jake when iwe /idivorced?‘ she

    wondered.

    The line moved slowly forward, and just as they were about to reach the front, Brian suddenly stepped closer, casting his shadow over both Jessica and Jake.

    “What are you doing?” Jessica demanded.

    “Someone’s taking pictures,” Brian said with a frown.

    He scanned the crowd of students and parents around them. The person was standing far away, casually pointing their phone in their general direction, which made it impossible to prove they were specifically targeting them. That would make confronting them tricky.