Chapter 8
A wave of helplessness crashed over Jessica]
She forced a bitter smile: “Whatever. Think what you want–nothing I say matters anyway.”
“Daddy, see? The mean lady already confessed! You have to punish her real bad!”
Carter tugged at Quentin’s sleeve, but his eyes kept sneaking glances at Carrie.
When their eyes met,
gave him a subtle nod, and Carter’s tense little face finally relaxed.]
+Carrie gave
Quentin crouched down, gently stroking his son’s head with obvious affection: “Don’t worry, buddy. Daddy’s gonna protect you.“]
Then his voice turned ice-
ice–cold: “Take Mrs. Atlante to the family chapel. She’ll kneel there until I say otherwise.“[]
Quentin’s word was final–no room for negotiation.
He helped Carrie to her feet, and the perfect little family walked out together without giving Jessica so much as a backward glance.
Only Carrie turned to shoot Jessica a triumphant look, her eyes blazing with victory.
Jessica watched their car disappear through the window as Laurel nodded with satisfaction, gesturing for the staff to drag Jessica
away.
Some of the longtime household staff looked genuinely sorry for her, whispering comfort as they led her away “Mrs. Atlante, don’t worry. We all know you didn’t do this. Mr. Atlante must have his reasons–he loves you too much to really let you suffer.”
rly. Whatever. She was leaving anyway, so none of this mattered anymore.
Jessica smiled bitterly.
She knelt in that chapel for three days and nights–far worse than she’d imagined.
The estate staff had clearly gotten orders. Endless insults and curses, beatings with wooden rods every few hours,
The blows rained down on her like hail, but Jessica bit down hard and refused to make a sound.
She clenched her jaw until she tasted blood, feeling more hopeless by the hour.[]
She suddenly remembered seven years ago, when Quentin had knelt in this same chapel for three days and nights to marry her, his freshly healed ribs nearly leaving him permanently disabled.
It wasn’t just Laurel pressuring Quentin back then–Betty and Jessica’s own parents had been urging her to walk away too. Everyone knew how obsessed the Atlante family was with having heirs
She’d felt so sorry for Quentin then, believing their love could move mountains. She’d married him despite enormous pressure from all sides
Now, was this payback for loving the wrong person?[]
Just don’t ever regret this, Quentin Atlante. Not for the rest of your
life.
On the fourth morning, the chapel doors slowly opened and Quentin walked in. []
“Hey babe, I’m here to get you.” His voice was hoarse, his face drawn with exhaustion.[]
Jessica stared blankly at the memorial tablets in front of her, as if she hadn’t heard him.]
Yeah, the Atlante family chapel was perfectly preserved, every generation of patriarchs enshrined here with candles burning 24/7.||
She’d been a complete idiot to believe Quentin would choose her over having an heir.
ing that had happened to her was her own damn fault[]
Everything
Jessica ignored Quentin completely, slowly struggling to her feet. She’d knelt so long her legs were numb, and every movement sent pain shooting through her injured back.
The moment she stood up, she started collapsing
Quentin caught her in his arms, preventing her from hitting the flour
Jess,
you face consequences. How else can you
you set an example for the kid? Besides, it was just kneeling
when you screw up, you!
Just kneeling? Then what about all the injuries hidden under her clothes?||
Jessica let out a harsh laugh and shoved him away. “Quentin Atlante, what did you promise me before? You said if I didn’t like Carter, you’d send him away.”
Quentin frowned and sighed, his tone full of forced patience: “Jess, the Atlante family needs an heir, and he’s the best option. We’re a team–you need to think about what’s best for me too.“]
Jessica was so sick of hearing this bullshit: “Really? The way you act, anyone would think he was your biological son.”
Quentin’s breath caught, his eyes darting away: “That’s impossible. Babe, you’re the only woman I’ll ever love. But Carter’s a good kid–he’s really well–behaved.”
At this point, Jessica didn’t give a damn whether he loved her or not anymore
But years of love ending like this–all that buried emotion was about to explode.]
“Quentin Atlante, how long are you gonna keep…” lying to me?
But before she could finish, Carrie suddenly waltzed in
“Quentin, Carter’s dying to go to Six Flags. Let’s all go together.” She sized up Jessica with fake concern: “Though Mrs. Allante looks pretty beat up–maybe she shouldn’t…“)
“She’s not coming” Quentin’s voice was ice–cold as he made the decision for Jessica.]
He looked at Jessica with zero emotion: “Tomorrow’s Carter’s birthday. The family’s throwing him a big party at the estate, and we’ll officially announce his heir status. As his mother, you need to get ready for that
Jessica almost laughed out loud. Being Carter’s “mother“-the thought made her want to puke.
She limped out of the chapel, spotting Betty waiting anxiously in the distance.
Without hesitation, she started walking toward Betty, when Quentin called out behind her. “Jess, I’m taking Carter to the amusement park. Won’t be home tonight, so get some rest. I’ll send someone to pick you up tomorrow morning.
Chapter
Jessica didn’t turn around, just gave a quiet “Mm–hmm.
For some reason, watching her walk away made Quer
Quentin’s chest tighten with panic.[]
But he told himself he couldn’t go soft now. He knew Jessica’s pride–if Carter was going to be officially recognized as an Atlante, they had to get through this rough shitstorm.
He was convinced Jessica loved him enough that she’d get over her initial resistance and come around.
Meanwhile, Jessica finally made it to Betty’s car with her help.]
“Jess, I’ve got your packed bags, and this envelope–Carrie gave it to me.“]
Jessica opened the envelope to find the divorce papers with Quentin’s signature at the bottom.[]
Through the car window, she watched the happy little family pile into their SUV, laughing and chatting as they drove away.
I
now.“[]
Her voice was arctic: “Betty, JFK airport. We’re leaving right fucking now.”
Quentin Atlante, you forced me choose between you and my dignity.[]
This time, I choose me!]
