Chapter 2
The next morning dawned bright and clear after the storm.]
Jessica hadn’t slept a damn minute.
She’d spent the entire night thinking–she’d experienced love in its purest form, so how could she settle for this fake bullshit? []
She was Jessica Rolando who loved Quentin with everything she had, but she was also Jessica Rolando, daughter of the Rolando family. And she didn’t play second fiddle to anyone.
Mind made up, she called her father Dexter: “Dad, remember how you wanted to expand into the UK market? Betty’s husband has ties to British royalty, and she’s taking Nosh back there in two weeks. I want to go with them and scope things out.“[]
Dexter sounded confused: “Quentin put you up to this?“[]
“Nope, this is my call.” Jessica let out a bitter laugh. Everyone automatically assumed she and Quentin were joined at the hip–even her own father.
Dexter was clearly surprised. His daughter had never wanted to be away from that Atlante boy for more than a day, so why the sudden interest in traveling halfway around the world?]
“Jessie, did that bastard do something to hurt you?” Dexter’s voice turned deadly serious.
Jessica pressed her lips together, then decided to keep things vague for now: “Dad, don’t ask questions yet. I’ll tell you everything once I’m in London.“]
The Rolandos and Atlantes had been business partners for decades, and the marriage had tangled things up even more. She didn’t want her family caught in the crossfire.[]
Her father finally gave in “Alright, but come by the office today. You’ll need to get up to speed on the European operations.“[]
Jessica nodded and hung up. She dragged herself to the bathroom, wincing at her reflection–her eyes were swollen like she’d gone
ten rounds with a boxer.
The divorce papers were already sitting on her nightstand, delivered by her lawyer that morning. But she still had no clue how to bring this up to Quentin. Şeven years didn’t just disappear overnight.[]
She caked on concealer to hide the evidence of her breakdown, threw on a sharp business suit and headed downstairs.]
Betty was in the kitchen with Nosh, probably trying to act normal after yesterday’s shitshow.
“Aunt Jess is awake!” Nosh came running over on his little legs, grabbing her hand and blowing on it gently. “Mommy said your heart was hurting yesterday. My magic breath will make it better!“]
Six–year–olds were so damn innocent. Jessica ruffled his hair. “You’re such a sweet boy, Nosh. Aunt Jess feels much better now. Go finish your breakfast with Mommy.”
Nosh nodded seriously and scampered back to Betty.
Jessica’s mind drifted to yesterday–Quentin laughing and playing with that little boy.[]
If their baby had survived, he’d probably be older than Carter by now.
Nova S
Chapter 2
Jessica took a shaky breath, shoving
the pain threatening to surface again. She grabbed her purse and headed out the door.
But the second she stepped out of Betty’s townhouse, she spotted a figure leaning against a black Mercedes in the distance.[]
Quentin looked exhausted, a cigarette dangling from his lips, smoke curling around him like a shield.[]
Jessica froze. According to Betty’s intel, both Carrie Versta and her son had July birthdays. Carrie’s had already passed, but Carter’s was still coming up–so why the hell was Quentin back early?]
Her stare must’ve been intense because he suddenly looked up. And the moment their eyes met, his dull eyes completely lit up.]
He strode over and pulled her into his arms.
s.I
His embrace was still warm, but now it felt like it was burning her alive.[]
“How’s that cold? You sounded awful on the phone, so I caught a red–eye back.” []
Got to the house and you weren‘
there–figured you’d be at Betty’s.“[]
Quentin’s voice was thick with concern, and he looked genuinely worried.
Jessica still couldn’t wrap her head around it–how could the man who claimed to love her more than life itself be playing house with
another woman and their kid?]]
Her lips trembled as she swallowed the bile rising in her throat. She wanted to scream at him, demand answers, but instead she managed: “I’m fine now. Was just heading home.“]
Quentin’s shoulders sagged with relief: “Next time you’re sick, call me immediately, okay? I was losing my mind worrying about you.“[]
His voice was so gentle, so caring–for a split second, she almost believed they were still that perfect couple.]]
But then she caught sight of a slim figure hovering near the street corner. 1
Carrie stood under a tree with phone pressed to her ear, saying something. A second later, Quentin’s phone started buzzing.
He glanced at the screen and his face shifted: “Shit, emergency at the office. I gotta handle this.“[
Jessica’s breath caught. She wasn’t blind–she’d seen that name flash across his screen. Carrie Versta.]
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The bitterness was about to choke her, but she forced herself to say: “Of course, go handle your business. Work comes first.“]
Quentin looked genuinely guilty as he kissed her forehead before jumping in his car and speeding off.[]
The moment Quentin drove away, Carrie ended her call and sauntered over with a predatory smile: “Hello there, you must be Jessica. I’m Carrie Versta, I’m…“]
She trailed off meaningfully, taking in Jessica’s tight expression and realizing something.[]
“Oh, looks like Miss. Rolando already know about me and Carter. Well then, just sit back and enjoy the show.“[]
