Chapter 5
The next morning, Jessica came downstairs to find Carrie setting the table for breakfast
After last night’s “efforts,” she’d ditched the maid uniform for a body–hugging dress that showed off every curve
And that face–Jesus, she looked eerily similar to Jessica. No wonder Quentin had chosen her.
Seeing Jessica appear, Carrie called out cheerfully: “Good morning, Mrs. Atlante! Come have some breakfast”
She casually turned to the side, showing off the dark hickeys covering her neck. On her delicate wrist was a stunning jade bracelet
Jessica recognized it instantly–that was Laurel’s heirloom bracelet, the Atlante family treasure
She remembered Laurel mentioning it once. Quentin had even asked for it for Jessica, but Laurel had refused, saying Jessica “wasn’t worthy” since she couldn’t have kids.
Now it was sitting pretty on Carrie’s wrist
Jessica’s fists clenched. Everything she’d been trying to protect suddenly felt like a complete joke.
She’d been worried about the families‘ relationship, trying to keep things quiet, but turns out Carrie was the daughter–in–law Laurel actually approved of
Even yesterday at the hospital, Quentin’s best friend knew all about Carrie
Only Jessica had been left in the dark, falling for Quentin’s empty promises |
Jessica almost laughed at the irony. If Quentin had been honest about wanting an heir from the start, she would’ve handled it with dignity and walked away clean.
Remembering last night’s sex session in the study still sent sharp pains through her chest. She actually wanted to slap him across the face.]]
But that wasn’t the reverige she wanted. She wanted him to regret this for the rest of his life.
Just then, Quentin came downstairs looking completely refreshed–no signs of his late–night activities.
Walking past Carrie, there was obvious intimacy between them that made Carrie blush and look away.
Then he turned and saw Jessica’s pale face, immediately going into concerned husband mode: “Babe, did you catch something from the rain yesterday? Maybe I should skip work today and stay home with you
Jessica couldn’t get away fast enough. Every second with Quentin felt suffocating–she felt physically disgusted.]
“Don’t,” she said coldly. “Work’s more important. I’ll just rest at home.”
Quentin’s brow furrowed–something was definitely off. Usually Jessica would beg him to stay home with her, but lately she’d heen acting weird.
He knew that tone meant her mind was made up, so he just told the staff: “Make sure Mrs. Atlante has everything she needs.”
The household staff exchanged glances–they’d seen this loving husband act a million times before. They all nodded obediently.
That’s when Carrie suddenly got up and walked over to Quentin, reaching up to fix his collar.
Your shirt’s all wrinkled. Let me help.
And Quentin actually let her do it, automatically tilting his head down.[
That unconscious intimacy gesture hurt more than anything else.]
The staff all held their breath, shooting nervous glances at Jessica.
Quentin finally realized what was happening and stepped back, muttering a polite “thanks.”
Tm heading to the office.” He walked over to Jessica, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Be good and wait for me, okay?
The exactly same
ne doting tone he’d used in the study last night ||
