Chapter 322
Chapter 322
“Roger that!” Jacob hung up, excitedly slung his schoolbag over his shoulder, and was about to head out when he crashed into Brian, who’d returned to grab documents.
“Where are you going?” Brian asked.
Jacob glared at him. “Dad, did you upset Mom again?”
Brian thought of the morning’s events and nodded heavily. “Did she kick you out too?” He’d hoped Jacob could help plead his case, but that now seemed hopeless.
“No. Wait–you pestered Mom again? You said you wouldn’t appear in front of her if she didn’t want to see you. You lied!” Jacob huffed, glaring at Brian, thinking he was a jerk.
“I just happened to run into her.” Brian briefly told Jacob about the morning’s incident, then asked again where he was going.
Jacob said truthfully, “I’m going to ‘bump into‘ Mom. Wanda’s with her at the park, and I want to join them.”
Brian said, “I’ll go with you.”
Jacob hesitated. “Is that a good idea? You might upset Mom again.”
Brian ruffled his hair. “If that happens, I’ll take you and leave immediately.”
Jacob thought it was acceptable and agreed to Brian joining.
In the park, Jessica strolled hand–in–hand with Wanda, introducing the greenery on both sides, only to find Wanda knew most of them. “Do you like plants?” Jessica asked in surprise.
Wanda shook her head. “Not really. I like reading. When I’m bored at home alone, I go to the study and read all kinds of books.”
Hearing this, Jessica crouched down pityingly and touched Wanda’s head. “Next time you’re bored, send me a message. I’ll reply as soon as I see it.”
Wanda nodded. “Okay, but promise to tell me if I bother you.”
She bowed her head sadly. “When my parents divorced, neither wanted me because they thought I disturbed their private space, but they never said so
before.”
If she’d known that, she wouldn’t have bothered them. Maybe they’d have wanted her.
“It’s not your fault.” Jessica pulled Wanda into a hug.
Wanda nodded firmly. “I know, but I still feel regretful, so I don’t want to make the same mistake. Anyway, let’s not talk about sad things. There are so many lilies over there–shall we go see them?”
The time she’d agreed with Jacob was approaching, so she needed to lead Jessica there quickly, but feared acting unnaturally.
Not wanting Wanda to think she was impatient, Jessica took her to the lakeside. They found many people gathered, only to see a kayaking race happening on the lake.
Shores were filled with people cheering for their teams, professional photographers, and countless tourists taking photos with phones.
Jessica felt some lenses aimed at her, but when she looked, she couldn’t find the source, frowning.
Wanda cheered excitedly. “Wow, Jessica, look! That red kayak is about to win!”
Jessica held her closer. “Don’t get too close–be careful not to fall in.”
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Chapter 322
“Don’t worry. Look, Jessica!” Wanda urged again.
Jessica followed her gaze to see the scarlet kayak speed across the finish line, welcoming cheers. Soon, the kayakers stood up and waved to the crowd.
Looking at the man at the bow and the child beside him, Jessica’s hand on Wanda’s wrist suddenly tightened.
Wanda hissed in pain.
“Sorry, did I hurt you?” Jessica snapped back, realizing she’d left a red mark on Wanda’s wrist. She felt deeply guilty.
“It’s okay. By the way, what did you see that made you so excited?” Wanda asked, feigning curiosity.
“Nothing.” Jessica brushed off and tried to lead Wanda away, but the crowd suddenly erupted in cheers.
“The champion kayak is coming over!”
“Is that Mr. Atkinson?”
“Yes! I still have his photo on my phone.”
“My god, a big CEO joined a small community kayaking race?”
“Who would have thought?”
“Stop talking–look, Mr. Atkinson’s kayak is heading this way!”
At this, everyone turned to look in Jessica’s direction.
Jessica pressed her lips together and tried to pull Wanda away, but Jacob suddenly appeared, smiling and greeting her. “Mom, what a coincidence!”
Jessica’s face dropped. Wanda was speechless–she’d expected Jacob’s “chance encounter” to be more low–key.
“Mom, when did you get here? Did you see Dad win?” Jacob chattered, successfully drawing attention.
Jessica held Wanda tightly and said coldly, “Move aside.”
Jacob’s smile froze. He obediently made way but refused to leave, following Jessica. “Are you tired, Mom? There’s a pavilion ahead where we can rest. Let me take you there, okay?”
Under the spotlight, Jessica couldn’t ignore him, only saying coldly, “Fine.”
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