Chapter 95

Jessica just stared at Henry, silent.

Henry thought she must be upset, so he hurried to explain. "Mom, you've always cared about me most, right? You wouldn't want me to be teased by others, would you? When we're alone, you'll always be my mom. But could you let Miss Sheila pretend to be my mom in front of everyone else? Just for show-would that be okay?"

Jessica's lips trembled.

This was the child she'd carried for nine long months.

She felt a deep, helpless ache rising inside her, the kind that makes you want to cry but leaves you with no tears.

Suddenly, a metallic taste filled her throat. She clamped a hand over her mouth and rushed out of the hospital room.

She doubled over in the hallway, retching.

When she pulled her hand away, she saw a smear of blood in her palm.

Tilting her head back, she closed her eyes for a moment, then walked toward the public restroom.

She turned on the tap and rinsed her hand clean, watching the blood swirl away, then splashed cold water on her face, desperate to wash away the tears threatening to spill.

She wandered out, numb, barely feeling the floor beneath her feet.

of her pocket-it was Henry, calling from his

she hung up and typed out a

night. I can't hold out anymore. Can you come and take over

Jessica knew Sallie would

Timothy's

Sallie had never married or had children of her own-she doted

it. I'll be there as soon as

Henry's room, determined to fulfill her duty as a mother, waiting for Sallie

new message

I already made a huge compromise for you. Why did you get

the ache in her chest nearly

deep breath. She couldn't let herself think too much about all

now.

astray, but he was still young-there was time

matter how hurt or angry she felt, she couldn't really hold it against

talk everything through with him. If all her suspicions were nothing but paranoia, if she'd misunderstood everything, she'd make a new decision-she'd give father and

best to

couldn't just stand by

the hospital. When she saw how pale Jessica looked, her brow furrowed. "Are you feeling alright? Maybe you

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