They Want Me Back 1

They Want Me Back 1

Chapter

In the empty room, Jessica Atkinson held a paintbrush in her hand, listening to her mother’s weary voice over the phone

Stella Grant said, Jessi, have you thought about what we talked about last time? Your grandfather’s seriously ill. You’re the only child your dad and I have. Are you really still not coming home to take over the company?” 

In the dim light, Jessica added the final stroke to a painting of a family of three

Just as Stella thought she’d failed to convince her daughter again, Jessica suddenly spoke, Okay,” 

Stella froze, clearly caught off guard. Yyou’re saying yes?” 

Yes.Jessica’s voice was calm. I’ll do it. But I need some time to wrap things up here. I’ll be back in 15 days.” 

After a few more words, she ended the call

Jessica stepped out of the room and looked down at the three people in the living room

Her eyes landed on the man sitting on the couchBrian Atkinson. His features were striking, sharp without being harsh

He had a quiet, restrained kind of presence. His shirt and slacks were perfectly tailored, the collar buttoned all the way to the top. He looked every bit the picture of elegance and control

This was Jessica’s husband, the man she had insisted on marrying even though it meant turning down her family’s arrangement and cutting ties with them

In Hartdale, Brian held tremendous power and was always serious and distant. People around him saw him as cold and untouchable, yet now he was speaking to another woman in a gentle tone

Beside them, a boy around five years old with délicate features, Jacob Atkinson, threw himself into the woman’s arms. Blinking his wide eyes, he said sweetly, Maddie, I want fish casserole. Will you make it for me?” 

Madeline Houghton tapped his nose with a fond smile. Of course.” 

Jacob’s eyes lit up, clearly thrilled. He remarked, Maddie, you’re the best. Not like my momshe never lets me eat too much.As he spoke, he even pouted a little

Madeline smiled and gently coaxed him, Then you’ve got to eat a little extra today, Jake.” 

Jacob nodded with a warm chuckle. Maddie, I wish you were my real mom.” 

Madeline’s smile deepened

Upstairs, Jessica felt a dull ache in her chest. She always thought kids tended to overeat when they liked something. She only watched Jacob’s diet because she didn’t want him to get sick. That was all

Jessica didn’t feel like watching any longer. That was her husband and her son, but somehow, the three of them looked more like a real family. She was the one who seemed out of place

She turned around and went back into the room

Not long after, footsteps came from outside. Madeline walked in. Her makeup was flawless, her smile gentle. Jessi, come downstairs with me. Let’s celebrate Jake’s birthday together.” 

Madeline used to be Jessica’s intern. She came from a poor background and was barely competent

Jessica had once listened to Madeline cry about her past, saying that if she still couldn’t find a job, she would have no choice but to go back to her hometown and get married

Jessica had felt sorry for her and brought her into the company. She never imagined she’d end up bringing in the very woman who would destroy her family

Madeline had studied her, mimicked her, and tried to take her placeto become the new Mrs. Atkinson. By the time Jessica realized it, Madeline had already made her way into the household, getting along perfectly with her husband and son

Jessica had long seen through the mask Madeline wore and had hated herself for bringing trouble into her own home. Jessica said coldly, I’m not feeling well. I’m not going.” 

Madeline spoke with feigned innocence, Jessi, you’re Jake’s mom. It would mean a lot to him if you said happy birthday to him.” 

Jessica frowned, about to turn her down again. But then something crossed her mind, and she let out a sigh

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Chapter

She figured this was between her and Madeline, Jacob was still just a child who shouldn’t be affected by it. As his mother, Jessica felt it was only right to wish him a happy birthday

With that thought, she set down her paintbrush and walked downstairs, brushing past Madeline’s shoulder, completely ignoring her

For a split second, Madeline’s smile froze. A flicker of malice passed through her eyes, but she quickly followed after

When Jessica saw Brian and Jacob, she paused

Ten years ago, she’d joined the Atkinson Group to challenge herself and met Brian there. They’d fought, teased, and fallen into marriage. She had rejected her family’s carefully laid plans and insisted on marrying Brian, even cutting ties with them to do it

For the past ten years, she’d never once regretted her decision. Her husband was rich, handsome, and he treated her well. Their son was smart and adorable. She had once truly believed she had a happy life

But then, Jessica looked at Madeline, who was smiling attentively as she served food to Brian and Jacob. Madeline’s presence had changed everything that once felt so perfect

Jessica silently picked up her fork to eat, but then a wave of nausea hit her. She quickly put the fork down and rushed to the bathroom, gagging 

over the sink

Brian stood up, looking concerned, about to follow her, but Madeline stopped him in a flurry of panic

She clutched his sleeve, her eyes wide with worry. Mr. Atkinson, what’s going on with Jessi?” 

Brian spoke gently, trying to reassure her, She’s been like this lately. It’s nothing. Don’t worry.” 

After saying that, he turned to look at Jessica and sneered coldly, What’s the excuse this time? A cold? Or is the food at home not good enough?” 

Jessica didn’t respond. She wiped the corner of her mouth with a tissue and thought, If I said I was pregnant, would they even believe me

Forget it. I’m leaving soon anyway. Why bother telling them? No need to ruin the sweet little bond between my husband and his mistress

Even as a secretary, Madeline still dared to chide her boss, speaking in a syrupy tone, Mr. Atkinson, don’t say that about Jessi. Maybe she really isn’t feeling well. She’s lost a lot of weight lately.” 

Then she stood up, made a cup of hot chamomile tea, and handed it to Jessica. Jessi, are you okay? Here, have some chamomile tea.” 

Still nauseous and not wanting to see Madeline’s face, Jessica grew irritated and pushed her away

She hadn’t even used much force, but Madeline let herself fall with the motion, and the hot chamomile tea spilled onto her own hand

Ow!Madeline cried out

Maddie,Brian and Jacob called out at the same time. They instantly rushed to her side, their eyes full of concern as they looked at her hand which was scalded red

Jacob’s eyes welled with tears, feeling sorry for her. Maddie, does it hurt a lot?” 

Madeline forced a smile and tried to look strong. It’s okay, Jake. I was just being careless. It doesn’t hurt.” 

Brian glared at Jessica, his eyes blazing. His voice was like ice. What are you trying to pull now?” 

Jessica was overwhelmed with sadness and disappointment. She caught the smug look in Madeline’s eyes, then saw her own son standing in front of Madeline like a little protector. Jessica shut her eyes in despair and said, I didn’t do anything.” 

But Brian didn’t believe her. When the family doctor arrived, Brian helped Madeline sit down, letting her lean against his chest. There was disappointment in his deepset eyes as well

He said accusingly, Jessi, you’ve changed. You were never the kind of person to do something like this out of jealousy.” 

Jessica thought, I’ve changed? Yeah, I have.‘ 

Ten years ago, she wouldn’t have had stretch marks from childbirth. Her skin wouldn’t have gone dull from staying up all night

And she definitely wouldn’t have quit her job and become a housewife just because of Brian’s wordsonly to be replaced by another woman

Jessica suddenly felt exhausted. She held back the explanation she almost gave and turned to head upstairs

Right before entering her room, she looked back down at the chaotic scene below and gave one last glance at the husband and son she had once loved with everything she had

Brian and Jacob were still the same, hovering around Madeline, the three of them tangled up like they couldn’t bear to be apart

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Jessica gave a bitter smile and shook her head. Then she gently touched her belly and set a countdown on her phone. Without a trace of hesitation, she turned and went back into the room

From this moment on, she wouldn’t disturb them again.” 

They Want Me Back

They Want Me Back

Status: Ongoing

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