Chapter 81: Turning on Each Other
William had never dreamed they could have had a child together. His parents were devastated. Aliya nearly fainted, but Keanu caught her. Their longed-for child would have been four years old, had it not been lost. The Quirks were stunned. Isabella could hardly believe she'd missed such juicy gossip; her system only provided answers when she actively searched.
"Did this really happen?" she mused. "Oh my, it's true! They didn't have children for years because they were both exhausted, with no time for pregnancy. Conceiving was unexpected. However, given Jessica's nature, she wouldn't have a child unless certain of their love. She wouldn't use a child as a pawn; she'd see it as a chain."
"Why didn't you keep it? Why didn't you tell me? If I'd known, I would have… I just made a small mistake. You should have given me a chance to correct it!" William cried, clutching his head.
Jessica responded, somewhat speechless, "Back then, I didn't divorce you—wasn't that giving you a chance? But the outcome proves my decision was right. You still let me down."
In marriage, one partner might stray, but the other often compromises out of affection or fear of change. However, there's a limit. Jessica, once a strong woman who supported William's entrepreneurial journey, had suffered successive blows: her husband's betrayal and her parents' deaths. This clouded her judgment, prolonging their difficulties.
Isabella lamented inwardly, while the others nodded in agreement. Jessica's revelation stemmed not only from amnesia but also a firm determination to avoid further entanglement.
This thought struck William, causing him to tremble. His agony was intense; veins throbbed on his forehead. "Jessica, I won't give up on you. I love you. I apologize for my past mistakes. I'll pursue you anew and patiently wait," he declared. "That line sounds so familiar," Isabella thought. The Quirks were inexplicably reminded of someone else.
Christopher, in the studio with Hayden, let out a loud sneeze.
"Stop!" Jessica frowned. "I don't care what you're thinking. I've said all I need to. If you don't leave, I'll call the police and accuse you of harassment. I'm not joking."
Her chill stunned William. Keanu was about to speak when Jessica interrupted, "I respect my elders, but if they manipulate my feelings for their own gain, causing me discomfort and unhappiness, my respect ceases." (This echoed Isabella's performance.)
Keanu could only support Aliya as they left sorrowfully. William, persistent, refused to leave. Since they were divorced, Evian had the security escort him out.
Even while being driven away, William continued his pleas. Jessica disgustedly cleaned her ear. The Quirks watched her with worry, fearing she might soften. "Even the strongest women fall for persistent men," Isabella thought. "Hilarious! It didn't work for Christopher, so if it works for William, I'll wash my hair upside down."
The Quirks choked. Christopher's ears itched.
Before their arrival, Jessica had contacted freelance photographers. Free from ties and regretting wasted years, she's single-mindedly pursuing her dreams. She'll likely leave the country after the hospital. Even if William pesters her, he'll have to find her first. Thankfully, his past indifference—his career focus kept him out of her professional circle—will help. For now, he clings to hope, but despair awaits.
Once William left, everyone focused on Jessica. They saw she was fine, exhilarated, and eager to pursue her dreams. Reassured, they left her to recover.
Rosalie excitedly suggested a family stroll. She'd missed time with her family and this was a rare opportunity, being the last day of her vacation. Isabella, elated after the show, agreed. Evian, not busy, joined them.
At the hospital entrance, they saw William—with Connor and Jennie.
Jennie, relying on William after returning, had a ruined reputation and desperately clung to him. William, seemingly awakened from a dream, pushed her away, slapping her. "It's all your fault! You ruined my family and career. If you hadn't shown up, Jessica and I wouldn't be like this. I wish I could strangle you!"
Jennie's breaking point. She clawed at him. "Do you think blaming me alleviates your guilt? You gave me hope, then the right to hurt Jessica. You silently approved everything!"
William's cherished "delicate flower" was cursing him, driving him to lose all rationality. They fought. His parents watched coldly. Connor could only watch. The Quirks kept their distance.
They turned on each other. A passerby was recording the scene. A new trending topic loomed. Isabella turned to find the Quirk women eagerly recording with their phones.