Chapter 90


    These past few days, Jan had been acting out of character,ing home on the dot, and even


    bringing Monique home for the weekend. We had a rare family reunion, which left me with mixed


    feelings. Watching our three children gambol around the house, I daydreamed about how perfect things


    would be if nothing had changed.


    Sometimes, I wish this was all just a nightmare, but I knew, there was no going back.


    One more thing that concerned me was Jan. I was convinced he had contracted some sexually


    transmitted diseases.


    He had been having unexined feverstely, although some over-the-counter fever reducers would


    do the trick. Despite my lip-born insistent pleas for him to see a doctor, I ended up amodating his


    wishes and just let it be.


    I used his fevers as an excuse to to prevent Jan from getting too close to our children. Monique had


    always been aloof with me. Despite my attempts to get closer to her, she remained indifferent. And


    whenever I asked her about the reason, she would retort with a "You''re so annoying," or im that it


    was her personal business. She seemed to be closer to Zora than to me, which left me feeling helpless


    and frustrated. But when I suggested a summer trip to Silverdale City, she seemed enthusiastic.


    The Rhylee sisters seemed to be getting along well these days, at least on the surface. Ever since Zora


    discovered me rummaging through the car in the middle of the night, I sensed that Jan still had his


    suspicions about me. He continued to test me, leaving his two phones within my sight, but I pretended


    not to see them,pletely ignoring them. Jan even asked me to hand him his phone, and I did so


    without hesitation.


    Things resumed their usual course after Monique returned to school. Then, Jan called to say he was


    going on a business trip to Amethyst Acres. I knew very well that he was probably going to see


    Marissa. I was secretly thrilled at this, thinking it was about time he got closer to Marissa. I nagged him


    like a devoted wife, reminding him to be safe, avoid too much alcohol, get plenty of rest, and not stay


    upte, given that his cold hadn''tpletely cleared up.


    My delight was palpable. After all, the big surprise I had prepared for Marissa had finally been


    delivered.


    I called Logan to verify, and sure enough, the people tailing Jan reported that he had gone to


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Marissa''s neighborhood. And then I had him ry the message to Maddox in a secret way.


    That evening, while I was picking up Probert, Marissa took the initiative to greet me. She looked radiant


    and full of energy, like a vibrant flower nourished by fertilizer.


    It was a show-off move. I yed along and asked, "You look so well today. What''s the secret?"


    Unable to hide her smug expression, she responded, "My husband is back from his trip."


    "Why doesn''t hee with you to pick up your kid?" I asked, ying along.


    "I refused him to pick up the kid because he needs to rest after his trip," Marissa said, looking satisfied.


    "He''s been sozy since he got back, just staying in bed."


    "It feels so good. You should take good care of him." I teased, adding, "You''re such a good wife. You''re


    definitely cut out to be a strategist. It''s a waste that you''re not working full-time."


    "I can''t help it because my husband wants me to prepare for a second child, and I''m worried about


    that." She said she was worried, but she looked pleased. "He insists on having a daughter. Ms. Aaliyah,


    what do you think?"


    "Go for it. Having a girl is different. You should take advantage of your ability and go for it." I


    encouraged, but I thought, "You want a second child? You better think twice."


    "That''s true. Then I''ll take your advice, and try for a daughter." Marissa said with a smile.


    "You should hurry." I urged.


    Sheughed even more, her eyes filled with deep implications when she looked at me. I knew what she


    was thinking that I was a fool, but that was what I wanted. Thestugh would be on me.


    I watched her happily take her kid away, not forgetting to wave at me from afar. I smiled. I pulled out my


    phone and dialed Catherine, giving her a few instructions.


    As she listened, Catherine chuckled a couple of times and responded, "No problem."