After I Stopped Loving Him (Isabella and Ethan) novel Chapter 290

After Kevin was born, and as he grew into such a smart, quick-witted kid, Jackson found himself drifting more and more toward his other family. No matter how he tried to justify it, he knew in his heart he had failed Cynthia. Over the past couple of years, he tried to make it up to her by buying her some property and nice jewelry, hoping it might bring her some comfort. It was the least he could do, to make sure she’d be okay in the future, and maybe ease his own guilt just a little.

“Since everyone knows now,” Jackson said, his tone firm but tired, “I’ll talk to the elders and have Kevin officially recognized as part of the family.” He didn’t want Kevin living with that secret anymore.

Cynthia wiped at her tears. Isabella hurried to her side, steadying her with a gentle touch.

“Jackson,” Cynthia choked out, her voice shaking, “if you’re bringing that boy into our family, what about the woman? Are you going to bring her here too? Did you ever stop to think about how I feel? How am I supposed to face anyone after this?”

Jackson went quiet for a moment. His face softened, regret flickering in his eyes. “I know I hurt you. I’ll make it up to you. Kevin and Deborah will keep living where they are. I just want people to know Kevin is my son, that’s all. Deborah won’t take your place. You’re still my wife.”

Isabella looked like she wanted to say something, but Cynthia squeezed her hand under the table to keep her quiet.

Cynthia dabbed at her eyes, then looked right at Jackson. Her voice was calm, but there was a strength in it that hadn’t been there before. “Jackson, we’ve been married twenty years. You know exactly what I’ve given up and how much I’ve done for this family. You once promised me that if I married you, you’d be my shelter, that you’d protect me and give us a real home. I only ever asked you for one thing. Just don’t betray me.”

“I know I hurt you,” Jackson tried to reason, “and I said I’d make it right. I’ll give you thirty million, and I’ll buy you a whole apartment building so you can live off the rent. Isn’t that enough?”

Cynthia looked at him, tears shining in her eyes. “Jackson, I can’t share my husband with someone else. You and Deborah have a child together. I can’t hope you’ll stop seeing her, and we both know you won’t. We don’t have kids together, there’s nothing keeping us tied. Let’s just get divorced.”

“Once we’re divorced, you can marry her and give her the respect she deserves. She’s been with you for more than ten years and gave you a son. You should take responsibility. If you marry her, your son won’t have to carry that label anymore.”