The Ex-Wife He Can’t Have novel Chapter 44

"I'm not sad," Jillian said quietly.

She just needed a little time to let her ten years of love for Killian finally wash away for good.

"No, you're sad," Mallory insisted.

"Why do you say that?" Jillian asked.

"Because I'm sad," Mallory replied, and with that, her eyes fluttered shut and she fell fast asleep.

Jillian was entirely confused by the exchange.

From the driver's seat, Daniel suddenly spoke up. "Don't let Mallory's tough exterior fool you. She's been through a devastating heartbreak of her own."

Jillian was stunned. She couldn't fathom how the concept of a broken heart could ever be associated with someone as fiercely independent as Mallory.

Perhaps the heiress's rebellious, devil-may-care persona was just too convincing.

Mallory was undeniably gorgeous, with striking features and a defiant gleam in her eyes. She looked like the kind of glamorous villain you'd see in a soap opera, which made it all the more surprising to discover she had a heart of gold.

As Project Astra progressed, Daniel's schedule became packed. Since he was personally spearheading the initiative, he had to oversee every minor detail.

While juggling her workload, Jillian also began preparing for Connor's upcoming school art festival.

His elite preschool was hosting a massive centennial celebration. Connor, being remarkably multi-talented, was a star pupil his homeroom teacher heavily focused on.

In the past, Jillian had handled all the coordination for his school performances.

This time, Connor called her on his own initiative.

"Mom, can you come to the art festival with me this year?"

There was no way Jillian could ever say no to a direct request from her son.

Scanning lines of data on her monitor, she replied, "Of course I can. How many events are you in?"

Connor loved to draw and entered the art exhibition every year, but this year he was also starring in a stage play.

After hanging up, Jillian debated with herself all morning before finally dialing Killian's number.

"What is it?" Killian answered.

His voice over the line was freezing and detached. Hearing that tone never failed to send an involuntary tremor through Jillian's chest.

"Connor's school art festival is coming up."

Killian had never bothered with these things before. From school drop-offs to performances and extracurriculars, Jillian had always been the one handling it all.

Hearing his approval brought Jillian immense relief.

"Thank you..." she said sincerely.

But before the words even left her mouth, the line went dead.

He simply didn't have the patience to listen to her finish a sentence.

Or perhaps Sylvia was right beside him, and he didn't want his mistress knowing he was still communicating with his wife.

A few days later, Jillian packed a small bag with enough clothes for the week and moved back in.

Mrs. Zeller was predictably furious to see her return.

The housekeeper glared at Jillian the moment she stepped through the door.

Jillian shot her a cold, indifferent glance and carried her luggage up to Connor's room.

"I'm only staying for a few days."

Mrs. Zeller continued to watch her like a hawk, treating her like a trespasser.

"Let me make one thing clear. You're only here to look after the young master for a few days. Don't go thinking Mr. Quincy has forgiven you. If you think you can use this as an excuse to move back in permanently, you are sorely mistaken."