The Ex-Wife He Can’t Have novel Chapter 48

Fortunately, Jillian remained quietly in her seat for the entire duration, simply watching her son perform.

Occasionally, she would pull out her phone to record a quick clip, acting just like any other proud parent in the audience.

From the teacher's vantage point, Jillian didn't even show a flicker of emotion.

Once the curtain fell, it was time for the parent-child photo op.

Jillian stood up, watching as Killian and Sylvia rose from their VIP seats in the front row.

The stage director took the two lead actors by the hand, guided them into a deep bow, and announced with a bright smile, "Moms and Dads, please join us on stage!"

The parents of the young cast members began making their way down the aisles.

Jillian recognized several famous faces—national news anchors, A-list celebrities, and corporate titans.

Even those she didn't recognize were draped in unmistakable wealth and influence.

It was to be expected. Money alone wasn't enough to secure a spot at this preschool; you needed serious power.

Connor noticed his mother standing in the audience. He looked down guiltily, a flash of hesitation crossing his face.

Yet, when the teacher gently nudged him, he immediately raised his hand and waved enthusiastically toward the VIP row.

Killian and Sylvia gracefully ascended the stairs.

Despite being surrounded by the absolute elite of the city, the sheer physical perfection of the couple commanded immediate attention, drawing audible gasps of admiration from the crowd.

"Alright, Connor, step right between Mom and Dad,"

The director coaxed, her voice thick with fawning praise.

Cameramen and journalists swarmed the edge of the stage, camera flashes erupting in a blinding frenzy.

The stage was a picture of joyous celebration, families flashing picture-perfect smiles for the press.

Every time a camera flashed, the radiant happiness on their faces was immortalized.

But none of that joy belonged to Jillian.

She turned her back to the glowing stage and slowly walked up the aisle toward the exit.

Hot tears spilled over her lashes, landing heavily on the carpeted floor.

After leaving the preschool, she didn't call for a car. Instead, she took Connor's hand and began a slow, quiet walk down the sidewalk.

Connor was still riding the high of his successful performance, his little mouth running a mile a minute.

"The director said I was the best singer, and that I sounded just like a little bird!"

"She also said I was the handsomest out of all three princes."

"Mom, a bunch of girls in my class keep trying to play with me all day, but I don't even like them. What should I do?"

Lost in her own agonizing thoughts, Jillian hadn't absorbed a single word.

"Mom!" Connor whined, yanking on her arm in annoyance.

Jillian snapped out of her daze. "What is it?"

"What is wrong with you? You aren't listening to me at all! You don't even care about me anymore," he grumbled.

A massive lump formed in Jillian's throat.

Her son was quick to call out her recent distance, but completely blind to how deeply his own actions had devastated her.