The Ex-Wife He Can’t Have novel Chapter 55

"Stella, why are you sleeping on the floor?" Jillian asked urgently.

Stella fluttered her gorgeous, striking eyes open, the contrast of her dark irises like a shimmering galaxy.

However, upon seeing Jillian, she offered absolutely no reaction. She merely pressed her cheek softly against her blanket, outright refusing to communicate.

Watching such a beautiful, adorable child completely sealed off in her own isolated world left a painful lump in Jillian's throat.

Had she spent all these years living exactly like this?

No friends, no parents. Eating alone, sleeping alone. Existing like a lifeless puppet—utterly isolated and freezing cold.

The vibrant chaos and warmth of the outside world seemed to have absolutely nothing to do with her.

Jillian's thoughts unexpectedly drifted to Connor. Though he had been physically frail since birth, he was surrounded by an army of people who doted on him and catered to his every need.

He was given whatever he wanted the exact second he demanded it, yet he still grew up to be icy, arrogant, and entirely dismissive of others.

Jillian let out a heavy sigh, finally realizing that she had spoiled Connor completely rotten. By handing him the world on a silver platter, she had stripped him of the ability to appreciate anything.

She made a silent vow right then and there. From now on, she was going to treat Stella better—far better. She was determined to make sure this little girl felt loved by the world.

Jillian gently pulled Stella to her feet and guided her back to the small bed to rest properly.

After freshening up, Jillian headed into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Just then, Judith pushed the front door open and walked in. Jillian had given her a spare key for emergencies.

Judith strode inside, carrying a massive, multi-tiered food container.

"Stop cooking. I made breakfast before I came over," Judith announced.

Judith set the containers down.

Jillian happily abandoned the stove, pulling out the lavish breakfast spread Judith had prepared and arranging the plates across the dining table.

"Is the little girl in there?" Judith asked in a hushed tone.

Jillian nodded.

Judith tiptoed cautiously into the bedroom.

Stella hadn't gone back to sleep. She was sitting upright with her knees pulled to her chest. When Judith entered, her massive eyes tracked her movements, entirely devoid of emotion.

Judith carefully picked out a generous flake of fish and placed it directly onto Jillian's plate.

Jillian noticed it was the tenderest, most premium cut from just beneath the gills, entirely free of bones.

Ever since Jillian was a little girl, Judith had always given her the best cuts of the fish. It was an instinct thoroughly ingrained in her bones.

A lump formed in Jillian's throat. No matter how horribly the Quincys treated her, she would always be an absolute treasure in her mother's eyes.

"Do you like fish, Stella?"

Jillian scooped up a pristine cut of fish and placed it gently onto Stella's plate.

Stella simply gripped her toast obediently and took a tiny bite, entirely indifferent to Jillian's warm gesture.

Judith sighed heavily. "Taking care of a kid like this must be absolutely exhausting."

It pained her to see her daughter having to juggle a demanding career while fostering a difficult child.

"From now on, when you go to work during the day, I'll stay here and watch her for you."

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Jillian whispered, "Thank you, Mom."