The Ex-Wife He Can’t Have novel Chapter 8

Jillian nodded gratefully, knowing Daniel was making special accommodations because he worried she wouldn't handle the sudden transition well.

Having a CEO personally mentor her was a massive favor.

Jillian thanked him and stood up to leave.

"Jillian."

Just as she reached the door, Daniel called out her name.

She turned back.

"Whatever happens, congratulations on starting your new life."

Daniel smiled.

Jillian smiled back.

Stepping outside Langley Tech, she noticed the vibrant, blooming roses cascading over the walls, swaying beautifully in the breeze.

Jillian let out a long breath, offering her first genuinely happy smile in what felt like forever.

One fully bloomed rose reached out over the sidewalk, and she reached out to gently brush its petals.

"Hello there," she whispered with a smile.

It was already 5:30 PM by the time she got home.

As she looked down to change her shoes, she noticed Connor's little sneakers lined up perfectly.

A surge of warmth filled her heart, but as she walked into the living room, she saw Mrs. Zeller hugging him tightly.

"Your mommy stays home all day doing absolutely nothing, and she didn't even bother to pick us up. Let's not love Mommy anymore, okay?"

Connor furrowed his little brow. "No."

Mrs. Zeller laughed heartily.

"Con," Jillian called out.

Connor spun around, his face lighting up. "Mom!"

He ran up to her, pouting his little lips. "Mom, why didn't you come pick me up?"

Glancing at Mrs. Zeller, Jillian pinched her son's cheek and said softly, "Mom had some things to take care of today. Why don't you go draw for a bit?"

Connor agreed reluctantly and trotted off to his art room.

Mrs. Zeller made a show of turning to leave.

"Mrs. Zeller!" Jillian stopped her.

"What now?" the older woman sneered sarcastically.

"If you ever speak ill of me in front of my son again, pack your bags and get out."

"No."

Killian scoffed coldly. "So? Was she lying?"

Jillian curled her fingers, her nails biting into her palms.

Killian knew damn well whether it was manipulation or not.

He was just making it perfectly clear that he was siding with Mrs. Zeller.

A mere servant who had raised him was treated like blood.

But his own wife was treated like dirt.

A bitter lump formed in her throat, and Jillian fought to maintain her composure.

"I had things to do today, which is why I couldn't pick him up. But I arranged for someone else to do it. Besides, it's not like you went either..."

Smack.

The magazine flew from Killian's hand, clipped Jillian's shin, and slapped onto her foot.

It didn't hurt, but the humiliation burned.

Looking up, Jillian saw her son standing right in the doorway, staring at her with an eerily unfamiliar expression.