After the divorce he begged novel Chapter 76

Chapter 76

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For the first time, Rebecca truly understood the phrase: Does money make you better than everyone?

“It’s getting late. Let’s eat first.” Jeffrey was still holding Samuel’s hand, his calm words slipping from thin lips.

Rebecca glanced at the overflowing trash can.

Samuel offered his other hand to her, redirecting her attention. “Mommy, let’s go.”

Rebecca exhaled slowly. “Okay.”

The three of them went to a restaurant near the amusement park. Sitting by the window offered a panoramic view of both the park and the lake in the distance.

Throughout the meal, Jeffrey kept chatting with Samuel as if that earlier phone call had never happened.

This made Rebecca wonder if Andrea’s car accident was real or fabricated.

“What’s on your mind?” Jeffrey noticed she’d barely touched her food.

She studied his face but found no trace of concern or anxiety. He seemed completely normal.

Shaking off her thoughts, she finally picked up her fork.

Truth or lies didn’t matter anymore. She just needed to focus on living her own life.

Jeffrey found her behavior odd. The constant zoning out and brooding suggested some heavy burden.

Samuel piped up after nibbling a few bites, round eyes sparkling. “Daddy, can we try the escape room after this?”

Jeffrey automatically turned to Rebecca beside him. “Ask your mom.”

Samuel glanced sideways.

Rebecca initially wanted to decline, but agreed considering the rare occasion. “Alright.”

During past escape room games, she’d always hidden in Jeffrey’s arms. Now without support, she resolved to conquer these fears she couldn’t avoid forever.

Samuel paused. This probing question unexpectedly gained his mother’s consent.

When starting the game, Samuel suggested Rebecca wait outside with Jeffrey. Before he finished, she grabbed his hand decisively. “Why wait? You think Mommy’s scared?”

Samuel said, “No…”

Rebecca said, “Watch me crack puzzles and show you super–mom skills today.”

14:52 Mon, Sep 22

Chapter 76

Seeing her determination, Samuel nodded emphatically. “Okay.”

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Upon entering the dimly lit chamber with eerie sounds, Rebecca’s spine tingled. Clutching her earlier bravado, she reached for the first clue.

When she was very young, she was afraid of water, and she tried her best to learn to swim. Later, she was afraid of mice and cockroaches, so Jessica threw two in front of her, and Rebecca then overcame the fear.

She can still do this.

“Mommy,” Samuel said, noticing her tension and distress. The little boy reached out to tug her sleeve with his small hand. “Maybe I should do it.”

“I’ll handle it.” Rebecca steadied her pounding heart and forced herself to focus.

This moment proved Rebecca was one tough cookie. Despite pale–faced terror, she powered through every challenge until they reached sunlight at the exit. When daylight hit, the anxiety clinging to her throughout the experience seemed to evaporate.

Samuel raised his thumb. “Mommy, you’re awesome.”

Rebecca’s eyes curved into happy crescents. “Of course I am. Your mommy’s got to set the bar high.”

Jeffrey watched their mutual admiration session with darkened eyes, turbulent emotions swirling in his gaze.

He’d witnessed every panicked flinch when she first entered the haunted attraction. Multiple times, she’d instinctively leaned toward him for comfort mid–scare, only to catch herself at the last moment.

Her journey from terrified trembling to courageous triumph left him cold. This growth wasn’t something to celebrate.

Jeffrey knew that unless he found ways to anchor her by his side, she’d eventually overcome her current disorientation like she’d conquered those fears today. And when that happened, she’d walk away for good.

He didn’t want to see this outcome, let alone accept it.

“Daddy.” Samuel wanted to share something, but paused when he noticed Jeffrey’s unusual expression while looking at Rebecca. “Are you mad because you’re not included?”

Rebecca looked up, her gaze instantly captured by his eyes.

“Yeah.” Jeffrey glanced away briefly before meeting his son’s eyes with half–seriousness. “Are you going to comfort your old man?”

Samuel responded with blunt honesty, “Nope.”

The afternoon unfolded joyfully with Rebecca and Samuel playing together, while Jeffrey dutifully carried bags like a pack mule.

Even as bedtime arrived after dinner, the boy remained buzzing with memories of their family day, though he knew Jeffrey would visit “that person” once he fell asleep.

14:52 Mon, Sep 22

Chapter 76

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At precisely 9 PM, Rebecca successfully tucked Samuel into bed.

Closing his bedroom door, she turned to issue a dismissal. “Samuel’s asleep. You can leave now.”

Jeffrey checked his watch, his deep voice rumbling. “The day isn’t over yet.”

Rebecca saw how serious he was and didn’t bother responding further.

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She walked to sit on the chair in the corner of the living room, opened her laptop and started working on freelance illustrations. Yet Jeffrey’s presence felt overwhelmingly intense, his gaze burning into her back so strongly she could feel it without turning around.

Just as she prepared to ask him to leave again, Jeffrey’s phone rang.

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