Chapter 2: Jasper, do you hate me that much?

At this moment, I just can't suppress the feelings of hurt and bitterness welling up inside me.

A couple of years ago, after I discovered that Tyler and Ava were getting close, I suspected their relationship. Maybe Tyler felt guilty about it, because he insisted on having sex with me twice a week.

Later, he started making excuses to avoid having sex with me, and bought me a bunch of women's products. I never used them once though.

Because his behavior made me feel absolutely worthless.

"Mommy, I don't want you to read me a story. I want Daddy!"

Snapping back to reality, I smiled bitterly. "Daddy's working late."

"I don't care! Daddy promised that whenever I want him, he'll be right there with Jasper!"

Seeing how stubborn Jasper was being, I just went ahead and called Tyler.

He picked up after a few rings, his voice cold. "Hello, what is it?"

"Jasper wants you. He wants you to read him a story. Come home."

Tyler was silent for a few seconds, then said, "I'll be right back."

After hanging up, I didn't know whether to feel happy or sad. Everyone could see how good Tyler was to Jasper - if he wanted the stars, he'd throw in the moon too. Any good thing in the world that Jasper liked, Tyler would buy without hesitation. Jasper loved fireworks, so when he turned three, Tyler spent a million dollars on all kinds of fireworks, coordinated with the authorities, and put on a huge fireworks show just for Jasper.

That spectacular fireworks show could go down in Harmony City's history books.

"Daddy will be back soon."

"Yay!"

I took a deep breath and decided to give myself one more chance.

"Jasper, before Daddy gets back, can I read you a story?"

Jasper seemed to hesitate, pouting. "Mommy never reads me stories. You don't like me at all. Other kids' mommies play with them every day. You're not like a mommy at all."

Hearing this, I sighed silently, my eyes getting a bit red.

Yeah, and I had Ava and Tyler to thank for that. When the kid was just over three, Tyler would often take him out. I used to think it was because he loved the child so much, but later I found out he was taking him to see Ava.

Over time, I had fewer chances to spend time with Jasper, so naturally Jasper came to dislike me.

"I'm sorry, Jasper. From now on, tell me anything you need, okay? I'll buy you whatever you want."

"I don't want that. Daddy and Ava buy me everything."

I stopped trying to coax him and just watched as he got into bed to look at his picture books by himself, then left.

More than ten minutes later, Tyler came home.

I heard him, but I didn't go out.

About an hour later, the bedroom door opened. I knew Tyler had come in. I pretended to be asleep - I didn't want any interaction with him.

I could feel the strong masculine presence behind me, then his hand touched my body. I felt a wave of nausea in my stomach, unable to stand the thought that he had just been with another woman and was now touching me.

I sat up directly. "It's late. Let's sleep."

Tyler's expression was hard to read. "It's been a long time since we were together."

Thinking about the past, I just felt ashamed.

"I don't want to right now, okay?"

Tyler seemed really put off by my rejection. He sat up and grabbed my wrist. "You've been acting strange these past few days."

"Have I? What would count as not strange? Clinging to you like before?"

Tyler frowned, then said, "It's been a long time since I went with you to see Rhea. I'll go with you this weekend."

My throat tightened, a painful smile crossed my lips, and I left the room without saying a word.

Sitting in the study chair, I closed my eyes and thought about many things. I knew what Ava's goal was - she not only wanted to marry Tyler, she wanted Jasper too.

Because Tyler loved Jasper, she wanted everything.

But Jasper was my life, and I would never let her succeed.

The next morning, I got up early to make breakfast. I knew Jasper loved pancakes with milk, so I wanted to make them for him myself.

The maid brought Jasper downstairs after washing up. When he saw the pancakes, Jasper was really happy. "Did Mommy make these?"

I smiled gently. "Yes, I used to make them for you all the time when you were little. From now on, just tell me when you want them."

Perhaps a bit overwhelmed by my sudden affection, Jasper surprisingly didn't reject me, but obediently picked up a pancake and ate it.

I asked expectantly, "Is it good?"

Jasper's little expression was quite cute. He nodded. "It's good."

I smiled very gently, warmth surging through my heart.

"Mommy, there's a parent-teacher conference at ten o'clock today. Daddy said yesterday he has something to do and wants you to go. Can you go?"

I agreed without hesitation. "Of course I can. It's your parent-teacher conference, of course I should attend."

"Great!" Jasper continued eating his pancakes happily.

Soon after, Tyler also came downstairs, all ready. He didn't mention the parent-teacher conference to me. I could probably guess that he was planning to have Ava go again.

After the maid took Jasper to school, I started getting myself ready - face mask, makeup, and I even curled my hair.

When picking out clothes, I chose a black casual mermaid dress with a red shawl. I stood in front of the mirror gazing at the beautiful woman reflected there.

I almost couldn't believe it was me.

The toll of marriage had left me without dressing up for so long.

It was time for a fresh start.

At nine-thirty, I drove to Jasper's school. This was the most famous private school in Harmony City. The teachers were respectful and very attentive to all the parents.

I registered as a parent at the entrance. When the teacher in charge of registration saw me write down Jasper's name, she asked, "You are Jasper's...?"

"I'm Jasper's mother."

As I said this, a barely noticeable look flashed in the teacher's eyes, then she said flatteringly, "I've seen Jasper's father many times. Seeing you today, you two really are a perfect match. No wonder Jasper is so handsome."

Just then, a voice came from behind. "Ms. Garcia."

I turned my head to see Ava in a purple business suit, makeup perfect, hair in a bun, looking like a celebrity.

Well, she was one. Ava was called a genius cellist. At seventeen, she was already accepted by a top music academy abroad. After returning to China, she signed with an agency, appeared on variety shows and stage performances, and was now a star cellist.

When Ava saw me, surprise flashed in her eyes. "What are you doing here?"

I pulled at the corner of my mouth. "I'm Jasper's mother. What's wrong with coming to a parent-teacher conference? But you - why are you here for a parent-teacher conference? In what capacity?"