Chapter 2: Can I go in?
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?"
At these words, Ava's lips tightened into a thin line, her face looking terrible.
Some parents around us also turned to look this way. Ella was extremely nervous, even wondering if she had caused trouble.
But right now, she didn't know how to handle the situation.
"Sophia, Tyler asked me to come, and besides, I've been handling basically everything related to Jasper's school before."
I was disgusted by Ava's attitude, so I said bluntly, "Ms. Davis, we're not close, and besides, I'm Jasper's mother. I don't care what you did before, but now that I'm here, please leave."
Seemingly not expecting me to say this, Ava's fake smile almost fell apart. "...Ms. Brown, I know more about Jasper's situation at school, and besides, Tyler and I already agreed that after the parent-teacher meeting, I'd take Jasper out to eat."
I lifted my eyelids to look at her, my gaze terrifyingly cold.
Ava couldn't help but shiver, looking at me with suspicion in her eyes. I knew she was surprised by my transformation.
Her affair with Tyler was already an open secret in this circle. Everyone thought Ava was Tyler's wife.
Regarding all the gossip, I had never confronted her publicly, and even when questioning Tyler, I maintained my composure, because I had Jasper. I wanted to give Jasper a complete family. But all along, I was wrong. My constant tolerance only led to them pushing further.
So, if I still had any self-respect, I couldn't continue like this.
I turned to look at Ella and smiled gently. "Ms. Garcia, I've been a bit busy before. It seems my husband has been having his friend come, but now that I'm here, can I go in?"