Chapter 5 Made A Mistake

In the Hopkins family, talking about Kevan Hopkins was off-limits. He was not Mabel's biological child but the son of a woman who had an affair with Jason Hopkins, Matthew's father.

For years, Mabel had clashed fiercely with Kevan's mother. A few years ago, it seemed Mabel was on the verge of triumphing when Kevan suddenly got into a prestigious university in Orksall, pursuing degrees in finance and law, which boosted his mother's standing.

With Kevan's return after graduation, Matthew, being the second son, felt quite uneasy.

Jessica had yet to meet this infamous brother-in-law. She made an effort to soothe Matthew. "Matt, don't stress. He's just a child born out of wedlock. Your father won't let him outshine you."

Matthew gave a distracted nod and headed off to shower.

No sooner had Matthew left than Jessica started rifling through his phone. Their wedding anniversary, 0520, was the code for the lock screen, meant to be special. Yet, he still entertained a mistress.

A text from Evelyn appeared. "Matthew, my stomach aches the moment you leave. It seems the baby and I can't stand being apart from you."

As Jessica read further, she was appalled.

Their messages were lurid, and Evelyn often sent provocative selfies.

Even Jessica, as a woman, found them stirring, imagine Matthew's reaction.

Matthew had texted back, saying, "Baby, your breasts are so large and tender. Just one glance and I'm aroused. Tonight, you'll be screaming."

Jessica scoffed. Matthew had tricked her into believing his supposed severe erectile dysfunction. It turned out his adventures were depleting what should have been reserved for her.

Jessica laughed at herself. Before, she had even blamed herself, thinking she was the problem.

Jessica quickly grabbed another phone and recorded the incriminating chat history. In divorce proceedings, such messages were compelling evidence.

Suddenly, Matthew came back in. "Where's my phone?"

Jessica peeked out from the kitchen. "No idea."

Matthew, undressed, searched for his phone. Noticing Jessica in the kitchen, he felt at ease.

Meanwhile, Jessica sent a message to Braelynn, urgently requesting Andrew's contact from the hospital's gynecology department.

Braelynn asked through a text. "Oh, are you thinking about having a baby?"

Jessica texted back. "No, I'm looking to find someone who can fulfill the emptiness in my heart and body."

Braelynn's response came immediately. "Wow, that's quite daring and unconventional! Is this still the Jessica I know?"

Jessica had thought it through. Previously, she had let rules restrict her, which allowed a jerk like Matthew to take advantage of her. Now, she decided to live for herself! Pretending and having casual flings? Anyone could do that!

Jessica shot a message over. "Please hurry! It's tough to find someone who really matches my preferences."

Back when Jessica and Matthew were still dating, she had been conservative. She felt like fleeing whenever Matthew made advances, and they never became intimate.

Following marriage, Jessica consulted many psychologists due to her issues. When she was finally ready, Matthew showed no interest, which made her blame herself. But now, she understood her enjoyment of sex largely depended on her partner's skills!

The following day soon arrived.

Jessica and Matthew went to the Hopkins residence together. Jason had planned a family dinner to celebrate Kevan's return.

Despite her reservation for Kevan, Mabel put on a smile to keep up appearances for Jason's sake.

Starting from childhood, Matthew always felt intimidated by Jason.

Jason discussed business, and Matthew responded with caution.

"Now that Kevan is back, I'm thinking of having him help out at the company. What do you think?" Jason asked.

Before Matthew could reply, Mabel voiced her objection, "Wasn't Kevan studying medicine? What does a doctor know about running a business? Jason, you promised that once Matthew was married, he would take over the company."

"Did I say that?" Jason questioned as his eyes shifted to Jessica's abdomen and he frowned. "It's been three years, and still no baby from Jessica?"

Mabel quickly responded, "It will be soon! I've been accompanying Jessica to numerous medical check-ups lately. She'll have a baby this year!"

Jessica secretly rolled her eyes. She was not a baby-making machine!

Jason said sternly, "Make it happen soon. I'm still waiting for a grandchild."

Matthew put his arm around Jessica's shoulders. "Don't worry. We'll give you a grandchild soon!"

Jessica clenched her fists. That supposed grandchild was likely coming from his mistress's womb.

It was now past seven o'clock.

The dinner table was set, but Kevan had yet to show up.

Matthew glanced toward the door. "Really, Kevan is something else. Not here yet at this hour, making us all wait."

Mabel's displeasure was evident as she muttered, "He acts as if he's the rightful heir of the Hopkins family. He's just a child born out of wedlock! Why all the acting high and mighty?"

Jason's forehead creased slightly.

Since no one had taken their seats, Jessica remained standing as well.

After marrying into the Hopkins family, Jessica had only heard tales of this brother-in-law. She had neither met him nor seen his pictures before.

In Jason's absence, Mabel forbade the household from mentioning Kevan, and Kevan was absent from all family photographs.

At last, Braelynn secured Andrew's contact information.

Beaming, Jessica sent a friend request with a message, saying, "Dr. George, I fondly remember our one-night stand."

Just then, Mabel announced they wouldn't wait any longer. As the family prepared to head to the dining room, a man entered, accompanied by a fresh breeze. "Dad, my apologies. I'm late."

Jessica raised an eyebrow at the familiar voice. She spun to face the newcomer.

The man who walked in was clad in a long overcoat, towering at six feet, three inches, with well-defined features and an air of aloofness. His build was strikingly familiar to Jessica.

As Kevan approached, his features became more distinct. He had a prominent nose bridge, and his lips were slightly pursed.

Jessica instinctively took a step back. Damn it! Her one-night stand was here.

Matthew moved forward to welcome him. "Kevan, we've been waiting for you. Let me introduce you. This is my wife, Jessica Reynolds. I believe you two haven't met before."

Kevan's detached gaze met Jessica's shocked eyes.

Just then, Jessica's friend request was accepted.

Andrew replied with a message. "WTF? When did I have a one-night stand with you?"

"He... He is?" Jessica stuttered, gripping her phone.

"Kevan is your brother-in-law," Matthew said, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "What are you waiting for? Aren't you going to say hello to Kevan?"

"Brother-in-law? So, he is Kevan." Jessica blinked.