BAD WIFE

Chapter {29}

The seven o'clock entertainment news flickered across the flatscreen in the Kent family's living room. The atmosphere was thick with tension as Clarissa, Jacob, Dylan, and Alyssa stood quietly, their eyes glued to the screen. Upstairs, the younger two children were tucked away in their rooms, unaware of the storm unfolding below.

Jacob had gathered the older ones deliberately. He wanted them to hear the truth for themselves—to witness how the lies were finally being unraveled. For too long, their names had been whispered through gossip and slander. Their children, though never openly speaking of it, carried the weight. Alyssa had grown distant, immersing herself in extracurriculars as an escape. Dylan, far more transparent in his worry, had taken to checking on his mother throughout the day—silently, attentively, as if trying to hold her together with his presence alone.

"Listen," Jacob instructed, his voice calm but firm, as distorted images of him and the false betrayal played across the screen once more. The anchor's voice painted the picture clearly now—the truth behind the doctored photos, the revelation of a brother's deception, and a cruel scheme that sought to destroy him.

As the segment ended and the screen shifted to news of a pop star's pregnancy, Alyssa turned abruptly. Her frame trembled as she launched herself into her father's arms. "I knew it..." she sobbed, clutching him tightly. "I knew you would never do something like that."

Jacob exhaled deeply, his shoulders finally relaxing beneath the weight of months of silent pain. Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered into her hair, "Never."

Across the room, Clarissa's eyes shimmered with tears. The moment touched something deep in her—something raw and tender. She didn't speak, didn't need to.

Then, Dylan suddenly threw his arms around her waist, squeezing tight. "Don't cry, Mom," he pleaded in a hushed voice.

She gently cupped the back of his head. "These are happy tears, sweetheart. Don't worry."

Jacob looked over, emotion rising in his chest as he reached out and gathered them all into a warm group hug. "From now on," he declared, voice thick with promise, "we're going to be a happy family."

Dylan, wide-eyed and hopeful, leaned back just enough to look up at him. "Does that mean... you and Mom are getting back together?"

Jacob smiled gently and ruffled the boy's hair. "Your mom and I will always be life partners, son. Just not the way you're thinking. But we will always be partners in raising you into the best version of yourself."

Alyssa wiped her eyes and sniffled. "So... that's a no."

Clarissa knelt in front of them, guiding their attention with soft hands to their faces. "Your dad and I may not be husband and wife anymore, but that's because we're better as friends. That doesn't make us any less of a family. Okay?"

She searched their green eyes for understanding and found a mixture of confusion and quiet acceptance. It would take time—but they nodded, and that was enough for now.

With quiet obedience, the two headed upstairs.

Jacob's phone buzzed. He pulled it from his pocket and glanced down. Sara. His oldest sister.

He hesitated before pressing accept, stepping into the kitchen to take the call in private. "Hello..."

"You actually answered," came the surprised voice on the other end.

"What is it?" His tone was flat, guarded.

"Oh, don't let it be like this. I miss you, little brother."

He let out a long breath, pressing his fingers against the edge of the island. "Look, I'm busy with my family..."

"We're happy your name has been cleared," she interrupted softly.