Divorce With Benefits: A Second Chance At Love
Chapter 160: A Family

Chapter 160: A Family

Jerica sat beside Victoria, holding her hand as Brandon Glover finally apologized.

Natasha’s mother was there too, her expression unreadable. It was the first time Jerica had ever seen Victoria cry.

Brandon knelt, his voice trembling as he groveled, repenting for the cruelties he had inflicted upon women.

Jerica listened, watching the scene unfold. She doubted his sincerity—he was likely more worried about his future than truly remorseful—but this was enough.

He had been stripped of his power, pulled from the protection of his once untouchable family name. If only every powerful family held their own monsters accountable like this.

It was there that she formally met Catherine.

The revelation that she was a Glover was surprising, but in hindsight, it made sense. If they had crossed paths before, it was only natural she belonged to such an influential family.

After that, Brandon Glover was thrown to the wolves.

Everything Jerica had gathered against the Glover family was either corrected or pinned on Brandon. Some lesser offenses were scattered among the other children—with the notable exception of Lydia.

Jerica observed it all. And at the center of it was Catherine, handling the chaos with a quiet but commanding presence—her trusty spokesperson, Harold Braddock, always by her side.

-----

Later that night, Jerica leaned against Jared’s shoulder, watching a press conference for the Glover conglomerate.

Harold was there, standing tall, handling the press with effortless charm and sharp wit.

Jerica’s eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued. "Has he gotten better?" she asked, still watching the screen.

Jared glanced at her. He could hear the admiration in her voice.

He wouldn’t say he loved it—his wife complimenting Harold—but as he felt her hand resting over his, their fingers resting atop her rounded belly, any bitterness faded into sweetness.

He kissed her cheek. "He’s started loving his job."

And it showed. Harold wasn’t just doing a job. He was thriving. He was meant for this.

Jerica smiled, nuzzling against Jared’s chest. "I get it. Just like you love what you do."

Lately, she had started attending Jared’s court cases whenever she could. Watching him work—peeling apart his opponents, exposing their flaws layer by layer—was mesmerizing.

"A masterpiece," she had once called him, only half-joking.

"If you were a defense lawyer, you’d be making millions," she mused aloud. "Too bad you’re a prosecutor."

She sighed dramatically. Imagine the courtroom battles, the tension, the back-and-forth. It would be legendary.

Jared chuckled. He stayed away from criminal prosecution for a reason. He didn’t want that darkness consuming his life.

He knew his wife understood that, but he also knew she loved drama. She always found ways to cast him as the lead in her imaginary legal sagas.

"I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow," Jerica reminded him.

Jared nodded. He never missed her appointments.

Her mother wouldn’t either.

At first, Lydia’s constant presence had been overwhelming—she insisted on coming along for every consultation, every ultrasound. But over time, Jerica had grown used to it.

More than that, she had grown grateful for it.

Lydia might be overbearing, but her love was undeniable. Jerica had come to cherish it. She had come to cherish her.

The Sutherland family was eagerly awaiting the birth of this child.

Jerica was, too.

She only had a month left.

Jared was convinced they were having a daughter. Victoria swore it would be a son.

But it could only be one or the other.

Jerica smiled softly.

She supposed they would find out soon enough.

-----

Jerica’s face lit up as she saw the chocolate milkshake in front of her.

Harold, watching her, felt relieved. She looked like it was difficult for her to even walk, but despite that, she was here—smiling.

And it was beautiful to see.

"I was just telling Jared how you’ve gotten better at your job," Jerica said, her voice full of warmth. "You might even be the best."

Harold shrugged with a small smile. "I like it there, Jerica. I finally found my place, and I don’t want to lose it."

Jerica nodded. Jared was right.

Harold wasn’t just working—he had found something he truly loved.

"Catherine mentioned your baby shower," Harold said, taking a sip of his coffee. "She was impressed."

Jerica’s face bloomed with happiness.

Who would have thought she’d have such a grand and beautiful baby shower?

"My mother planned it," she said, grinning. "Who knew mothers loved to do this?"

Harold chuckled. "Good for you, Jerica."

Then, his expression turned slightly serious.

"I heard you didn’t invite Lila," he said. "She was... sad about it."

Jerica’s smile faded.

She stared at Harold, eyebrows furrowing. "You’re still in contact with Lila? Seriously?"

She didn’t like Lila anymore. No one hurts Harold and stays in her life. That was why she had avoided her.

So why was Harold still talking to her?

"I heard it from another coworker," Harold clarified quickly. "I’m not in touch with her either. But... she used to be your only friend."

Jerica’s fingers tightened slightly around her glass.

That stung.

Mostly because it was true.

"Well, now I don’t have a friend," she admitted, forcing a small, bitter smile. "I lost a friend."

Harold let out a deep breath. He had a feeling this conversation would turn personal—Catherine had hinted as much. But hearing it directly from Jerica? It confirmed everything.

She saw him as family.

And she cared.

That made him happy.

"I heard about your cancer scare..." Harold said, his voice quieter now. "You never thought to tell me?"

The thought of her carrying that burden alone for weeks hurt him.

Jerica waved him off. "I saved you needless worry."

She placed a hand on her protruding belly. "Aren’t I fine now?"

Harold exhaled.

That was so Jerica.

Then, suddenly, she sighed. "I have to use the restroom. Again."

Harold stood up instinctively. "What should I—uh—do you need help?"

He hesitated, unsure how to assist a woman who was very pregnant.

Jerica laughed.

"I know how to pee, Harold."

She stood up, walking away toward the restroom.

Harold smiled, watching her disappear inside.

A soft thud on the table made Harold look up.

Jared had arrived, setting his coffee down as he took a seat.

Harold raised a hand. "Hey there."

Jared nodded.

Over the past few months, they had grown closer—united by the chaos of family drama. The Braddock family had tried to reclaim them both, now that they each had powerful backing.

But they had stood firm.

Their family was unimpressed. Neither of them cared. They had each other.

Harold took another sip of coffee, watching Jared for a moment.

"She’s huge," he blurted out.

Jared’s glare was immediate.

Harold raised his hands in surrender.

"Sorry."