Chapter 103

Jared didn’t stop me from going on the trip. Instead, he actually brought himself along, which really caught me off guard. No way, I had to find someone to stop him.

So, I came up with an idea. I set my Instagram so only Tracy could see it, then secretly snapped a photo of our two suitcases and captioned it: “Getting ready for a trip, starting from the heart.”

Five minutes later, Jared’s phone rang.

He was still eating breakfast when he picked up the call. After exchanging just a few words, he stood up and stepped outside to take it.

My hint must have worked. Tracy must be calling to ask about this.

Jared finished the call and then came back to the table to continue eating.

I waited for him to say there was an urgent matter at the company, then throw me a card and tell me to go have fun on my own.

But even when Warner pulled up to pick us up and we headed out for Shaville, Jared still didn’t say a word about being busy.

The moment he got in the car, he leaned back and tried to catch some sleep, like he hadn’t gotten any rest last night.

I slipped on my sunglasses and gazed out at the passing scenery.

In my previous life, I poured all my energy into dealing with family and relationship drama, never taking the time to enjoy the view. Now, watching the misty rain outside, I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty toward myself.

But that was not going to happen anymore. From now on, I was going to make sure I saw every beautiful place this world had to offer, and I wouldn’t let myself have any more regrets.

The drive from Hachester to Shaville took about two to three hours. By the time we arrived, the rain had stopped, and the sun was breaking through the clouds, casting a warm glow over everything. It was a whole different kind of beauty.

Jared rubbed his tired, bloodshot eyes and looked out the window. “Let’s get something to eat first,” he said.

I quickly replied, “I’m not hungry yet.”

Jared ignored me and just gave Warner the address of a restaurant.

I pressed my lips together, not saying a word. “This trip is my idea, so shouldn’t he at least listen to what I want?” I wondered.

When we arrived at the restaurant, I realized it was a traditional Shaville spot.

Shaville cuisine was all about heavy sauces and rich flavors, but the saltiness was always well-balanced. For example, the aroma filled the air, and the duck was fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with flavor.

But I was from the south, and I liked my food spicy. These milder, well-balanced dishes just didn’t really suit my taste buds.

When we got to the restaurant, Jared suddenly said, “Tracy brought a few higher-ups over for a meeting. We’ll be having lunch with them. You don’t mind, right?”

Hearing that, I felt a wave of discomfort. I snapped my head toward him and said, “I came here to relax, not to be someone’s company at lunch.”

Jared’s expression darkened. “Victoria, it’s just one meal. Do you really have to make such a fuss about it?”

I didn’t get mad; instead, I let out a bitter laugh. “Yeah, just one meal. It’s like a single sesame seed dropped into my life—tiny, but when you have to keep picking up sesame seeds everywhere, it wears you out.”

Jared’s frown deepened, but he didn’t try to comfort me. He just said in a flat voice, “If you don’t want to eat here for lunch, do as you like.”

“Fine,” I said, pushing the door open and getting out without hesitation. I turned around, flagged down another taxi, and left without a second thought.

Through the rearview mirror, I caught a glimpse of Jared suddenly dashing out from the other side of the Bentley, standing at the curb and staring in the direction my cab was heading.

I folded my arms across my chest, thinking to myself, “Finally, I’ve shaken him off."

“Since he went behind my back and invited Tracy to Shaville, then let them be stuck together for all I care,” I thought with a sneer.

Traveling solo felt so free, carefree, and totally on my terms. I wandered wherever I wanted, stopping whenever the mood struck me. I didn’t bother snapping any photos, just letting the sights sink in and become memories only I would remember.

I spent the whole day eating, drinking, and having fun. By five in the afternoon, I was worn out, so I picked the best hotel around and checked myself in.

Yvonne had called me twice earlier, but I deliberately ignored her. Now that I was back at the hotel, she was calling again.

I leaned back on the sofa and answered. Yvonne threw a little tantrum. “Mom, are you deaf or something? I called you twice, and you didn’t pick up.”