Chapter 149

This was the first time since my rewind that things had gotten truly icy between us, and it wasn’t my plan. But Jared stayed out all night. Did that business excuse make him automatically right?

In my previous life, I swallowed every slight until it made me sick. Yes, I love Jared’s money, but scarfing down garbage is still disgusting.

“Jared,” I said, meeting his eyes, “every guy dreams of a second home and a new woman, same way some folks think a man only really hits the jackpot once his wife’s in the grave.

“Problem is, I’m not dead yet. I keep up your image; the least you can do is respect my feelings.”

Shock rippled across his face. The pliable girl who once worshiped him had grown venomous fangs.

I lowered my gaze, laughing at myself. “Women lose because we buy into ‘forever and ever, just us two.’ Men are usually drafting other plans.”

Jared’s brows knit as if he’d forgotten how to argue back.

“Victoria, listen. I’m not talking divorce. I’m under insane pressure right now. We had overseas clients last night. I asked Tracy to help because she speaks six languages, she’s better at that than I’ll ever be.” His words tumbled out in a rush.

Couldn’t fault him there. He did need the support, and Tracy’s polyglot résumé beat my stay-at-home skills hands down. Still, where did that leave me, the wife?

I let out a breath. In that moment, even I wondered whether I was playing the role of “wife” all wrong. What does a competent spouse even look like? “I’m sorry,” I said before he could.

Jared’s eyes widened. He’d geared up for another jealous meltdown, ready to referee a steel-cage match between me and Tracy. Instead, I apologized. His hand shot out, closing over mine.

“You didn’t do a thing wrong,” he said quickly. “This is on me. I should’ve told you where I was and what I was doing. Anyone would overthink.”

I slipped my hand from his, rose, and turned to the picture window where the first warm light of dawn was pushing over the skyline. “Maybe I just don’t know how to be anybody’s wife, Jared. Maybe neither of us is actually at fault.”

He stood so fast the chair scraped back. A moment later, his arms slid around me from behind, chin resting in the curve of my shoulder. “If nobody’s wrong, then let’s not fight. I cleared my calendar; today is all yours.”

I shook my head, then pivoted and put gentle distance between us. “Did you even glance at your collar when you got out of the shower?”

Jared blinked. I continued, “Two lipstick smudges. You forgot to wipe them off.”

His face blanched. “I was hammered. Honest to God, I don’t remember half the night, but I swear I didn’t sleep with anyone.”

He kept talking, piling on assurances. I felt… nothing.

“I believe you,” I said evenly. “I know you wouldn’t deliberately betray me. Still, someone wanted those marks where I’d find them.” I folded my own arms, giving myself a quick squeeze. “Beautiful morning. I’m heading out for a bit.”

“Want company?” he asked, voice low.