Chapter 158

I didn’t want to justify myself or argue. I asked, “If it were me being wrongly accused of cheating, would you tell Jared to be understanding?”

“Would you tell him that raising a child isn’t easy, so it’s normal for me to have fun? Would you ask him to communicate with me properly?”

“Victoria, what are you trying to say?” Sally raised her voice. “Do you have to make a scene?”

I felt tired. “This is between me and him. Stay out of it. We’ve talked plenty, but nothing has changed. Alright, I have to go…” I cut Sally off before she could say more.

I sank back into the chair, feeling upset. I couldn’t understand why everyone demanded I tolerate Jared. I knew they hated me for not having a job and used that to push me around. In this family, those who didn’t work weren’t tolerated.

Jared showed up around noon while I was on the phone, discussing hotel decor with someone. Some of the art pieces we acquired came from Elandria and Falansia, offering a wide variety.

Jared pushed open the door, dressed in a black shirt, his eyes were bloodshot, burning with anger.

I quickly ended the call.

Jared pulled over a chair and sat across from me. “What did you say to my mom?” His voice was low but tense with anger.

I placed my hands on the desk, keeping a composed demeanor. “Nothing much. What did she say to you?”

He stared at me. I wasn’t shy around him like before. I appeared cool, like we were just talking about the weather.

“Don’t drag my mom into this. And don’t mention Tracy to her again.” Jared looked irritated.

Cheating was indeed a serious issue. Even the usually gentle Jared found it hard to control his emotions over this matter.

I nodded. “Okay, but it wasn’t me. Quinn told her something.”

Jared’s face went tense. He looked down for a second and said, “I’ll tell Quinn to stay quiet. If my mom comes to you again, don’t say anything.”

“Am I just supposed to keep quiet and let her yell at me?” I stared at him. “We’re not dating. We’re married. Maybe soon my parents will know about this.”

Jared said, “Just stop saying stupid stuff. I’ve told you a million times that Tracy is just a coworker. And I’ve known her longer than you. We’ve been friends since high school. What’s wrong with me being closer to her?”

“If I’d really let her, she would have been my wife by now.” Jared still looked annoyed as if I was being unreasonable.

His words hit me hard. He messed up, but talked like he was totally in the right. It felt like everything I had been through was just my illusion.

I sighed softly and looked up at Jared. He hadn’t changed much since we met, still good-looking and young. His work had shaped him, taking away his teenage wildness and making him steady and calm.

I should have loved him more since he was the husband I wanted. However, loving a man who had turned away was tough. Just thinking about how much I once loved him brought sharp pain.

“Jared, I’ve been waiting for you to say all this. Now you’ve finally said it,” I said calmly.

Jared paused for a moment, then he said, annoyed, “Victoria, are you trying to ruin everything beyond repair?”