I was honestly surprised. I’d never even thought about how a divorce could affect him like that. So maybe that was what was really holding him back—not feelings for me, but business concerns.

Men were just illogical. I totally missed that.

“So what am I supposed to do? I really can’t stand being with him anymore,” I said, frowning.

“So you’re already itching to find a new flame?” Melissa shot me a knowing grin. “Makes sense. Seven years with the same guy—anyone would get it.”

“Why not talk to Mr. Holcomb and suggest you two stay married but live your own lives, no strings attached? You’d be single in everything but name.”

“Wait? People actually do that?” I arched a brow, kind of loving Melissa’s suggestion.

If I let Jared off the leash, he’d be free to chase after whoever he wanted. Once he fell for some other beauty, he’d probably be the one begging for a divorce. It would save me the trouble.

“That’s how most rich folks roll, honestly. It’s just hush-hush. Our law firm sees cases like this all the time. But trust me, playing with fire like that? Things can blow up fast, and there’s danger everywhere,” Melissa said, totally unfazed.

Man, I really had been living under a rock. Despite experiencing so much, I still treated love like it was some sacred thing.

“Yeah, I like that plan, I’ll keep it in mind,” I replied.

Having lunch with Melissa was like seeing a shrink; every bit of gloom just vanished, and all that was left was pure lightness and joy.

Melissa was an intriguing woman. Her mind ran wild, and her words ran free, with a spirit so bold I doubted love games were ever leaving her bruised.

I went over to the Harmonia Hotel to keep an eye on things, and just thinking about my trip to Falansia tomorrow, I couldn’t help feeling a little excited.

Jared had told me I couldn’t go abroad, but after we argued, he relented. It looked like all I had to do was pick a fight with him whenever I wanted something he wouldn’t agree to.

This time, I was heading overseas for business with three senior execs—one man and two women. One of the women was a longtime employee who worked closely with Jared, so I figured she was probably his eyes and ears.

That evening, Jared showed up at my place with Yvonne.

Yvonne ran over and hugged me tight. “Mommy, Daddy said you’re going abroad for work tomorrow and might not be back for a few days. Can I sleep with you tonight?”

I replied gently. “I have to sort through some paperwork tonight, so I’ll probably be up late. Why don’t you go home with Daddy tonight?”

Jared could tell how I was feeling about Yvonne tonight. Even though he was still a little upset, he didn’t push it any further.

Instead, he comforted Yvonne, “Yvonne, Mommy’s got a lot of work to do. Don’t bother her, okay? I will take you home.”

“I don’t want to go home,” Yvonne cried, tears streaming down her face as she clung to me. “Mommy, you’ve been ignoring me lately. Did I do something to upset you? Just tell me what I did wrong, and I’ll fix it, okay?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” I said, gently prying her arms off me. “Yvonne, you’re starting school soon, and you need to learn to be independent. I’m just here to guide you, but your life is yours to live.”

Jared frowned. “She doesn’t get it.”

“She will, someday,” I said, looking at Yvonne, her lips quivering and eyes brimming with tears.

Jared let out a sigh, “Alright, do you need any help with your work?”

“Thanks, but I’m good,” I replied, not as patient with Jared as I used to be.

Yvonne seemed to sense something was off. She looked up at Jared and asked, “Daddy, did you and Mommy secretly get divorced and not tell me?”