Jared was stunned by my question, and then he let out a sigh. “Victoria, do I really need to spell it out for you? I swear, I’m more into you now than… You’re like someone I’ve never met before. You’re shining.”
I let out a mocking laugh. “So you only start to see my shine now that I’m not yours anymore? What am I supposed to say to that?”
It was like I’d just called him out, and Jared gave an awkward chuckle. “You’ve put up with so much before. Now, I’m giving you a chance–want to get your revenge?”
I hadn’t expected Jared to take my sarcasm so well. Instead of getting mad, he just flirted back in that easygoing way. Tracy really did a number on him; he had really learned how to be a flirt.
“I’m not the type to torture people, but you’ve changed lately. Have you noticed?” I let out a cold laugh.
“I haven’t changed. I’m still me,” Jared insisted.
“No, you have. You never used to pull these moves. I’m guessing Ms. Darwin taught you all these tricks,” I said, keeping my tone even.
Jared seemed to tense up at the mention of Tracy’s name, and he rushed to explain, “Victoria, are you really never going to get over this thing with Tracy? How many times do I have to say it? There’s nothing between us. Just because we work together and appreciate each other’s talent, does that really count as being unfaithful?”
I could tell Jared really hated it whenever I brought up Tracy. She was his baggage. But that wasn’t my problem. I could mention her whenever I wanted, and if he didn’t like it, that was his problem, not mine.
“Alright, if you say so. It’s all about admiring talent and recognizing ability, huh? You’ve really taught me a lesson. Maybe I’ll start using that excuse at work, too,” I said with a lazy, careless laugh.
Jared must have been pissed, since his breathing got heavier.
“Victoria, in relationships, women usually end up getting hurt more. I just hope you realize that,” Jared said seriously, almost like he was afraid I’d actually take a page from his book.
“Oh? Who says so? I haven’t even tried it yet, so I’m not about to take your word for it,” I replied, my voice still lazy and careless, which only made him more annoyed.
Jared was left speechless by me. He had to force himself to stay patient. “Alright, Victoria, there’s no need for us to argue. I checked the weather–it says there’s going to be a strong storm tonight, maybe even thunder. You’re living up high, so if you get scared or anything…”
“Not scared. Thanks,” I said, and hung up right after.
Not long after I hung up, the wind squeezed through the windows that weren’t fully closed, making a low, whimpering sound.
The apartment was huge, a two-story loft. Back then, I’d insisted on glass windows just because they looked good, but now the wind was thumping against them, echoing through the place.
I got up and hurried to the windows. The wind rushed in, hitting me square in the chest, and I had to step back before struggling to shut them all tight.
Not far away, thick storm clouds, crackling with lightning, swept in fast. I just stood there by the window, feeling my bright mood get swallowed up by the storm.
I grabbed a book, headed upstairs, and pulled my bedroom curtains tight, shutting out every bit of light.
I turned on the lamp, put on my headphones, and let soft music play as I lost myself in my book. I couldn’t care less when the storm outside finally let up.
Chapter 208
The next morning, Harmonia Hotel was looking to recruit a new batch of staff for some professional training, and they wanted me to oversee things, so I showed up pretty early.
By around ten, people started coming in to apply for the job.
Since the office we’d rented was pretty cramped and just temporary, my workspace was only separated from the interview area by a pane of glass. I basically had a front-row seat to all the hiring action.
Suddenly, a handsome guy walked in, and I did a double-take. Then I saw this lean, tall guy with clear eyes, glancing around and checking out the place.
Finally, he spotted me, and the next second, he flashed me a smile. Hey, I knew this guy.
I got up and walked over to the HR manager, a chubby lady who was totally caught up checking out the handsome guy in front of her. She didn’t even notice me standing right behind her.
“I heard you’re hiring,” the guy said, grinning at me.