Chapter 211

Even though the papers weren’t signed yet, it already felt like we were divorced. Jared looked a little gloomy, saying nothing as he just trailed after me in silence.

When we got to my door, I opened it. Since this apartment was a gift from him, I didn’t force him to leave. I figured this could be our last dinner together. As long as he didn’t start making any unreasonable demands, I could let him have this meal.

“Let me help prep the veggies,” Jared said, rolling up his sleeves and trying to follow me into the kitchen.

“No need. Just sit out there and wait for dinner,” I said, waving him off.

Jared just stood outside, staring at me, dumbfounded. I didn’t bother with him. I knew what was going through his head. My actions totally blindsided him, and now he was second-guessing himself and everything about his life. In his mind, there was no way I’d be the one to ask for a divorce, no way I’d just walk away from him and the kid.

Even if he brought it up, I would beg him not to leave. That was how things were “supposed” to go. But now, not only did I bring it up first, but I was also ready to leave without fighting for money or custody.

I was so chill about it, it was almost ruthless—and it left Jared totally stunned. So, he was all tangled up inside, caught in a mess of mixed-up feelings.

Once I finished cooking, Jared came over to help with the cutlery. Our fingers accidentally touched, and I pulled away quickly. He just stood there, turning to look at me, a bit stunned.

We ate quietly. Even back when we ate at home together, we hardly ever talked. But tonight, the silence felt different—almost like a warning that something was about to end.

Jared didn’t seem to have much of an appetite. He took a few bites and then just stared at me, lost in thought.

I, on the other hand, was happily digging in. I looked up at him and said, “Didn’t you say you wanted to eat my cooking? Why aren’t you eating more? Is it not as good as you remembered?”

Jared shook his head. “No, it’s just… I’m not in the best mood.”

“Don’t overthink it. Brooding like this will just give you gray hair,” I said with a smile.

It was just like when he used to see me sulking and say I’d get old faster. Jared just gave me a helpless, speechless look.

I went on, “You know, your stomach is basically ruled by your emotions. If you’re in a bad mood, of course you won’t feel like eating. Try to pull yourself together, okay?”

“Victoria, is divorce really the only way?” Jared’s voice was thick with pain. “Can’t we just stay together?”

“Are you here to eat, or just to ruin my mood?” I shot him a cold look. “If you’re going to eat, then eat. If not, just leave.”

Jared just stared at me, dazed, looking like he might burst into tears—and I didn’t offer him a single word of comfort. I’d said it before: I was done feeling sorry for men.

“I’ll eat a bit more,” Jared said, finally getting it—acting pitiful wasn’t going to get him anywhere with me. So he dug into his meal while I settled onto the couch and flipped on the TV.

It happened to be a finance channel, and there was Nathan—an exclusive interview with the rising star of the tech world.

Nathan’s voice was deep and carried a quiet wisdom, making him sound effortlessly sharp.

Jared turned to look at the TV, his expression instantly turning gloomy. I was munching on some fruit, totally engrossed in the interview.

Nathan was talking about the future of tech. It was totally his area, so his eyes sparkled with excitement, making him even more magnetic.

Jared put his fork down, walked straight over, and unplugged the TV. Then he crossed his arms, blocked my view as he stood in front of the screen, and looked down at me.

He said, “Have you been paying attention to him all the time?”