Loose 243
Posted on September 06, 2025 ยท 0 mins read
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I had put on some heavy makeup today, so I did look completely different from before. I frowned and said, โ€œRyan, maybe you should let Silas head back and get some rest. He looks exhausted.โ€

โ€œIโ€™m fine. I can still help out,โ€ Silas insisted, trying to wave off my concern.

โ€œSilas, itโ€™s okay. Go on home,โ€ Ryan said softly.

Silas blinked in surprise, then nodded and said, โ€œAlright, Ryan. Just make sure you donโ€™t tire yourself out.โ€

At the dinner that night, Sally and Tracy showed up.

The moment Tracy walked in, she was met with an enthusiastic welcome. The company execs acted like they still answered to her, and even Amy ended up getting sidelined.

Jared had taken a nap all afternoon, so he was in good spirits during dinner. When he saw Tracy, he immediately got up and led her outside.

Sally and Quinn rushed out after them.

Just then, Ryan set down what he was holding and said to me, โ€œMs. Murphy, Iโ€™m heading out for a bit.โ€

I wanted to call him back, but he was already heading out the door.

I bet he was out taking photographs of more evidence. He was always thinking ahead โ€“ he had brains and street smarts.

When they came back, Tracy and Sally looked like theyโ€™d just swallowed something bitter. They were kept out of sight in a private room, nowhere to be seen in the main hall.

When Quinn returned, she shot me a few resentful glances and slipped into that private room too.

I knew that room was packed with the Holcomb familyโ€™s relatives. Sally probably brought Tracy in to get her acquainted with everyone ahead of time.

โ€œMs. Murphy, I shot you a few messages. Check them out when you get a chance,โ€ Ryan said quietly as he returned.

โ€œThanks,โ€ I replied, giving him a grateful look.

Ryan looked conflicted as he nodded.

Once dinner wrapped up, I headed to the elevator and made my way to the top floor of the hotel. There was a room reserved for me there. I pushed the door open and just threw myself onto the sofa.

I checked my phone and saw a video. Even though I couldnโ€™t see Jared and Tracy, I could still hear their voices.

Tracy sounded sad as she asked Jared, โ€œYou used to say Victoria was just a vase, something pretty to keep at home. So why do you care so much about her now?โ€

Jared replied, clearly annoyed, โ€œI just said that without thinking. Your cousin mustโ€™ve told you, right?โ€

Tracy scoffed, โ€œEvery little thing you do matters to me. I remember everything you say. When my cousin told me you called Victoria just a vase, I knew you didnโ€™t love her anymore.

โ€œBut youโ€™ve been acting strange lately. Is it because Iโ€™m pregnant with my exโ€™s baby?โ€

Jared said, โ€œTracy, weโ€™re not at that point. Iโ€™m not going to comment on your pregnancy.โ€

โ€œJared, Iโ€™m sorry. This was a mistake, it wonโ€™t happen again,โ€ Tracy said softly. As she spoke, I could hear the sound of clothes rustling โ€“ it sounded like they were hugging.

But then Jaredโ€™s tone turned icy as he said, โ€œDonโ€™t. Itโ€™s over between us. And stop trying to suck up to my mom โ€“ it wonโ€™t change anything.โ€

Tracy said, โ€œYou two are getting divorced. After the divorce, youโ€™ll end up with someone else. Why not me?โ€

Jared was quiet for a long moment before finally saying, โ€œI know her โ€“ sheโ€™ll come back. This divorce is just a phase. Tracy, Iโ€™m not going to mess up again. Maybe Victoriaโ€™s right. Weโ€™re adults โ€“ we have to own up to what we do.โ€

โ€œJared, come back. Please donโ€™t leave. Iโ€™ve always loved you, you know that,โ€ Tracy pleaded.

โ€œTracy, I donโ€™t need your love anymore. Just let me go,โ€ Jared replied coldly.

Then Sallyโ€™s voice broke in, full of disapproval. She said, โ€œJared, donโ€™t break her heart like this. Tracyโ€™s done so much for you.โ€

Jared just let out a short laugh and said, โ€œTracy, did you not tell my mom how much money I gave you when we broke up this time?โ€

Sally sounded shocked. She exclaimed, โ€œWait, Tracy, you asked Jared for money?โ€

Tracy replied, โ€œHe gave it to me. Iโ€™m sorry, Sally. Maybe I really donโ€™t belong here, I should go.โ€

โ€œDonโ€™t go. Since youโ€™re already here, at least stay for dinner before you leave,โ€ Sally said, suddenly popping into the frame.

Tracy looked determined to leave, but Sally grabbed her arm and held her back.

And that was where the video ended.

From the way they talked, it was obvious Jared and Tracy had already decided to get together. If I hadnโ€™t pulled myself out of the mess in time, Jared wouldโ€™ve just kept drifting along, forgetting he was even married.

They wouldโ€™ve crossed that last line, sneaking around without a shred of shame โ€“ just like in our previous life, hooking up wherever and whenever they could.


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