Chapter 250

It was rare to see Jared this unsure of himself. Still, I frowned and snapped, “Don’t I deserve someone better than you?”

Jared looked taken aback by my sudden outburst. A sheepish grin spread across his face as he said, “No, you do deserve better. But I’m scared you’ll find someone. Honestly, I let you stay at the hotel for selfish reasons. I just kept thinking we’d get back together.”

I stared at him, stunned. I couldn’t believe he’d just said that so openly. I raised an eyebrow and asked, “So, after the divorce, you’re planning to win me back?”

Jared was a mature, clear-headed man. He wasn’t like those shy boys who were too nervous to speak their minds, blushing and stammering, afraid one’d see right through them–or not see them at all.

In my memory, he was gentle yet sharp, steady but with underlying forcefulness. Just like with his investments, he liked to see right through things before making a move–he’d strike fast and hard, never missing his mark.

Now I could tell he had me in his sights.

Jared nodded and replied, “Yes. I know it sounds ridiculous, and you probably won’t even give me a shot, but I still want to try.”

I shot back, “Don’t even bother. You’ll just end up humiliating yourself. Unless you hand over every penny and your life.”

Jared frowned and asked, “What, you want me to put my life on the line just to chase after you?”

I shook my head and said, “Relax, I’m just messing with you. Who’d pick up a fork for a dish they’ve already had enough of? Unless they’ve got no other choice and have to settle for cold leftovers.”

My words made Jared freeze for a second, then he gave a relaxed smile. He said, “No one knows you better than I do.”

I was speechless. He was so cocky–he thought he had me all figured out. Not bothering to tangle with him, I said, “Let’s keep it civil and go our separate ways. After the divorce, we’re just strangers.” With that, I got up and left.

Jared hurried after me.

Just as I was about to cross the street, distracted by a phone call, the green light was already counting down. I didn’t notice until Jared reached out and grabbed my wrist.

“Watch where you’re going,” he said.

Feeling the heat of his palm, I instantly shook off his hand and waited off to the side. When the light turned green, I quickly finished my call and strode away.

Jared stood across the street, watching me.

Back in the hotel lobby, I saw him slide into a silver Bentley that was idling at the curb, then pull away. Only then did I realize my heart no longer beat for Jared–the man I had once been head-over-heels for, year after year.

When he first told me he liked me, I was so thrilled I couldn’t sleep, imagining us in a cozy home, doing all the fun things together. But now, my love for him was gone.

That night, I took Melissa out for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Melissa wandered around, totally floored by the place. She exclaimed, “So, this is the ultra-luxury hotel that costs billions to redo. Damn, Victoria, you’re a real gem. I didn’t know you had it in you.”

Her words made me genuinely happy inside. “I’m finally getting divorced,” I told her.

Melissa stared at me, stunned. She asked, “Jared agreed to let you go?”

“Yeah,” I said.

Melissa clicked her tongue and said, “That couldn’t have been easy. But seriously, aren’t you even a little sad about the divorce?”

“Why should I be?” I asked, genuinely curious.

Melissa took a step back, locking eyes with me. Then she said, “I was there for all of it–I know how much you loved Jared. He was your first love, your first kiss, your first time.

“He was the one you had always idealized and the one who set your heart on fire. Are you just walking away from him like this?”

I froze, a sharp pain twisting in my chest–as if I couldn’t breathe. But just as quickly as it came, the feeling vanished.

I replied, “I might not have a man in my heart, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have one around. If I don’t let him go, how else am I supposed to meet someone new?”